French Invoice Template

French Invoice Template

France's invoicing requirements rank among the most rigorous in the European Union. Beyond the standard EU VAT (TVA) framework, France mandates e-invoicing through Chorus Pro, enforces strict company identification requirements (SIREN, SIRET, RCS), and applies a multi-tier TVA rate structure that demands precise line-by-line tax calculations. Eonebill's French Invoice Template is built to handle all of it: the 20% standard TVA rate, reduced rates at 10% and 5.5%, SIREN and SIRET fields, intra-community VAT numbers, and e-invoice QR code readiness for Chorus Pro submission. Whether you are a Paris-based consultancy, a Lyon manufacturer, or an independent freelancer in Marseille, this template produces invoices that satisfy both the Code de commerce and the DGFiP's digital compliance rules.

What Makes a French Invoice Different

French invoicing stands apart from other EU countries in several meaningful ways. First, the mandatory e-invoicing rollout in France is more ambitious than most: unlike countries that merely require PDF invoices to be sent electronically, France requires submission through the Chorus Pro portal using structured data formats like Factur-X (a hybrid PDF with embedded XML) or EDIFACT. This means your invoice template must not only look correct on paper but also carry machine-readable data that integrates with the French government's fiscal system.

Second, French invoices require a striking level of company detail. In addition to the intra-community VAT number that all EU member states require, French companies must display their SIREN, SIRET, and RCS registration (with the city of registration). The legal form of the company (SARL, SAS, SA, EI, etc.) and its share capital must also appear. This level of detail serves both regulatory and commercial purposes: French buyers frequently verify supplier credentials against invoices before processing payment.

Third, France applies four distinct TVA rates rather than the simpler two or three-tier systems found in other EU countries. The standard 20% rate covers most B2B services. The 10% rate covers restaurant and catering services, transport, and renovation work. The 5.5% rate applies to food, books, cultural events, and energy supplies. The 2.1% rate is reserved for medicines and press. A French invoice must itemise each rate separately and calculate TVA per line, not just provide a single total.

Key Requirements for French Invoices

Legal Mandatory Fields

A compliant French invoice must contain: the word "Facture" at the top with a unique invoice number; date of issue and date of supply (if different); supplier's dénomination sociale (legal name) and any trade name; supplier's registered office address; supplier's SIREN (9 digits), SIRET (14 digits), and NIC for the specific establishment; supplier's intra-community VAT number (format: FR + 2 digits + 9 digits, e.g., FR12345678901); RCS registration with city (e.g., "RCS Paris 123 456 789"); company legal form (e.g., "SAS au capital de €100,000") and share capital; buyer's name and address; buyer's intra-community VAT number for B2B EU transactions; description of goods or services with quantity and unit price; TVA rate and amount for each line; total before tax (Total HT), total TVA, and total including tax (Total TTC); and payment terms including discount conditions and late payment interest rates.

Tax Identification Numbers

France uses three interlocking identification numbers. The SIREN (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Entreprises) is a 9-digit number assigned by INSEE. The SIRET adds a 5-digit NIC to the SIREN to identify specific establishments of a company. The intra-community VAT number begins with FR followed by a two-character check digits and the SIREN: FR + 2 check digits + SIREN (e.g., FR12 345 678 901). All three may appear on a French B2B invoice, with the intra-community VAT being the most critical for EU cross-border transactions.

Currency and Number Formatting

French invoices use Euros (€, EUR). French number formatting differs from standard international notation: the comma serves as the decimal separator and the space (or full stop in some contexts) separates thousands (e.g., 1 250,00 € or 1 250,00 EUR). The euro symbol typically follows the amount with a non-breaking space: 1 250,00 € (French convention) rather than €1,250.00 (UK/US convention). Eonebill's French template applies correct French formatting automatically.

Sample French Invoice with Localised Data

Lumière Conseil SAS, a strategic communications agency based at 45 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France, registered with RCS Paris 582 147 036, SIREN 582 147 036, SIRET 582 147 036 00015, intra-community VAT FR 58 214 703 6, issues a facturation électronique compliant invoice to Meridian Groupe SA, 12 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France, intra-community VAT FR 12 345 678 901, for strategic communications consulting services. Invoice number LC-2026-0414, dated 14 April 2026. Line items: "Conseil en stratégie de communication — Mission mensuelle, Avril 2026" at 6 500,00 € HT (hors taxes). TVA à 20% adds 1 300,00 €. Total TTC: 7 800,00 €. Second line: "Préparation dossier presse — Synthèse et recommandations" at 1 200,00 € HT. TVA à 20% adds 240,00 €. Total TTC: 1 440,00 €. Total général HT: 7 700,00 €. Total TVA: 1 540,00 €. Total TTC: 9 240,00 €. Payment terms: Net30. Late payment interest: 3x the legal rate (taux d'intérêt légal × 3). E-invoice submitted via Chorus Pro on 14 April 2026, IRN FR-LC-2026-0414.

How to Create a French Invoice with Eonebill

Select Eonebill's French Invoice Template. Enter your company details: dénomination sociale, SIREN, SIRET, RCS city, and intra-community VAT number. These are pre-populated if you have saved your business profile. Add your client's name, address, and VAT number if they are in the EU. For each line item, select the applicable TVA rate: 20% (standard), 10%, 5.5%, or 2.1%. The template calculates HT (hors taxes), TVA per rate, and TTC (toutes taxes comprises) automatically. Add payment terms (Net30 is standard in France for B2B), late payment interest clause (required by French commercial law), and your banking details for SEPA transfers. Download your PDF with Factur-X structured data embedded — ready for Chorus Pro submission. Eonebill's French template also supports French e-invoice format generation.

Related Templates

• Consulting Invoice Template — B2B consulting services with correct EU VAT treatment
• Freelance Invoice Template — Independent French freelancers and consultants operating in the EU
• Marketing Invoice Template — French marketing and communications agencies
• Net30 Invoice Template — Standard B2B payment terms for the French market