How to invoice a foreign client from India (the short version)
When you bill a client outside India, your invoice is documenting an export of services — and a few extra fields separate a proper export invoice from a generic one:
- LUT reference and declaration. If you're GST-registered, the invoice should state that the supply is made under a Letter of Undertaking without payment of IGST. That's what keeps the invoice zero-rated instead of carrying 18% tax your client never agreed to. (How to file an LUT)
- SAC code. The six-digit service classification for what you do — software development, design, consulting and so on. (Find your SAC code)
- Place of supply: outside India. Plus your client's full foreign billing address — this supports the export treatment.
- Foreign currency amounts. Bill in the contract currency (USD, EUR, GBP…). Keep the FIRA for each payment as proof it arrived as foreign exchange. (What's a FIRA?)
Not GST-registered? If your turnover is under the threshold, your invoice simply skips the GSTIN/LUT fields — this generator handles both cases. (Do you need GST registration?)
Frequently asked questions
Is this export invoice generator really free?
Yes — free, unlimited, and everything runs in your browser. We built it because a compliant first invoice shouldn't require a paid tool.
Do I charge GST on an invoice to a foreign client?
Generally no. Exports of services are zero-rated — if you're registered, a valid LUT lets you invoice without IGST; if you're unregistered and under the threshold, GST doesn't apply at all. Full explanation here.
What if I don't have an LUT ARN yet?
Leave the field blank — the invoice will render without the LUT line. If you're GST-registered and exporting, filing an LUT should be high on your list.
Which currency should I invoice in?
The currency in your contract — usually the client's currency. Receiving payment in convertible foreign exchange (or permitted INR mechanisms) is one of the conditions for export treatment.
Is my data stored anywhere?
Invoice details never leave your browser. If you choose to share your email for the download, only the email is saved — never your invoice contents.
Making one invoice is easy. Running a freelance business isn't.
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