DE
ENE-invoice guide
Convert a PDF invoice into an e-invoice - without redoing your layout
A plain PDF stops counting as an invoice between German businesses: EN 16931 data is becoming mandatory (issuing from 2027/2028). The good news: your existing PDF can carry that data - as ZUGFeRD.
Check what you have
Drop your file into the free e-invoice check. It tells you whether it already is a valid e-invoice - and if not, which rule fails.
Embed the XML into your PDF
The ZUGFeRD embedder takes your existing PDF, adds the structured EN 16931 data and produces a compliant PDF/A-3 - your layout stays untouched.
Or skip PDFs entirely
For new invoices, write them as e-invoices from the start: the generator produces XRechnung and ZUGFeRD natively - the free quick version needs no account.
The three doors
- Check a file for free - no account, result with rule IDs.
- Create a new e-invoice for free - XRechnung and ZUGFeRD, natively.
- Convert an existing PDF - ZUGFeRD embedder, part of Plus (9.99 EUR/month founder price until 30 Sep 2026, locked forever for existing customers; 14-day trial).
FAQ
Is a normal PDF invoice an e-invoice?
No. A legal e-invoice is a structured data set per EN 16931 - XRechnung (pure XML) or ZUGFeRD (a PDF with embedded XML). A plain PDF is just a picture of the invoice and does not satisfy the mandate.
How does my PDF become a ZUGFeRD invoice?
The invoice data (amounts, tax rates, sender, recipient) is generated as EN 16931 XML and embedded into the PDF - the result is a PDF/A-3 readable by humans and machines. That is exactly what the ZUGFeRD embedder does: upload the PDF, enter the data, download the finished ZUGFeRD invoice.
What does it cost?
Validation is free (e-invoice check, no account). Creating a new e-invoice works in the free quick generator. Embedding into existing PDFs is part of the Plus plan at 9.99 EUR per month (founder price until 30 Sep 2026, locked forever for existing customers) - with a 14-day trial after signup.
Is ZUGFeRD enough, or do I need XRechnung?
For B2B invoices between businesses both formats satisfy the mandate as long as they conform to EN 16931 (ZUGFeRD from version 2.0.1, EN 16931 profile). Public authorities, however, usually require XRechnung with a routing ID (Leitweg-ID).
My converted invoice was rejected - why?
Usually mandatory fields are missing in the XML (e.g. payment terms, contact details, or the buyer reference for authorities) or a field violates one of the EN 16931 business rules. The free e-invoice check shows the exact rule ID and the affected element.
Background: The complete e-invoicing timeline 2025-2028