E-invoices made simple, secure and professional
For freelancers and SMEs: ZUGFeRD & XRechnung, convenient storage and a fast workflow for quotes and invoices.
Zefare uses end-to-end SSL encryption for strong data protection.
No AI — we do not use AI and do not share your data.
No subscriptions or auto-renewal — time-limited packages without automatic charges.
ZUGFeRD & XRechnung
Create compliant e-invoices in a few clicks.
SEPA QR codes
Automatic payment details on every invoice.
Multilingual
UI in multiple languages for international teams.
Fast workflow
Quotes, invoices and archive in one system.
E-invoicing may feel like a mandate at first — the real advantage is structured data.
PDF / scan
Not a machine-readable e-invoice under EN 16931.
Word & Excel
By 2028 you must switch to proper e-invoicing software.
Email only
Even digital delivery is not enough if the file is only a PDF.
GDPR-compliant & EU-hosted
Built for the German market with a focus on privacy, compliant documentation and long-term archiving.
E-invoicing in Germany — background and obligations
An e-invoice is structured, machine-readable electronic invoicing based on European standard EN 16931. It defines required data and technical structure.
Germany is introducing mandatory e-invoicing in stages from 2025; from 2028 invoices must generally be issued as e-invoices.
Important: A plain PDF is not a machine-readable e-invoice. Businesses using Word/Excel → PDF must move to proper e-invoicing software by 2028 at the latest.
Digital invoice vs. electronic invoice vs. e-invoice
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Digital invoice | e.g. PDF or scan – unstructured, not machine-readable |
| Electronic invoice | Umbrella term for invoices sent electronically |
| E-invoice (E-Rechnung) | Structured standard format (e.g. XML) per EN 16931 |
Only an e-invoice within the meaning of the standard will be permitted. A PDF invoice is not sufficient—even if sent by email. Businesses should prepare in good time.
-
2025
Receipt obligation
From 01.01.2025, businesses and associations must be able to receive and process structured e-invoices.
-
2025–2026
Transitional rules
Other invoices (e.g. paper or PDF) may still be issued if the recipient agrees.
-
2027
Issuance (partial)
Companies with prior-year turnover (2026) over €800,000 must issue e-invoices; others may still use other formats.
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2028
Mandatory for all
From 01.01.2028, domestic B2B invoices must be issued as e-invoices; other formats (e.g. PDF) are then not permitted.
Note: From 2028 the obligation applies to regular domestic B2B invoices. Exceptions include small-value invoices (§ 33 UStDV) and certain tax-exempt supplies under § 4 Nos. 8–29 UStG.
In principle, affected parties include:
- All entrepreneurs within the meaning of § 2 UStG
- For domestic B2B supplies where the recipient is also an entrepreneur
Regardless of:
- Legal form
- Company size
- Small business scheme (§ 19 UStG)
Not subject to the obligation:
- Invoices to consumers (B2C)
- Small-value invoices up to €250 (§ 33 UStDV)
- Travel tickets (§ 34 UStDV)
- Certain tax-exempt supplies (§ 4 Nos. 8–29 UStG)
- Supplies not taxable in Germany
Although e-invoicing is a legal requirement, structured data enables automation, efficiency and long-term savings across invoicing processes.
A compliant format is structured and machine-readable (e.g. XML with mandatory fields).
XRechnung
- XML-basiertes Format
- Vorgabe für Rechnungen an Behörden (B2G)
- In Deutschland gesetzlich vorgeschrieben für öffentliche Auftraggeber
- Sehr schlank, klar strukturiert
ZUGFeRD
- PDF mit eingebettetem XML
- Sichtbar für Menschen, maschinenlesbar für Systeme
- Beliebt im B2B-Bereich und für interne Archivierung
CII / UN/CEFACT
- Internationaler XML-Standard
- Vor allem bei multinationalen Unternehmen im Einsatz
- In Deutschland seltener verbreitet, aber zulässig
PEPPOL BIS Billing 3
- EU-weites Format für Rechnungsdaten im PEPPOL-Netzwerk
- Grundlage für den interoperablen Austausch über Landesgrenzen hinweg
- Wichtig im internationalen B2G- und B2B-Umfeld
Our plans
All prices incl. VAT. Time-limited packages without auto-renewal — payment currently via crypto (Plisio). PayPal and Stripe are temporarily unavailable.
Paid plans require an account. After registration, checkout is available in the dashboard under “Plan”.
- Up to 3 documents per month (invoices + offers combined)
- No PDF layout editor — standard template only
- Footer note: zefare.de
- 15 invoices and 15 offers per month
- 30-day term
- No full PDF editor (Lite layout)
- 300 invoices and 300 offers per month
- Full PDF editor
- 30-day term
- Same as Lite: 15 + 15 documents per month
- 365-day term
- No full PDF editor
- Same as Premium: 300 + 300 documents per month
- Full PDF editor
- 365-day term