Guide
Markdown exportZUGFeRD Format
The hybrid PDF/A-3 format for electronic invoicing. Combines human-readable PDFs with structured XML data for automated processing and European compliance.
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:
ZUGFeRD invoices can be read by humans and processed by machines without additional software.
Key Features
Use these points as the practical checks for this section.
- Hybrid PDF/A-3 with embedded XML data
- Human-readable and machine-processable
- DIN EN 16931-1 conformity
- Factur-X compatibility
- Various conformance levels
- Automatic archiving
Quick actions
ZUGFeRD Profiles
MINIMUM
ProfileBasic invoice data Use case: Simple B2B invoices
BASIC WL
ProfileExtended data without line items Use case: Lump sum billing
BASIC
ProfileBasic line item data Use case: Standard B2B invoices
EN16931
ProfileFull EU compliance Use case: Cross-border trade
EXTENDED
ProfileAll available data fields Use case: Complex business processes
ZUGFeRD Versions
| Version | Release | Standard | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZUGFeRD 2.5 | 2026-06-10 | Factur-X 1.09 | Current |
| ZUGFeRD 2.3 | 2023 | Factur-X 1.0.6 | Legacy |
| ZUGFeRD 2.2 | 2022 | Factur-X 1.0.5 | Legacy |
| ZUGFeRD 1.0 | 2014 | German standard | Deprecated |
PDF Component
Use these points as the practical checks for this section.
- PDF/A-3 Format
- Long-term archiving
- Visual representation
XML Component
Use these points as the practical checks for this section.
- Structured data
- Machine-readable
- Automated processing
Resources & Links
Related articles
Decision matrix for XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, and PDF in Germany. Compare format structure, legal requirements, B2B/B2G compliance, and automated processing
ZUGFeRD BT Fields: Business Terms for Practical E-InvoicingUnderstand ZUGFeRD BT fields, profile matrix (MINIMUM, BASIC, EN 16931, EXTENDED), field mappings, and compliance checks for EU e-invoicing.
Which e-invoice formats are usable in Germany in 2026?A practical Germany format guide for April 2026: when to use XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, UBL or CII, what still counts as a non-structured invoice, and how to