The electronic invoice - now mandatory for B2B in Germany
From January 1, 2025, companies in Germany will be obliged to issue and receive invoices in electronic format.
Why deal with electronic invoices now?
The digitization of accounting is progressing – and with it the legal requirements are increasing. Since January 1, 2025, companies in Germany have been obliged to issue and receive invoices in electronic format. This means that traditional PDF invoices without structured data are no longer sufficient.
This obligation is not only a regulatory measure, but also an opportunity: digital invoices save time, reduce errors and enable more efficient accounting. Companies that make the switch now will benefit from more automation and will be prepared for future legal changes in the long term.
XInvoice
ZUGFeRD
EN 16931
PEPPOL
What deadlines and requirements apply?
From January 1, 2025
All companies must be able to receive and process electronic invoices.
From January 1, 2026
Companies with an annual turnover of more than €800,000 are obliged to issue invoices in electronic format.
For all other companies
The obligation to issue electronic invoices is being gradually extended.
Important note on consent
The invoice recipient no longer has to agree – all B2B invoices in Germany must be sent in the structured format.
Still unsure whether you are affected?
Which formats are permitted?
In order for invoices to comply with legal requirements, they must be structured and suitable for machine processing.
XRechnung
Standard format for public authorities and companies in Germany
ZUGFeRD
Combines machine-readable data with a visual representation
Other formats
Standard format for authorities and companies in Germany
Important
Simple PDF invoices without structured data are no longer permitted!
Why is it worth switching to electronic invoices?
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Less manual work
Automated processes save time and reduce administrative work. -
Faster payments
Invoices are processed directly, checked and automatically released.
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Reduced error rate
Structured data prevents typing errors and ensures error-free processing. -
Better compliance
You not only meet the current requirements, but are also prepared for future changes.w
How faktoora supports you
For companies with manual processes (Word/Excel)
- Simple creation & management of invoices - no technical know-how required.
- Import invoice items from Excel - ideal for companies with many invoice lines.
- Embed attachments directly into the electronic invoice - No separate document management required.
- Flexible approval workflows - invoices go through an approved process.
- Posting to cost centers & industry fields - Ideal for specific industry requirements.
For companies with existing ERP systems
- Seamless integration via our REST API - electronic invoices directly from your ERP system.
- Direct dispatch of outgoing invoices - no more manual dispatch.
- GoBD-compliant archiving - We take over the archiving of the invoices created.
For companies with old ERP systems - integration without an external API
Not every company can or wants to use an API connection. That’s why we offer an alternative solution:
- Data export & processing via pipelines - transformation into the correct format.
- Smooth adaptation to existing processes - no direct intervention in your ERP system.
- Immediate access to e-billing without system migration.
VIDA - The next step towards complete digitalization
In order for invoices to comply with legal requirements, they must be structured and suitable for machine processing.
What does that mean in concrete terms?
- Electronic invoices are becoming the norm throughout the EU.
- Advance VAT returns (UStVA) are generated automatically from invoice data.
- VAT fraud is to be minimized through real-time reporting systems.
VAT fraud is to be minimized through real-time reporting systems.
