# ZUGFeRD MINIMUM profile

The MINIMUM profile is a lightweight ZUGFeRD profile with a reduced set of structured invoice data embedded in a PDF.

## Profile overview

ZUGFeRD MINIMUM is the smallest practical profile for teams that want a PDF invoice with just enough structured data for basic downstream processing, archiving, and simple invoice exchange.

## Recommended for

- Simple B2B invoices where only basic automation is needed
- Archive-friendly workflows that prioritize the PDF

## What it typically includes

- Core header data (invoice number, dates)
- Basic parties (seller/buyer)
- Totals and tax summary (limited)

## Limitations

- Not ideal for strict EN 16931 compliance requirements
- May be insufficient for public sector or platform mandates

## Typical use cases

- Small supplier invoices with PDF-first processes
- Early adoption before moving to EN16931 profile

## Specification references

- GuidelineID: urn:factur-x.eu:1p0:minimum
- PDF/A-3 conformance: PDF/A-3 (ISO 19005-3:2012)
- Embedded XML filename: factur-x.xml
- AFRelationship attribute: Data
- XMP metadata: fx:DocumentType, fx:DocumentFileName, fx:Version, fx:ConformanceLevel
- FNFE-MPE reference: https://fnfe-mpe.org/factur-x/

## How to choose this profile

- Choose MINIMUM when the PDF is the main deliverable and only a minimal structured dataset is needed.
- Move to BASIC WL if your process needs totals and parties but not line-item detail.
- Use BASIC or higher when automation, validation, or compliance checks depend on structured line data.

## Implementation fit

Use the MINIMUM profile only after you confirm how much structured detail the recipient, archive, and validation process expects. If line-level automation, tax review, or downstream matching is important, choose the richer profile before you start converting production invoices.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does ZUGFeRD MINIMUM support structured invoice exchange?
Yes, but only in a reduced form. It is suitable for basic exchange and archiving, not for demanding automation or strict compliance cases.

### Is MINIMUM enough for EN 16931 compliance?
No. If the recipient or workflow requires EN 16931-conform data, choose EN 16931 or a profile that explicitly covers that requirement.

### When should I avoid MINIMUM?
Avoid it when you need line items, tax detail, validation-heavy workflows, or broad interoperability with larger customers and platforms.

## Create a ZUGFeRD file

Convert a PDF invoice to ZUGFeRD and choose the best matching profile.

- [Convert to ZUGFeRD](/pdf-to-zugferd)