E-Invoicing in Germany from 2025: What Companies Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2025, companies in Germany must be able to receive electronic invoices in a structured format. From 2027 and 2028 onwards, sending e-invoices will also become mandatory. This change affects virtually every B2B company. Here is what you need to know and how to prepare.

What Is an E-Invoice?

An e-invoice is not simply a PDF sent by email. It is a machine-readable, structured data format following the European standard EN 16931. The most common formats in Germany are ZUGFeRD (a hybrid PDF/XML format) and XRechnung (pure XML). The advantage: these formats can be automatically read, validated, and posted by software – without manual data entry.

The E-Invoicing Timeline

From January 1, 2025: All companies must be able to receive e-invoices. From January 1, 2027: Companies with over 800,000 EUR annual revenue must send e-invoices. From January 1, 2028: All companies must send e-invoices. Important: even smaller companies should prepare early, as the transition affects processes, software, and employees equally.

How to Prepare Now

First, check whether your current accounting software can process e-invoices in ZUGFeRD or XRechnung format. If not, an update or switch is necessary. Adapt your incoming invoice processes: e-invoices should be automatically read, validated, and routed for approval. Train your employees on the new formats and workflows. And do not forget to inform your suppliers and customers about the transition.

How I Can Help with the Transition

E-invoicing is just one building block of accounting digitalization – but an important one. As an IT consultant with finance expertise, I help you with both the technical implementation AND the functional adjustments. From software selection to process optimization to employee training. Contact me for a no-obligation consultation.