E-invoicing in Germany

Electronic invoicing in Germany is mandatory for transactions with federal public bodies in the vast majority of states. In addition, plans are already underway to implement e-invoicing between private companies throughout the country.

Germany

Shipping method

  • Peppol
  • State Platform (ZRE)

Invoice format

  • Peppol BIS 3.0
  • XRechnung
  • ZUGfeRD 2.0
  • ZUGfeRD 2.1

Compulsory sending

  • B2G
  • B2B (coming soon)

Legislation:

  • April 2024: Mandatory use of electronic invoicing for transactions with public bodies (regional, non-municipal entities) in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate.
  • May 2023: Mandatory use of electronic invoicing for transactions with public organisations (regional, non-municipal entities) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
  • January 2022: Mandatory use of electronic invoicing for transactions with public bodies (regional, not municipal bodies) in Baden-Württemberg, Bremen, Hamburg and Saarland.
  • November 2021: Mandatory use of electronic invoicing for transactions with public bodies at the federal level.

Important dates

January 2027
Start of electronic invoicing for transactions between private companies with an annual turnover of more than €800,000.
January 2028
Start of electronic invoicing for transactions between private companies irrespective of their size or turnover.