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ZUGFeRD Format

ZUGFeRD combines a readable PDF/A-3 invoice with embedded CII XML. The profile and recipient rules determine acceptance.

What is ZUGFeRD?

ZUGFeRD (Central User Guide of the Forum for Electronic Invoicing Germany) is a hybrid format for electronic invoices. It combines a visually readable PDF/A-3 document with structured XML data embedded in the PDF.

Advantage:

People can read the PDF layer, while invoice software can process the embedded XML.

Key Features

  • Hybrid PDF/A-3 with embedded XML data
  • Human-readable and machine-processable
  • EN 16931 profile available
  • Factur-X compatibility
  • Various conformance levels
  • Archive-ready PDF/A-3 container

Quick actions

Convert invoiceValidate XMLDeveloper API

ZUGFeRD Profiles

MINIMUM

Profile

Accounting data only Use case: Processing aid; not a full invoice in Germany

BASIC WL

Profile

Header data without line items Use case: Processing aid; not a full invoice in Germany

BASIC

Profile

EN 16931 subset with line items Use case: Invoices that fit the BASIC profile

EN16931

Profile

EN 16931 semantic model Use case: Invoices that require this profile

EXTENDED

Profile

Additional data beyond EN 16931 Use case: Cases that require the EXTENDED profile

ZUGFeRD Versions

VersionReleaseStandardStatus
ZUGFeRD 2.52026-06-10Factur-X 1.09Current
ZUGFeRD 2.32023Factur-X 1.0.6Legacy
ZUGFeRD 2.22022Factur-X 1.0.5Legacy
ZUGFeRD 1.02014German standardDeprecated

PDF Component

  • PDF/A-3 Format
  • Long-term archiving
  • Visual representation

XML Component

  • Structured data
  • Machine-readable
  • Automated processing

Resources & Links

PDF to ZUGFeRD

People can read the PDF layer, while invoice software can process the embedded XML.

Official ZUGFeRD Website
ZUGFeRD Profiles
CII Cross Industry Invoice
DIN EN 16931-1 Standard

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