E-invoice: The future of invoicing for German companies

 

  • From 2025

    Receipt of e-invoices for all companies

  • From 2027

    Sending e-invoices for big companies

    Small and medium-sized enterprises with a turnover of less than 800,000 euros will be granted a transitional period until 31 December 2027.

  • From 2028

    Sending e-invoices for all companies

 

As of January 1, 2025, a significant change has taken effect for many companies in Germany: electronic invoicing—known as the “e-invoice”. This changeover offers opportunities, but also harbours some challenges. Companies must be prepared for the fact that paper-based invoices will increasingly be replaced by digital formats that must fulfil both legal and technical requirements.
But don’t worry – with Pranke as your partner, you are prepared.

What is an e-invoice and why is it mandatory?

An e-invoice is a digital invoice that is created in structured formats such as ZUGFeRD or XRechnung. These formats make it possible to read, process and archive invoices directly in electronic systems without the need for manual input. This not only saves time and reduces sources of error, but also simplifies collaboration with authorities and business partners.

The Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) has confirmed the admissibility of the ZUGFeRD and XRechnung formats as part of the Growth Opportunities Act, which shows that Germany is clearly orientating itself towards the digital future of invoicing.

 

Pranke: Ready for the new requirements

As of January 1, 2025, it is mandatory to be able to receive and process incoming e-invoices in Germany, particularly those in the ZUGFeRD and XRechnung formats. Pranke provides a service for this (PRANKE® Elektronische Rechnung (PER)) that allows you to automatically receive incoming invoice data and integrate it into your existing processes.