Open and read an XRechnung

An XRechnung is an XML file without layout. A viewer turns it into a readable document – for free in our check.

Why an XRechnung does not look like an invoice

XRechnung is the German standard for e-invoices according to the European standard EN 16931, published by the Coordination Office for IT Standards (KoSIT). It contains only structured data – seller, buyer, lines, taxes, payment terms – so a browser or text editor shows only data fields. It comes in two syntaxes, UBL and CII, which are equivalent.

How to open an XRechnung

1. Open the free check.
2. Upload the XML file (or a ZUGFeRD PDF).
3. You see the invoice as a readable document, plus the validation result under the official rules.

The file is only processed in memory and is not stored. You need no account.

What to check before you pay

• Are invoice number, date, service and amount right?
• Are your name and address as the recipient correct?
• Does the check report errors? What format, business rule and content errors mean for VAT is explained in the guide Validate an XRechnung.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open an XRechnung with Excel or Word?

Technically yes, but you only see XML text. For a readable view you need a viewer that knows the XRechnung fields.

Do I have to keep the XML file?

Yes. Invoices must be kept for eight years (§ 14b(1) UStG); for an e-invoice at least its structured part, unaltered in its original form – that is the XML file, not just a printout (Federal Ministry of Finance FAQ, question "How must an e-invoice be kept?").

What is the difference between UBL and CII?

They are two XML syntaxes for the same content under EN 16931. Both are allowed for XRechnung; our check reads both.

Sources

• XRechnung (KoSIT, German)
• § 14 UStG and § 14b UStG
• FAQ on the e-invoice (Federal Ministry of Finance, German)

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