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E-Invoicing & Formats

E-Invoicing & Formats

Since 2025, businesses in Germany must be able to receive e-invoices, and from 2027 and 2028 they must also send them. These guides explain the formats, deadlines and tools involved – from XRechnung and ZUGFeRD to invoicing German public authorities.

8 articles

Common XRechnung Validation Errors and How to Fix ThemWhy an XRechnung or ZUGFeRD invoice fails validation: how the checks work, how to read an error report, and how to fix the most common BR-DE and EN 16931 errors.
German E-Invoice Example: XRechnung XML Explained Line by LineA fictional German B2B invoice shown as XRechnung XML and explained element by element: EN 16931 business terms, mandatory details under § 14 UStG and the ZUGFeRD equivalent.
Germany's E-Invoicing Mandate 2025–2028: What Foreign and Local Businesses Need to KnowGermany's B2B e-invoicing mandate explained: who must receive and issue e-invoices, the 2025–2028 timeline, accepted formats and what it means for foreign suppliers.
How to Convert a PDF Invoice to ZUGFeRD or XRechnungLearn how to turn a PDF invoice into a German e-invoice in ZUGFeRD or XRechnung format: why a PDF is not enough, which data you need, step-by-step conversion, validation and common problems.
How to Open and Read an XRechnung (XML) InvoiceReceived an XRechnung or ZUGFeRD invoice from a German supplier? Learn how to open the XML file, read the key data, check it before you pay and archive it correctly.
How to Send an XRechnung to German Public Authorities (Leitweg-ID, Portals, Peppol)How suppliers invoice German public authorities: when XRechnung is required, what the Leitweg-ID is, how to submit via OZG-RE or Peppol and how to avoid rejections.
Is a PDF Invoice Still Valid in Germany? PDF vs E-Invoice ExplainedIs a PDF invoice still valid in Germany? Short answer, transition dates 2025–2028, exceptions and the difference between a PDF invoice and an e-invoice.
XRechnung vs ZUGFeRD: German E-Invoice Formats Explained (EN 16931, Factur-X)XRechnung or ZUGFeRD? A clear comparison of the German e-invoice formats, how they relate to EN 16931 and Factur-X, and which one to use for your customers.