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E-Invoicing for Freelancers in Germany: What You Need to Know (2026)
Freelance e-invoicing in Germany explained: when you must send e-invoices, why small businesses (Kleinunternehmer) are exempt and how to attach timesheets.
9 min readRead How to Validate a ZUGFeRD PDF: PDF/A-3, XML and Profile Checks
Validate ZUGFeRD PDF files in six steps: PDF/A-3 with veraPDF, the embedded XML, profile, Schematron business rules and VAT content, all with free tools.
7 min readRead How to Find or Get a Leitweg-ID for Invoicing German Authorities
How to get a Leitweg-ID: where suppliers find it, how public bodies apply for one, where to enter it (BT-10) and what to do when the portal rejects it.
8 min readRead How to Create an XRechnung: Step-by-Step Guide
How to create an XRechnung in six steps: required fields with BT numbers, a validated UBL example, KoSIT validation, sending and archiving the invoice.
7 min readRead What Is ZUGFeRD? The Hybrid PDF E-Invoice Explained
What is ZUGFeRD? The hybrid PDF/A-3 e-invoice with embedded XML: all profiles, current version 2.5.2, when it counts as an e-invoice in Germany and how to read it.
8 min readRead Germany's E-Invoicing Mandate: Deadlines, Scope and Exemptions (2026)
Germany's e-invoicing mandate: receiving since 2025, issuing from 2027 or 2028 depending on turnover. Deadlines, the €800,000 rule and exemptions explained.
9 min readRead What Is XRechnung? Format, Structure and Requirements (2026)
What is XRechnung? Germany's XML e-invoice format under EN 16931 explained: how it is structured, when it is mandatory and how to validate and create one.
8 min readRead XRechnung Attachments: Embedding PDFs with Base64 (BG-24)
XRechnung attachments explained: how to embed PDFs and other files with Base64 in BG-24, with UBL and CII examples, allowed MIME types and OZG-RE size limits.
9 min readRead XRechnung XML Structure: UBL, CII, Namespaces and XSD
XRechnung XSD and XML structure explained for developers: UBL and CII root elements, namespaces, schema and Schematron validation, plus a BT-to-XPath table.
8 min readRead What Is a Leitweg-ID? Structure, Examples and Who Needs One
What is a Leitweg-ID? Its structure, a worked check-digit example, where it goes in BT-10 and why only public authorities need one, not their suppliers.
8 min readRead E-Invoice Archiving in Germany: GoBD Rules and Retention Periods
E-invoice archiving in Germany explained: which file to keep, how long (8 years for invoices) and how to meet GoBD rules for storage and tax audits. With checklist.
7 min readRead How to Fix the 10 Most Common XRechnung Validation Errors
Fix XRechnung validation errors fast: the 10 most common KoSIT error messages with cause, affected field and XPath, plus what to do when your invoice is rejected.
9 min readRead Explore by Topic
- E-Invoicing Mandate & Law Who has to receive and issue e-invoices in Germany, and when? Deadlines, exemptions and the legal basis of the German mandate.11 articles
- XRechnung Structure, mandatory fields, Leitweg-ID and submission of XRechnung, Germany's standard for structured e-invoices.8 articles
- ZUGFeRD & Factur-X Hybrid e-invoices made of PDF/A-3 plus embedded XML: profiles, versions, creation and validation of ZUGFeRD and Factur-X.2 articles
- Validation & Errors Validate e-invoices against the KoSIT rules and understand and fix validation errors, with concrete fixes rule by rule.5 articles
- Invoicing in Practice Mandatory details, VAT, small businesses, archiving and workflows: practical guides to getting invoices right in Germany.8 articles
- Developers & Data XML, JSON, Base64, CSV and timestamps: formats and tools for developers who work with e-invoices and business data.2 articles