Create an XRechnung for free
XRechnung 3.0 (UBL 2.1) according to EN 16931 — tested with the official KoSIT validator
Create German e-invoices in XRechnung format in minutes – free, without registration, and also for small businesses under § 19 UStG (Kleinunternehmer). Export the invoice as XRechnung XML for public-sector and business customers, or as a ZUGFeRD PDF. Developed by Rhein Code, a software studio from Düsseldorf.
The invoice itself (PDF view and XML labels) is generated in German, as recipients and authorities in Germany expect. Your own texts, such as item descriptions and notes, appear exactly as you enter them.
Frequently asked questions about e-invoicing in Germany
Everything you need to know about the e-invoicing mandate, XRechnung, ZUGFeRD and EN 16931
What is an e-invoice?
An e-invoice (electronic invoice) is an invoice in a structured, machine-readable data format according to the European standard EN 16931. Unlike a simple PDF invoice, it contains structured XML data that software can process automatically. The two formats used in Germany are XRechnung (pure XML in UBL 2.1 format) and ZUGFeRD (a hybrid PDF/A-3 with embedded XML).
Is e-invoicing mandatory in Germany?
Yes. Since 1 January 2025, all businesses in Germany must be able to receive e-invoices for B2B transactions. From 2027, businesses with an annual turnover above €800,000 must send e-invoices. From 2028, the obligation applies to all businesses. The legal basis is the Growth Opportunities Act (Wachstumschancengesetz, § 14 UStG).
How do I create an e-invoice for free?
With the Rhein Code XRechnung generator you can create e-invoices for free and without registration. Fill in the online form and download the invoice as XRechnung XML or as a ZUGFeRD PDF. Both are e-invoices according to EN 16931. No software installation is needed.
What is the difference between XRechnung and ZUGFeRD?
XRechnung is a pure XML format (UBL 2.1), used mainly for invoices to public-sector clients (B2G) and specified by KoSIT. ZUGFeRD is a hybrid format: a PDF/A-3 document with an embedded CII XML file, developed by the Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland (FeRD). Both formats comply with EN 16931. For B2B invoices ZUGFeRD is often preferred because it is both machine-readable and human-readable. This generator creates both: XRechnung (UBL) and ZUGFeRD 2.x / Factur-X in the EN 16931 profile as PDF/A-3 – checked with the Mustang validator.
Do small businesses (Kleinunternehmer) have to issue e-invoices?
Small businesses under § 19 UStG are exempt from the obligation to send e-invoices (§ 34a UStDV). Since 1 January 2025, however, they must be able to receive and process e-invoices. If you want to send an XRechnung voluntarily, choose the tax rate “0% (§ 19 UStG)” here – the note about the small-business rule is added automatically.
Does the e-invoicing mandate apply to freelancers?
Yes. For tax purposes, freelancers (Freiberufler) are businesses under § 2 UStG. The e-invoicing mandate therefore also applies to freelancers for domestic B2B sales. It does not apply to B2C invoices (to private individuals).
What is a Leitweg-ID and why do I need it?
The Leitweg-ID is a unique identifier that routes e-invoices to public-sector clients in Germany. It goes into field BT-10 (Buyer Reference) of the XRechnung and is mandatory for invoices to authorities and public institutions.
Is a PDF invoice an e-invoice?
No. A simple PDF invoice is explicitly not an e-invoice within the meaning of the law (§ 14 (1) sentence 3 UStG, new version). Only structured formats such as XRechnung and ZUGFeRD (from the BASIC profile) meet the requirements of EN 16931. From the respective deadlines, a plain PDF is no longer accepted as a compliant B2B invoice.
Which transition periods apply to e-invoicing?
Since 1 January 2025, all businesses must be able to receive e-invoices. Until the end of 2026, paper invoices and other invoices (e.g. PDF) may still be sent with the recipient's consent. From 1 January 2027, businesses with more than €800,000 turnover in the previous year must send e-invoices. From 1 January 2028, the obligation to send applies to all businesses.
Can I create an e-invoice without software?
Yes. Browser-based online generators like the one from Rhein Code let you create e-invoices directly in your web browser, without installation or registration. You fill in a form and immediately get the finished XRechnung XML or PDF file to download.
Does Rhein Code store my invoice data?
No. To create the file, your entries are sent to our server in the EU, processed only to generate the XML/PDF file and not stored. There is no account and no invoice archive.
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Create an e-invoice — free and without registration
With the Growth Opportunities Act (Wachstumschancengesetz), Germany introduced mandatory e-invoicing. Since January 2025, all businesses must be able to receive electronic invoices. From 2027 and 2028, sending e-invoices for B2B transactions becomes mandatory as well. This generator helps you meet these requirements easily and for free.
Our e-invoice generator creates invoices in XRechnung 3.0 format (UBL 2.1 XML) according to the European standard EN 16931 — tested with the official KoSIT validator. You also get a PDF view with the XML file embedded. The tool is made for self-employed people, freelancers, small businesses and SMEs in Germany that need e-invoices quickly and without hassle.
Your benefits: No registration, no software to install, no hidden costs. Your invoice data is not stored. Create your first e-invoice in just a few minutes.
Prefer a PDF with embedded XML? Create a ZUGFeRD invoice. Received an e-invoice and only see code? Open an XRechnung & turn it into a PDF. More free tools: German VAT calculator, cost estimate generator, merge PDFs.