Create and receive ZUGFeRD invoices
Invoices as PDF for people and XML for software in one file, ready for the e-invoicing mandate.
ZUGFeRD combines a regular PDF with an embedded XML file. Recipients see the invoice as usual, and their accounting reads the data automatically. The format is technically identical to Factur-X from France.
For Germany’s e-invoicing mandate from 2027 and 2028, the right profile is what counts. BARNICOM connects ZUGFeRD to ERP, accounting or custom software and checks every invoice before sending. More on the mandate: E-invoicing.
What defines ZUGFeRD
Two in one
A ZUGFeRD invoice is a PDF with an embedded XML file. People read the PDF, software processes the XML data.
The profile matters
Only profiles compliant with EN 16931 meet the e-invoicing obligation. The MINIMUM and BASIC WL profiles are not sufficient.
France too
ZUGFeRD is technically identical to the French Factur-X format. One solution covers both countries.
ZUGFeRD profiles
The profiles differ in the amount of data they contain.
| Profile | Content | Meets the e-invoicing obligation |
|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM | header data only | no |
| BASIC WL | header data without line items | no |
| BASIC | header data and line items | yes |
| EN 16931 (COMFORT) | complete data according to the standard | yes |
| EXTENDED | extended data for complex cases | yes |
| XRECHNUNG | data according to XRechnung rules | yes |
How we implement it
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Generation
Your ERP or software generates PDF and XML from the same invoice data.
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Validation
Profile, mandatory fields and totals are checked automatically before sending.
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Sending
By email or via Peppol, with a copy to accounting on request.
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Receiving
Incoming ZUGFeRD invoices are read and passed directly to accounting.
Frequently asked questions
Which ZUGFeRD profile do I need?
At least BASIC for the e-invoicing obligation, with EN 16931 being the usual choice. MINIMUM and BASIC WL are not sufficient.
Is ZUGFeRD the same as Factur-X?
Technically yes, since ZUGFeRD 2 both formats share the same structure. Invoices for Germany and France can be created with the same solution.
Can I send ZUGFeRD invoices like normal PDFs?
Yes. The file is a regular PDF and is sent by email as usual. The recipient can view it and process it automatically.
Can our software generate ZUGFeRD?
Many ERP and accounting systems already can. For custom software, we have developed ZUGFeRD modules and integrate them.
From our projects
The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace tax advice. Please clarify individual tax questions with your tax advisor.
E-invoicing and VAT
Generate ZUGFeRD from your system
We check what your system can do today and add what is missing for the e-invoicing mandate.