What is XRechnung? Format and uses explained

XRechnung is the German standard for e-invoices: a structured XML file, in UBL or CII syntax, that follows the European standard EN 16931 with German rules on top. It is maintained by KoSIT for the federal and state governments. Version 3.0 is in force. An XRechnung has no visual layout, so people read it in a viewer.

What does an XRechnung contain?

The invoice data as XML elements: seller and buyer, invoice number and date, lines, VAT, totals and payment details. On top of EN 16931, XRechnung requires some fields, notably the buyer reference (BT-10), which holds the reference the recipient specifies, such as a Leitweg-ID (KoSIT).

Property	Value
Maintained by	KoSIT, for the German federal and state governments
Syntax	UBL 2.1 or CII D16B
Based on	EN 16931
Current version	3.0, bundles 3.0.2, in force until at least 31 July 2027 (KoSIT)
Next version	4.0, draft published September 2026, final expected spring 2027
File type	`.xml`

When is XRechnung used?

German public-sector recipients may request XRechnung through a specified portal or other channel. Check the recipient's requirements rather than assuming every authority uses the same route. Between businesses, the Federal Ministry of Finance accepts any format that meets EN 16931, which includes XRechnung and ZUGFeRD from version 2.0.1 except the MINIMUM and BASIC WL profiles (BMF FAQ). See e-invoicing in Germany.

What can Klarbon do with XRechnung?

Task	Tool
Read it, print it, save it as PDF	Open an XRechnung, free
Check supported versions against selected rules, in beta	Validate an XRechnung
Convert a structured e-invoice to XRechnung	Convert an e-invoice

Reading plain PDF invoices is not available yet.

A conversion makes a file; it does not send it. You submit it to the recipient or portal yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Is XRechnung a PDF?

No. An XRechnung is an XML file with no visual layout. To read it, open it in a viewer, which shows the data as a readable invoice.

Which XRechnung version is current?

Version 3.0 is in force, in its 3.0.2 bundles, and stays in force until at least 31 July 2027. A draft of version 4.0 was published in September 2026.

What is the difference between XRechnung and ZUGFeRD?

XRechnung is pure XML. ZUGFeRD is a PDF with the XML inside. Both can meet the German rules; ZUGFeRD also has an XRECHNUNG profile.

Is XRechnung required for invoices between businesses?

No. XRechnung is one format that can meet Germany's VAT e-invoice requirements; it is not the only one. Public-sector requirements are separate, so check the format and channel specified by the recipient.

What is XRechnung?