Payment terms calculator: the EU rule on late business invoices
When does a business invoice become late? Enter the invoice date (and the date of receipt if you know it): the calculator shows the default due date and the 60-day limit of the EU Late Payment Directive, with the days left.
Calculating…
EU baseline rule: check your national law
This calculator applies the European baseline rule of Directive 2011/7/EU, not the law of a particular country. National laws can be stricter.
Without an agreed payment date, payment is due 30 days after the customer receives the invoice (Article 3(3)(b)).
Agreed payment terms between businesses should not exceed 60 days, unless expressly agreed and not grossly unfair to the supplier (Article 3(5)).
When the receipt date is not entered, the calculator assumes the invoice was received on its date. Interest starts the day after the due date.
- Some countries set a hard 60-day cap that a contract cannot exceed, for example Belgium and Spain.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: use our national versions, which apply the national rules.
Official sources
Rules checked on 20 October 2026. Free tool for information only: it is not legal or tax advice. The rules are checked against the official sources listed on this page; check your own situation before acting.
Frequently asked questions
What if no payment terms were agreed?
Under the EU baseline rule, payment is due 30 days after the customer receives the invoice. Some national laws count from delivery of the goods or services in certain cases.
Can payment terms exceed 60 days?
Under the directive, only if expressly agreed and not grossly unfair to the supplier. Some countries forbid it outright.
Does this apply in the UK?
No: the UK is not in the EU. Use our UK version, which applies the Late Payment Act 1998.
Further reading
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