Create a ZUGFeRD invoice

ZUGFeRD is a PDF with embedded XML. Our free creator produces it in the EN 16931 profile, validated and ready to send.

What ZUGFeRD is

ZUGFeRD is published by the Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland (FeRD) and is technically the same as the French Factur-X. The PDF is a PDF/A-3 file that carries the invoice data as XML in the CII syntax: people read the PDF, software processes the XML.

ZUGFeRD has several profiles. According to the Federal Ministry of Finance's FAQ, ZUGFeRD from version 2.0.1 meets the requirements for an e-invoice – except the profiles MINIMUM and BASIC-WL. Our creator produces the EN 16931 profile (ZUGFeRD 2 / Factur-X).

How to create a ZUGFeRD invoice

1. Open the invoice creator.
2. Enter the invoice data and choose the format ZUGFeRD.
3. The data is validated, the PDF is generated, and you download it.

Important: the XML is what counts

If picture and data of a hybrid e-invoice differ, the data in the structured part prevail since the introduction of the e-invoice (Federal Ministry of Finance FAQ, question "How can a received e-invoice be made readable for the human eye?"). If you edit the PDF afterwards, the XML does not change with it. Create the invoice again instead of changing the PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Is an ordinary PDF invoice a ZUGFeRD invoice?

No. Only the embedded XML file in an allowed profile makes the PDF an e-invoice.

Do public authorities accept ZUGFeRD?

The federal E-Rechnungsverordnung names the XRechnung standard but allows other standards that meet the European standard (§ 4 E-RechV). Which formats an invoice portal accepts is stated by that portal; for public authorities XRechnung is the safe choice.

How do I validate a ZUGFeRD invoice I received?

Upload the PDF to our free check; the embedded XML is validated.

Sources

• ZUGFeRD (FeRD, German)
• FAQ on the e-invoice (Federal Ministry of Finance, German)
• Federal E-Rechnungsverordnung, § 4 (German)

As of 19 October 2026. This guide is not tax advice.