What is E-invoice?
An e-invoice is a structured, machine-readable invoice — not just a PDF sent by email. In Germany, B2B e-invoices must follow the European EN 16931 standard. Companies must be able to receive them from 2025; issuing them becomes mandatory in stages from 2027–2028.
Common compliant formats include ZUGFeRD (PDF with embedded XML) and XRechnung (pure XML). A scanned invoice or a plain PDF without structured data does not count as an e-invoice under German rules.
Why it matters
- Buyers can import invoice data into accounting without retyping
- Fewer errors and faster payment workflows
- Required preparation for Germany’s phased B2B mandate (2025–2028)
For expats and freelancers in Germany
Even if your own issuing deadline is later, many German clients — especially larger companies and the public sector — already expect structured invoices. Receiving e-invoices from suppliers is mandatory for all businesses from 2025.
Hinweis: Dieser Inhalt dient der Orientierung und ersetzt keine Rechts- oder Steuerberatung. Steuer- und E-Rechnungsregeln können sich ändern — maßgeblich sind die jeweils geltenden Gesetze (z. B. § 19 UStG, § 14 UStG). Im Einzelfall Steuerberater oder Fachanwalt konsultieren.