Germany E-Invoicing Compliance & Archiving Requirements

Germany is phasing in mandatory B2B e-invoicing from January 1, 2025, with full adoption required by January 1, 2028. All German businesses holding a VAT ID must be able to receive and issue invoices in a structured, EN16931-compliant format and retain them unaltered for at least 10 years.

Get A Demo

"*" indicates required fields

Why Choose
APRO e-Invoicing?


  • Global Compliance: APRO ensures your e-Invoicing processes meet legal requirements in over 60 countries. Stay compliant with local regulations, including government-mandated platforms, while maintaining the authenticity, integrity, and legibility of all invoices.

  • End-to-End Automation: Eliminate manual tasks with fully automated Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) processes. Minimize errors, improve efficiency, and free up valuable resources for strategic initiatives.

  • Seamless Integration: Our platform integrates effortlessly with your existing ERP and financial systems, enabling the exchange of multiple document formats and ensuring a smooth connection with all your business partners.

  • Top-Tier Security: With advanced encryption and AI-powered fraud detection, APRO protects your sensitive data, ensuring secure storage, transmission, and access to invoice information.

Some of Our Global Implementation Partners

Streamline AP Processing in Oracle Financials – Cut Manual Entry by 75%.

Benefits for Your Business

Cost Efficiency

Transition to paperless invoicing and automated workflows to reduce operational costs while enhancing productivity.

Error-Free Processes

Leverage robust validation mechanisms to improve data accuracy and eliminate discrepancies.

Stronger Business Relationships

Foster trust and efficiency with your suppliers, customers, and public entities by utilizing a reliable, certified platform.

E-Invoicing Mandate Timeline

Starting January 1, 2025, every VAT-registered company in Germany must accept structured electronic invoices. On January 1, 2027, firms with annual turnover ≥ €800,000 must also issue EN16931-compliant e-invoices. By January 1, 2028, all businesses, regardless of size, are required to issue invoices electronically in one of the approved formats.

Required Formats & Submission

Invoices must conform to the European EN16931 data model. Commonly used formats include ZUGFeRD and XRechnung; any structure that fully implements EN16931 is acceptable. There is no single government platform for B2B, so businesses and their trading partners agree on the chosen exchange channel. For B2G transactions, federal invoices go to the ZRE platform in XRechnung format.

Archiving Obligations

E-invoices must be stored in their original electronic form—without alteration—for a minimum of 10 years from the end of the issuance year. VAT-related documents may not be deleted if still needed for tax audits. The “legal invoice” consists of the exact file received or sent (including any accompanying email), and both buyers and suppliers share the responsibility for compliant archiving.

Get Started with APRO e-Invoicing Today

Experience the power of efficient, compliant, and secure e-Invoicing with APRO. Join the growing network of businesses benefiting from our trusted solutions.