Invoicing abroad from France is the fastest way to raise your average rate, and the subject creators improvise on the most. The rule comes down to two questions: where is the client established, and are they a company with a valid VAT number.
The three situations
A professional client in the European Union with a valid VAT number. The invoice goes without French VAT, with the reverse charge mention, and the client's number must be verified before issuing. You also have to declare these transactions according to the applicable obligations.
A client outside the European Union, the United States or the United Kingdom for example. As a general rule, no French VAT on the service, but the transaction is declared, and the client may ask you for a tax form from their country.
A private individual abroad. The treatment differs from a professional client: check before issuing.
In every case the payment is declared in France, because that is where you are established. Treating a foreign transfer as invisible is the surest way to turn a good year into a bad surprise.
The conditions to set before starting
The currency. If you invoice in dollars, specify who bears the exchange and at what rate.
The payment method, chosen by looking at the real fee and the applied rate, not only the advertised price.
The deadline. Thirty days is common internationally; write it down and add late payment penalties, which are mandatory between professionals in France.
A deposit on a first job. Pursuing an unpaid invoice abroad is theoretically possible and practically discouraging.
What justifies a higher rate
Delivering in two languages, subtitles included. Answering within twenty four hours. Having a one page contract in English, ready to sign. Issuing an invoice the client's accounting accepts first time.
Those four things are worth more than expensive equipment, because they remove friction, and friction is exactly what a foreign client is paying to avoid.
Where to go next
An international client pays for reliability as much as for the video. Our guide on how to become a UGC creator covers pricing, contracts and outreach.
