Selling services to an Austrian client from India comes down to a euro invoice that satisfies the client's accounts team, an international transfer to your Indian bank, and a row on your monthly EDF with "Austria" in the country column. Realisation is due within 9 months of each invoice date, and the Austria-specific work is mostly upfront: contract language, VAT identification details and any tax paperwork the client requests under the India–Austria tax treaty.
Key takeaways
- Invoice in euros unless the contract says otherwise. Austrian businesses generally expect it.
- Many Austrian clients will want their VAT identification number on your invoice and may ask for a reverse-charge note. Follow their instructions.
- Payments to India travel as international wires, not domestic SEPA transfers, unless you use a euro collection account through a provider.
- India and Austria have a DTAA. If a client raises withholding or asks for residency proof, involve your CA early.
- On the EDF: country "Austria", currency EUR, one Part 2B row per invoice.
Austria at a glance for Indian exporters
| Topic | What to expect | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Euro | Invoice in EUR; agree it in the contract |
| Language | German is the business language; English widely used in international work | Agree contract language; invoices in English are often accepted, but ask |
| Client identifiers | VAT identification number (UID) | Print it on invoices if the client gives it |
| VAT on your service | Usually handled on the client's side for B2B services from abroad | Add any note the client's finance team asks for |
| Payment route | International wire to India | Give SWIFT and bank details; agree who bears charges |
| Tax treaty | India–Austria DTAA | Ask CA if withholding or residency forms come up |
| EDF | Same monthly EDF as any export | Country "Austria" in Part 2B |
Contracts and language
Austrian clients in engineering, manufacturing, tourism technology and the public sector often work with formal purchase orders and detailed specifications. Before you start, settle three things in writing: the contract language, the governing documents (master agreement, PO, statement of work), and payment terms including who bears bank charges.
If the client issues purchase orders in German, keep an English summary on file. You will want to quote the PO number in the contract column of your EDF's Part 2B, and anyone reviewing your file later, including your bank, should be able to understand it.
Invoicing an Austrian client
Your invoice must meet Indian GST requirements and also get through the client's approval process. A good Austrian-ready export invoice includes:
- Your legal name, address, GSTIN and invoice number in your export series.
- The client's full registered name and address, and their VAT identification number if provided.
- PO number and a specific description of the service.
- SAC code, currency (EUR) and amount.
- "Supply meant for export under LUT without payment of IGST", if exporting under LUT.
- Your bank details with SWIFT code, and a request to quote the invoice number in the payment reference.
- Any reverse-charge wording the client asks for.
Austrian VAT rules are the client's responsibility; we do not set them out here. In practice, ask the client's accounts payable contact what they need on the invoice and add it to your template. The free export invoice generator lets you save a client-specific note.
Getting paid
Austrian companies pay domestic and euro-area suppliers by SEPA transfer. A payment to an Indian account normally goes as an international wire through SWIFT, possibly via an intermediary bank, and may lose a small amount to charges. Agree in the contract that the client bears its own bank's charges at least, and check the FIRA on arrival.
Some exporters use a provider's euro collection account so Austrian clients can pay by SEPA. If you do, understand how and when the provider remits to India and what evidence it gives you, because your AD bank is still the Indian bank where the money finally lands.
Tax: the DTAA and what clients may ask
India and Austria have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. Whether any Austrian tax applies to your fees, and whether the treaty reduces it, depends on the type of service and the client's position. If a client mentions withholding, asks you to fill in a form for treaty benefits, or requests a tax residency certificate, do not guess. Speak to your CA, who can tell you what documents to provide. Our glossary entries on the DTAA and the tax residency certificate give background.
If tax is withheld, keep the certificate showing the deduction; your CA will need it to consider a credit in India.
A worked example
Deccan CAD Works Pvt Ltd in Pune provides mechanical design and simulation services to manufacturers. In December 2026 it raised three invoices to Austrian clients:
| Invoice | Client | City | Description | Amount | Realise by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCW/26/171 | Steinhart Maschinenbau GmbH | Linz | Fixture design, PO 4500-1182 | EUR 12,600 | 4 Sep 2027 |
| DCW/26/176 | Alpenwerk Fördertechnik GmbH | Graz | FEA simulation, conveyor frame | EUR 6,900 | 11 Sep 2027 |
| DCW/26/183 | Steinhart Maschinenbau GmbH | Linz | On-site design review, 3 days | EUR 3,300 | 18 Sep 2027 |
The invoices are dated 4, 11 and 18 December 2026. One EDF covers all three, due 30 January 2027. Field 1.17 reads Austria.
The third invoice was different: two engineers spent three days at the client's plant. Deccan CAD's other work is delivered online, so field 1.4 shows Internet, and the remarks column for row three notes "on-site design review at client premises, Linz, 15–17 December 2026". Before filing, Deccan CAD asked its bank whether it preferred a separate EDF for on-site work; the bank was content with the remark. Our article on mode of delivery for services covers this situation.
The first invoice is above ₹10 lakh at current rates, so when paid, Deccan CAD will give its bank the invoice, FIRA and matching instructions. The other two can go into its quarterly realisation declaration.
Purpose codes for typical Austria work
Engineering and design work often sits under P1009 (architectural, engineering and other technical services); software development under P0802 or P0807; consulting under P1006. Confirm with your bank, and check each FIRA. The purpose code finder helps you prepare. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
Should I invoice Austrian clients in euros?
Usually yes. Austrian businesses expect euro invoices, and invoicing in their currency avoids conversion disputes. Whatever you agree, use the same currency in your EDF Part 2B row.
Do I need to put the Austrian client's VAT number on my invoice?
If the client provides it, include it. Austrian businesses buying services from abroad often need it to process your invoice, and some will also ask for a reverse-charge note. Ask their finance team what they require.
Will an Austrian client deduct tax from my payment?
It depends on the type of service and the client's position under Austrian law and the India–Austria DTAA. If a client raises withholding or asks for treaty forms, consult your CA before agreeing.
What country and currency do I enter on the EDF?
Country: Austria. Currency: EUR, with the invoice amount. Each invoice is its own row in Part 2B, and field 1.22 shows the rupee total of all rows.
How long do I have to receive payment?
Nine months from each invoice date for foreign currency invoices. If an Austrian client's payment will be late, ask your AD bank for an extension, with reasons, before the deadline.
Bottom line
Austrian clients reward precise paperwork: clear POs, correct VAT details and euro invoices. Get those right and the Indian side is the same monthly EDF as always. Build your form with our free EDF form generator.
This guide is general information for Indian businesses, not legal or tax advice. Rules and bank processes change — confirm specifics with your AD bank or chartered accountant.