Germany E-Invoicing
Deutschland · XRechnung / ZUGFeRD
Germany mandates B2B e-invoicing from January 2025 with transitional periods until 2028. XRechnung and ZUGFeRD are the accepted formats. All businesses must be able to receive e-invoices from 1 January 2025.
Legal basis: Wachstumschancengesetz (Growth Opportunities Act) · Bundesministerium der Finanzen (BMF) ↗
B2B e-invoicing has been mandatory in Germany since January 2025.
All businesses must be able to receive structured e-invoices. Check the regulations for your sending obligations.
Explore Germany E-Invoicing
Germany E-Invoicing Timeline
B2G e-invoicing mandatory (federal)
All suppliers to German federal government agencies must submit e-invoices via ZRE (Zentrale Rechnungseingangsplattform).
Wachstumschancengesetz passed (Bundesrat)
Growth Opportunities Act passed by the German Bundesrat, establishing the legal basis for mandatory B2B e-invoicing.
B2B e-invoice RECEPTION mandatory
All German businesses must be able to receive e-invoices in EN 16931 compliant formats (XRechnung, ZUGFeRD). No opt-out possible.
B2B e-invoice SENDING mandatory (>€800K revenue)
Companies with prior-year revenue exceeding €800,000 must send B2B e-invoices. Paper and PDF invoices no longer accepted for these senders.
B2B e-invoice SENDING mandatory (ALL businesses)
All remaining businesses, regardless of size, must send e-invoices for domestic B2B transactions. Full mandate complete.
Top E-Invoicing Software for Germany
View all →| Provider | Rating | Pricing | XRechnung | ZUGFeRD | Peppol BIS | Free Trial | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
e easybill✓ Verified | ★★★★☆4.4 | €0/moFree tier | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | freelancersmbmidmarket | Start Free → |
s sevdesk✓ Verified | ★★★★☆4.3 | €0/moFree tier | ✓ | ✓ | ◐ | — | freelancersmb | Try Free → |
L Lexware✓ Verified | ★★★★☆4.2 | €7.9/mo | ✓ | ✓ | ◯ | ✓ | freelancersmbmidmarket | Try Free → |
D DATEV✓ Verified | ★★★★☆4.2 | €30/mo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | smbmidmarketenterprise | Learn More → |
| ★★★★☆4.1 | €9.99/mo | ✓ | ✓ | ◯ | ✓ | freelancersmb | Try Free → |
Comparison data last verified: September 2026. Some links are affiliate links — see our editorial policy.
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