Get yourself familiar with E-Invoicing in Germany: XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, Factur X, ZRE

The ZUGFeRD is another format accepted in Germany. It is a hybrid format composed of a PDF A3 with an encrusted XML conforming to the European standard.

ZUGFeRD stands for “Zentraler User Guide des Forums elektronische Rechnung Deutschland” which translates to “Central User Guide of the Forum Electronic Invoicing Germany”. It is a file format for electronic invoicing in Germany, which allows for the exchange of electronic invoices between businesses and government entities.

The format is based on PDF/A-3, a standard for archiving PDF documents, and includes both a human-readable representation of the invoice (as a PDF) and a machine-readable XML file that contains structured data. The XML file can be automatically processed by accounting software, allowing for streamlined processing of invoices.

ZUGFeRD was developed by the Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland (FeRD), a group of business associations and government organizations, with the goal of promoting the use of electronic invoicing in Germany. The format is widely used in Germany and has gained recognition in other European countries as well.

See also

• Electronic Invoice Germany Forum (ZUGFeRD) 2020 – a German e-invoicing hybrid becomes obligatory

What is Factur X?

Factur X is a French name for a popular german-french e-invoicing standard. Its current and complete version (Factur-X 1.0) is equivalent to ZUGFeRD 2.1 version making them compatible. The two standards combine the most commonly used invoice formats: PDF and XML.

What is the ZRE?