Free tool · Shopify · EU
Is your Shopify order a legal invoice?
A Shopify order confirmation looks like a receipt — but in the EU it usually isn't a valid invoice. Answer three quick questions and see exactly what a legal invoice needs, and where Shopify's email falls short.
A Shopify order confirmation is not a legal invoice.
It's proof of purchase — but a compliant EU invoice has requirements the confirmation email doesn't meet:
| Requirement | Shopify order email | Tarvela |
|---|---|---|
| A unique sequential number, with no gaps | ✗ | ✓ |
| Seller's legal name, address and VAT number | ~ | ✓ |
| VAT breakdown: net, rate and amount per rate | ✗ | ✓ |
| An immutable document you can re-issue unchanged | ✗ | ✓ |
You sell B2B: for business customers a proper invoice is mandatory, and it must carry the customer's VAT ID — an order confirmation won't.
You sell across EU borders B2B: those invoices often fall under reverse charge and must carry the legal mention (Article 196 of the VAT Directive). Shopify won't add it.
Based in Spain? On top of this, Verifactu invoicing becomes mandatory in 2027. See what Verifactu requires →
Based outside the EU? If you sell to EU customers, these invoice rules still apply to those sales.
Tarvela issues the compliant invoice automatically — for every paid Shopify order, in your customer's language.
Install free on Shopify See how it worksGeneral information about EU invoicing, not tax advice. Requirements vary by country and situation.