How ZUGFeRD Works
A ZUGFeRD invoice is a PDF/A-3 file with an XML attachment embedded inside. When you open it:
- In Adobe Reader: You see a normal-looking invoice PDF
- In accounting software: The system extracts the XML data automatically
ZUGFeRD Profiles
ZUGFeRD supports different data completeness levels:
- Minimum: Basic reference data only
- Basic WL: Core invoice data without line items
- Basic: Full invoice with line items (most common)
- EN 16931 (Comfort): Full EU standard compliance
- Extended: Additional fields beyond EU standard
- XRechnung: German government compliance (important!)
ZUGFeRD = Factur-X
ZUGFeRD and Factur-X are technically identical—same specification, same XML schema. ZUGFeRD is the German name; Factur-X is used in France and internationally. A ZUGFeRD file will work perfectly in France, and vice versa.
Why ZUGFeRD Matters
Best of Both Worlds
ZUGFeRD solves the adoption problem: recipients who aren't ready for e-invoicing can read the PDF normally, while automated systems process the XML. This makes it ideal for gradual e-invoicing transitions.
German B2B Standard
ZUGFeRD is the most common format for German B2B e-invoicing. When Germany's B2B mandate takes full effect (2025-2028), ZUGFeRD will be widely used.
Government Compliant
ZUGFeRD with the "XRechnung" profile is accepted by German government portals. This means one format works for both B2B and B2G invoicing.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Choose Your Profile
For most uses, "EN 16931" (Comfort) is recommended. For German government, use the "XRechnung" profile.
Step 2: Check Your Software
Many German accounting packages (DATEV, Lexware, etc.) support ZUGFeRD export natively. Check your software's e-invoicing settings.
Step 3: Validate Before Sending
Ensure your ZUGFeRD file is correctly structured—a valid-looking PDF might have invalid XML inside.
How Invoice Navigator handles ZUGFeRD
Invoice Navigator validates all five ZUGFeRD profiles (Minimum through Extended) and auto-remediates structural errors in the embedded CII XML. The PDF/A-3 wrapper and XML attachment are validated together, catching mismatches between visual and machine-readable data.
View API documentationValidate Your ZUGFeRD Invoice
Check both PDF structure and XML compliance.
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What is EN 16931?
EN 16931 is the European standard defining the semantic data model for electronic invoices, published by CEN and mandated by EU Directive 2014/55/EU.
What is Peppol?
Peppol is a secure pan-European network for exchanging standardized electronic business documents, governed by OpenPeppol and connecting over 300,000 organizations across 40+ countries.
Read moreWhat is XRechnung?
XRechnung is Germany's national implementation (CIUS) of the EN 16931 European e-invoicing standard, mandatory for all public sector invoicing in Germany.
Read moreWhat is EN 16931?
EN 16931 is the European standard defining the semantic data model for electronic invoices, published by CEN and mandated by EU Directive 2014/55/EU.
Read more