E-invoicing in Europe

E-invoicing in Europe has gone through quite a transformation due to Directive 2014/55/EU and the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) proposal. Through it, different countries across the EU have begun implementing mandatory e-invoicing and digital reporting requirements.

An electronic invoice, or e-invoice is one that is issued, communicated, received, and processed electronically. From the time the issuer creates it until the recipient processes it, the whole life cycle of the document is digital. It is important to note that not all digital invoices are e-invoices and PDF invoices do not qualify.

Electronic Invoice Directive 2014/55/EU

For years, the European Union has been working towards digitalization and expanding e-Procurement. As a result, EU Directive 2014/55/EU was created, and it officially took effect on April 16, 2019.

This directive mandates that all public administrations in Europe must be capable of receiving and processing B2G invoices in electronic format from their suppliers. Each Member State may adopt and implement this directive within its own legal framework.

EU VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) Proposal

The ViDA proposal sets a requirement for B2B e-invoices in cross-border transactions within the EU to be issued within two days after the implementation date of 1 January 2028.

This means that invoices must be electronically submitted in accordance with EN 16931, which specifies that paper and PDF invoices will no longer be accepted after the deadline.

Timeline of Mandatory B2B E-Invoicing in Europe

• Italy: Implemented in 2019

• Hungary: Implemented on January 1, 2021

• Albania: Implemented on 1 July 2021

• Serbia: Implemented on January 1, 2023

• Romania: Planned implementation on January 1, 2024

• Poland: Planned implementation on July 1, 2024

• North Macedonia: Planned implementation in 2024

• Belgium and France: Phased implementation starting on July 1, 2024, until July 1, 2026

• Spain: Phased implementation starting in summer 2024, until summer 2025

• Latvia: Planned implementation in January 2025

• Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia: Predicted implementation in 2025

• Montenegro: Phased implementation from 2025-2026

• Germany: Planned implementation 1 January 2026

Countries with Pending B2B Implementation

Many countries are still in the process of creating a plan for mandatory B2B e-invoice implementation, such as Andorra, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Albania eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 1 January 2021: B2G e-invoicing

• 1 July 2021: B2B e-invoicing

• 1 September 2021: B2C e-invoicing

Portal: Central Information System (CIS)

Format: UN/CEFACT, UBL 2.1

Tax Authority: Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Tatimeve (DPT)

A AKSHI electronic certificate, issued in real-time under its control model known as the Audit System, is now necessary for an Albanian invoice. Additionally, they must be kept for 5 years to ensure compliance.

Andorra eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 1 January 2021: B2G e-invoicing

Portal: Govern d'Andorra

Format: UBL 2.1, Peppol BIS 3.0

Tax Authority: n/a

Through its post-audit invoicing system, Andorra has mandatory B2G e-invoicing. B2B e-invoicing remains voluntary for the foreseeable future.

Austria eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2013: Voluntary B2B e-invoicing

• 2014: Mandatory electronic invoice use for central public administrations

• 2020: Mandatory electronic invoice use for federal states and municipal authorities

Portal: Unternehmensservice Portal (Business Service Portal - USP)

Format: ebInterface, Peppol-UBL

Tax Authority: Bundesministerium

All federal government contractors, including those from abroad, are required to submit only structured electronic invoices for the delivery of products and services to government departments under the provisions of the "IKT Konsolidierungsgesetz §5". Private entities are currently not required to submit e-invoices, but may do so voluntarily.

Structured electronic invoices (eInvoices) can be delivered to other invoice receivers as well as the Austrian public sector via e-invoicing platform e-Rechnung.gv.at. The Unternehmensservice Portal (USP) or the Peppol eDelivery Network are two options for electronically transmitting invoices, both of which optimize the handling of invoices for the biller and invoice recipient.

Belgium eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

B2G timeline

• November 2022: Mandatory e-invoicing for public contracts over €215,000 must be issued

• May 2023: Required e-invoices for public contracts greater than or equal to €30,000 must be issued

• November 2023: Required e-invoices for public contracts below €30,000

  • Those with less than €3,000 are exempt from B2G e-invoicing

B2B timeline

• 1 July 2024: Mandatory B2B e-invoicing and e-reporting for large taxpayers in Belgium with an annual turnover of above €9 million

  • All taxpayers must be able to receive e-invoices at this time

• 1 January 2025: Mandatory for mid-size taxpayers with an annual turnover of between €7 million and €9 million

• 1 July 2025: Mandatory for all entities

Portal: Mercurius (B2G), Hermes (B2B)

Format: Peppol BIS 3.0

Tax Authority: Service Publique Federale Finances (FPS)

It is anticipated that the Belgian tax authorities will publish new electronic invoicing requirements in the summer of 2023 about potentially required e-reporting and any updates to the e-invoicing standard. In Belgium, e-invoices are currently required for suppliers to the government, with the Flanders and Brussels-Capital regions also requiring them for public organizations.

For taxpayers based in Belgium, B2B electronic invoicing is anticipated to be carried out through the Hermes platform. Through a partnership with the Belgian Peppol Service, B2G transactions are carried out on the Mercurius electronic invoicing platform.

Bosnia and Herzegovina eInvoicing

Currently, there are no mandatory or upcoming e-invoicing mandates in Bosnia and Herzegovina for B2G and B2B transactions. Electronic invoicing and e-reporting technical standards are not regulated, and the tax administration has yet to implement the VAT reporting standards that other countries have taken advantage of.

Bulgaria eInvoicing

Implementation Timeline

• April 2019: all public entities must be able to receive and process e-invoices

Portal: Public Procurement Portal (PPP)

Format: XML-based standards, ISO 20022

Tax Authority: National Revenue Agency (NRA)

Bulgaria plans to implement a clearance model for electronic invoicing, imitating other models in Europe like those of Italy or France. In this framework, businesses must wait for the tax authority to validate an electronic document before it is considered valid.

As of right now, electronic invoicing in Bulgaria is permitted, provided that both the client and the supplier have agreed to it.

Croatia eInvoicing

Implementation Timeline

• 1 December 2018: Mandatory to receive and process e-invoices for all public authorities for purchases below 200,000 HRK (approx. 26,500 EUR).

• 1 July 2019: Mandatory issuance of e-invoices for all public entities and their suppliers

• 2025: Predicted e-invoicing for B2B transactions.

Portal: eRačun

Format: OASIS UBL 2.1, CII

Tax Authority: Finansijska Agencija (FINA)

Business-to-government (B2G) national e-invoicing has been required in Croatia since 2019 and has completely changed how invoices are handled there. eRačun is the primary platform powering this transition. Business-to-business e-invoicing is anticipated to be introduced in 2025 with the launch of the Fiscalization 2.0 project in January 2023.

UBL 2.1, which is based on the Peppol BIS 3.0 format, is the format that is advised in the Republic of Croatia. Additionally, invoicing in the B2G context accepts the CII standard.

Cyprus eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2010 - 2013: Optional e-invoicing

• 18 April 2019: Central government entities mandated to receive and process e-invoices

• 18 April 2020: All public entities mandated to receive and process e-invoices

Portal: ARIADNI, Peppol

Format: CIUS, PEPPOL BIS Billing 3.0

Tax Authority: Τμήμα Φορολογίας

All public entities in Cyprus are required to be able to accept and process electronic invoices as a result of the country's implementation of the e-invoicing system. They are not yet required to send their suppliers electronic invoices.

In Cyprus, electronic invoicing is not required for private entities. Although the government is now reviewing it, it is anticipated that they will soon implement e-invoicing. Additionally, companies need to put in place a reliable archive, such as DDD Invoices for keeping electronic invoices for 8 years after the post-audit.

The Czech Republic eInvoicing

Implementation Timeline

• October 2016: Public contracting authorities can't reject EN-16931-compliant e-invoices issued by economic operators

• April 2019: All public entities must be able to receive and process e-invoices

Portal: Národní elektronický nástroj (NEN)

Format: EDIFACT, UBL 2.1, ISDOC

Tax Authority: Financni Sprava

Though there is no mandatory obligation in place, electronic invoices issued for B2G transactions should be accepted where they are in a format compatible with the European standard for e-invoicing. B2B e-invoicing is voluntary and requires the client's consent.

Denmark eInvoicing

Implementation Timeline

• 2005: E-invoices must be sent and received by government authorities and their vendors

Portal: NemHandel

Format: Peppol BIS 3.0, OIOUBL

Tax Authority: Erhvervsstyrelsen

Using the Peppol system used by many countries across the European Union, Denmark employsa centralized invoicing model. A company's accounting system must be connected to a Peppol access point. That guarantees that invoice data complies with the relevant security standards in order for digital documents to be sent and received via the NemHandel platform.

This is currently only relevant for B2G transactions, as B2B e-invoicing is voluntary.

Estonia eInvoicing

Implementation Timeline

• 2017: All public entities must receive and process e-invoices

• 2019: All suppliers to public entities must issue e-invoices

Portal: No central platform

Format: EVS 923:2014/AC:2017, UBL 2.1, CII

Tax Authority: Rahandusministeerium

Estonia’s approach to e-invoicing is decentralized, with several private service providers offering e-invoicing exchange services. The government does not recommend any specific providers and economic operators are free to choose their own solutions.

Within the B2G environment, issuing e-invoices is required for all suppliers to all public contracting authorities, while mandatory receiving applies to all public contracting authorities. For B2B e-invoicing is allowed with the buyer's consent; however, e-invoicing itself is not mandatory.

Finland eInvoicing

Implementation Timeline

• April 2019: E-invoicing required at the federal level

• April 2020: Option to demand EU-standard electronic invoices from B2B suppliers

Portal: No state platform

Format: TEAPPSXML 3.0, Finvoice 3.0

Tax Authority: Verohallinto

The Nordic Smart Government (NSG) programme in Scandinavia encourages the use of electronic invoicing. The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH), along with the Ministry of Finance and the Tax Authorities, is in charge of the NSG project in Finland. The NSG project aims to automate the exchange of financial data among businesses in Scandinavian nations.

The Peppol network serves as the foundation for the Finnish e-invoicing system. Since there is no central platform, companies can send and receive invoices using any e-invoicing program compatible with the Peppol network.

France eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2020: Mandatory B2G e-invoicing for public administrations and their suppliers

• 1 July 2024: Mandatory e-invoicing and e-reporting for B2B and B2C in large corporations with over 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion in annual revenue or a balance sheet total of more than €2 billion

  • Note: Companies who do not have to send e-invoices yet, must be ready to receive e-invoices at this time

• 1 January 2025: Mandatory for SMEs with fewer than 5,000 employees and annual sales of less than €1.5 billion or balance sheet total of less than €2 billion

• 1 January 2026: Mandatory for all SMEs and very small enterprises (VSEs) with fewer than 250 employees and annual sales of less than €50 million or a balance sheet total of less than €43 million

Portal: Chrous Pro

Format: UBL, CII or Factur-X

Tax Authority: Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFIP)

Since 2020, B2G e-invoicing has been required in France. B2B invoicing is currently optional, but from 2024 to 2026, it will gradually become required for various groups.

The application process for enterprises who register directly or through potential certified agents (PDPs) will open for Chorus Pro or Portail Public de Facturation (PPF), the French public invoicing platform, in April 2023.

Germany eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

B2G e-invoicing

• 18 April 2020: Contractors and government suppliers must be able to receive and process e-invoices

• 27 November 2020: Mandatory issuance of e-invoices at the federal level in the state of Bremen

• 1 January 2022: Mandatory in the states of Saarland, Hamburg and Baden Württemberg

• 1 April 2023: Mandatory in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

• 1 January 2024: Mandatory in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate

• 18 April 2024: Mandatory in the state of Hessen

B2B e-invoicing

• 1 January 2025: Planned phased implementation of B2B e-invoicing

Portal: ZRE, OZG-RE

Format: xRechnung, ZUGFerD

Tax Authority: Bundesministerium der Finanzen

Germany is currently going through a digitization shift as a result of the ViDA proposal from the European Commission. E-invoices will soon replace paper invoices in B2G and B2B transactions, bringing about a number of changes.

The European Commission just gave Germany permission to begin using B2B e-invoicing in January 2025. Since the public consultation with the German Federal Ministry of Finance ended in May 2023, technical rule for e-invoicing implementation have not yet been made public but are likely to be shortly.

Greece eInvoicing

Implementation Timeline

• 12 September 2023: Introduction of mandatory B2G e-invoicing for some major governemnt agencies

• 1 January 2024: All central government agencies are included in the scope

• 1 June 2024: Suppliers to all other government authorities will be in scope

• 1 January 2025: all other government expenses must be e-invoiced

Portal: myDATA

Format: Peppol BIS 3.0

Tax Authority: Υπουργείο Οικονομικών (GAVOIK)

The my Digital Accounting and Tax Application (MyData) is a platform that has been developed by the Greek Tax Authority (GAVOIK) for e-invoicing in Greece.

The app serves as a central repository for all e-invoices, providing a secure and standardized method for companies to send, receive, and manage e-invoices.

Hungary eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 1 July 2018: Implementation of RTIR for domestic invoices with a minimum VAT amount of 100,000 HUF (approx. 250 EUR)

• 1 July 2020: abolition of a RTIR threshold (all invoices now submitted in real time)

• 1 January 2021: all B2B and B2C transactions must be reported in real time including intra-community transactions

Portal: NAV Online Invoicing System

Format: UBL 2.1, UN/CEFACT CII, PEPPOL BIS 3.0 or Signed PDF

Tax Authority: Nemzeti Adó és Vámhivatal (NAV)

Since 2018, Hungary has used a centralized system to implement a real-time invoice reporting (RTIR) reporting standard. It enables the NAV to validate the invoices in real time in accordance with Decree 23/2014, which is applicable to all businesses registered in Hungary for VAT.

Ireland eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 18 April 2019: Mandated public entities must receive and process e-invoices

• April 2020: All public sector entities must receive and process e-invoices

Portal: Peppol

Format: Peppol BIS 3.0, CIUS-CEFACT

Tax Authority: Irish Tax and Customs

In order to meet the Directive obligations, Irenland has decided to use the Peppol network along with countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands. This has improved eProcurement for B2G transactions and continuous collaboration between the National eInvoicing Programe and business will lead to a successful comprehensive multi-stakeholder strategy.

Italy eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2014: Mandatory e-invoicing for B2G transactions

• 2016: Single Schema released for B2G, B2B, and B2C electronic invoicing

• 1 January 2019: Mandatory for domestic B2B to offer e-invoices via SDI

• 1 January 2022: B2B and B2C (with some exceptions) e-invoicing mandatory for those with an annual turnover greater than 65,000 EUR

• 1 July 2022: introduction of pre-filled VAT returns to speed up foreign transaction reporting

  • 3 additional taxpayer groups to issue e-invoices: taxpayers under the flat-rate tax regime, amateur sports associations and third-sector entities with revenue up to €65,000 and taxpayers from San Marino

Portal: Sistema di Interscambio (SDI)

Format: FatturaPa

Tax Authority: Agenzia delle Entrate

Italy took the lead in the EU by being the first country to mandate e-invoicing. In 2014, they introduced the Sistema di Interscambio (SDI) system, requiring all public sector invoices to be submitted as e-invoices starting from 2015, along with B2B e-invoices in 2019.

Italy also implemented a tax modernization system, known as the "clearance" model, which effectively reduced their VAT gap. Under this model, companies are obligated to electronically submit all B2G and B2B invoices to the tax authority.

Latvia eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• April 2020: In accordance with Directive 2014/55/EU, all central government contracting authorities and entities in Latvia are required to receive and process electronic invoices

• January 2023: Usage of eAddress is required for all legal entities

• January 1 2025: Proposed introduction of mandatory B2G and B2B e-invoicing

Portal: eAdrese, latvija.lv

Format: PEPPOL BIS 3.0, UBL 2.1, CII

Tax Authority: Finanšu Ministrija

In April 2020, all central government contracting authorities and entities in Latvia are required to receive and process electronic invoices and starting in 1 January 2025, e-invoicing regulations in Latvia will begin via the Peppol framework for mandatory B2B transactions.

Since the Republic of Latvia is utilizing the post-audit model, the public administration must accept electronic invoices and documents in any format. An electronic signature is also not required in order to issue an electronic invoice.

Liechtenstein eInvoicing

Portal: n/a

Format: XML, PDF

Tax Authority: Ministry of General Government Affairs and Finance

Only suppliers to the national administration must submit e-invoices above a certain threshold; for all other transactions, it is voluntary. The invoicing system in Lichtenstein is still in progress with no platform, therefore, e-invoices must be sent by email to [email protected].

Lithuania eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• July 2017: B2G electronic invoicing is mandatory

• April 2018: All central government contracting authorities and entities in Lithuania are required to receive and process electronic invoices

• April 2019: E-invoicing in Lithuania is connected to the Peppol network and mandatory issuance of B2G Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 e-invoices between suppliers and public contracting authorities in Lithuania

Portal: eSaskaita

Format: PEPPOL BIS 3.0, UBL 2.1 LT, CII

Tax Authority: Lietuvos Respublikos finansų ministerija

To facilitate mandatory e-invoicing, the eSaskaita platform has been established, which will be integrated with the Peppol network in September 2023. Businesses will be able to use the eSaskaita platform free of charge for sending and receiving e-invoices for a period of 5 years. Although the national XML format was adopted initially, the Peppol BIS 3.0 format is now encouraged, even though the national format is still accepted.

Luxemburg eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 18 April 2019: Mandatory receiving and processing of e-invoices for public entities and central government

• May 2022: Phased introduction of B2G e-invoicing for large companies

• October 2022: Introduction of B2G e-invoicing for medium-sized companies

• 15 March 2023: Introduction of B2G e-invoicing for small and new companies

Portal: Peppol

Format: Peppol BIS 3.0

Tax Authority: Luxembourg Inland Revenue, Indirect Tax Authority, Customs and Excise Agency.

Currently, B2B e-invoicing is voluntary, and the Peppol network is used to send e-invoices to public institutions. An electronic signature is not required in order to send compliant e-invoices, but they must be archived for 10 years.

Malta eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• April 2020: All central government entities must be able to process and receive e-invoices

Portal: Peppol

Format: Peppol BIS 3.0

Tax Authority: Ministeru għall-Finanzi

In Malta, B2B e-invoicing continues to be voluntary with the buyer's consent, with digital signatures not being necessary and an invoice archive period of 6 years. B2G transactions are monitored through a post-audit CTC model in accordance with "Digital Malta 2014 to 2020".

Monaco eInvoicing

Monaco currently does not have any e-invoicing requirements, but invoices must be archived for 10 years.

Montenegro eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2025 - 2026: Predicted B2G and B2B e-invoicing implementation.

Portal: EFI portal (SEP)

Format: OASIS UBL 2.1, Peppol

Tax Authority: Ministarstvo Finansija

All transaction types presently offer a choice to use electronic invoicing. Regarding B2B e-invoices, businesses must consult the Ministarstvo Finansija and download a unique identification code (JIKR) to be printed on the invoice.

These invoices can be verified using an electronic data interchange (EDI) or digital signature. E-invoices must be kept for only five years, which is less time than required in other European nations.

The Netherlands eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 1 January 2017: All governmental suppliers must process and send e-invoices (B2G)

Portal: DIGIPOORT (Peppol)

Format: SI-UBL 2.0, Peppol BIS 3.0, UBL-OHNL 1.9

Tax Authority: Belastingdienst

In the Netherlands, public administration and suppliers need to be able to receive and issue e-invoices (B2G). In the B2B context, e-invoicing is voluntary, although it is already widely used with the consent of a client.

North Macedonia eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2024: Proposed B2G and B2B e-invoicing implementation

Portal: To be announced

Format: To be announced

Tax Authority: управа за јавни приходи (UJP)

Currently, Macedonia has put in place the e-Faktura project on which is working on creating a plan for the implementation of electronic invoicing.

Norway eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2019: Mandatory B2G e-invoicing

Portal: ELMA

Format: Peppol BIS 3.0, EHF Billing 3.0

Tax Authority: Skattetaten

In Norway, only governmental administrations and their suppliers are required to use electronic invoices. Although not required, they are often used in the private sector.

To send and receive electronic invoices, businesses and public bodies must register on the ELMA network.

Poland eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2019: Public administrations must receive and process e-invoices and it is voluntary for governmental suppliers

• January 1st, 2022: Structured invoices are offered as a voluntary option for Polish taxpayers in accordance with the National System of e-Invoices.

• March 15th, 2023: The most recent draft of proposed legislation governing e-invoicing was announced by the Ministry of Finance. Governmental legislative procedures are currently still in progress.

• July 1st, 2024: Proposed implementation of obligatory B2B e-invoicing with certain exceptions.

Portal: PeF (B2G) and KSeF (B2B)

Format: KSeF schema (B2B), Peppol-UBL (B2G)

Tax Authority: Ministerstwo Finansów

Poland plans to become one of the first countries in the world to mandate B2B e-invoicing standards. It will be subject to obligatory invoicing starting in July 2024 by using the Krajowy System e-Faktur (KSeF) platform. Currently, it is not necessary to add a digital signature to an e-invoice and they must be stored for 5 years.

Portugal eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• April 2020: Mandatory e-invoice issuance for large B2G suppliers

• 31 December 2023: End of PDF e-invoices being accepted for B2G transactions

• 1 January 2024: Digital signatures are required for e-invoices and micro, small and medium companies must issue e-invoices for B2G transactions

Portal: eSPAP , BASE

Format: UBL 2.1 “CIUS-PT”, CEFACT “CIUS-PT”

Tax Authority: Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT)

According to European Directive 2014/55/EU, electronic invoices are only subject to regulation in Portugal when used to bill public administrations. The organization in charge of putting the electronic invoices into use, the eSPAP, employs a real-time reporting system.

Romania eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 1 July 2022: Implementation of B2G e-invoicing

• 1 January 2024: implementation of B2B e-invoicing for all companies

Portal: RO e-Factura

Format: UBL 2.1, RO_CIUS

Tax Authority: Agenţia Naţională de Administrare Fiscală

Invoices should be exchanged between public agencies (B2G) and voluntarily between private businesses (B2B) using the RO e-Invoicing portal. Electronic invoicing between businesses won't be implemented gradually; rather, as of 2024, it will be required for all businesses.

Serbia eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 1 May 2022: All invoices sent to public authorities have to be sent as e-invoices and the Serbian government must be able to receive and store them electronically. (G2G/B2G)

• 1 July 2022: All public sector entities are required to send e-invoices to companies, which must be able to receive, process and store incoming invoices. (G2B)

• 1 January 2023: E-invoicing will be mandatory in the entire B2B sector, meaning all private sector entities are obliged to send and receive e-invoices. (B2B)

Portal: SEF

Format: UBL 2.1

Tax Authority: Ministartstvo Finansija

Serbia has completed the transition to e-invoicing, for both B2B and B2G transactions. They adopted the Law on Electronic Invoicing - Zakon o Elektronskom Fakturisanju that mandated the use of e-invoices for all businesses from 1 January 2023 onward.

Slovakia eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• Autumn 2023: Mandatory B2G e-invoicing

• 2025: Predicted B2B and B2C e-invoicing implementation date

Portal: Informačný Systém Elektronickej Fakturácie (IS EFA)

Format: UBL 2.1 and CII D16B

Tax Authority: Finančná Správa

With the beginning of a public consultation and plans to introduce the requirement for B2G e-invoicing in the fall of 2023, Slovakia has become the newest candidate for the European e-invoice.

The new Slovak Ministry of Finance proposal proposes to expand the current system to domestic B2B and B2C invoices. Non-residential invoices would require separate reporting. It is considering a pre-clearance system that would require taxpayers to first live report invoices to the tax authorities for inspection and approval.

Slovenia eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 1 January 2015: It is mandatory to receive and issue e-invoices for G2G and B2G transactions

• 2025: Predicted B2B e-invoicing implementation

Portal: PPA (UJP)

Format: E-SLOG 2.0, PEPPOL BIS 3.0, UBL 2.1

Tax Authority: Finančna Uprava

Slovenia mandated e-invoicing for G2G and B2G transactions in 2015 to increase transparency, reduce administrative processes, and close the VAT gap.

Despite the Slovenian Parliament's decision to reevaluate Bill No. 54921-12/2023/1 on March 3, 2023, the country's administration has yet to set a firm timeline for implementing B2B electronic invoicing. Slovenia hopes to support modifications to the EU VAT Directive 2006/112/EC with this proposed bill. Thus, 2025 is the most likely year for Slovenia to deploy B2B e-invoicing.

Spain eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• January 15, 2015: For B2G e-invoicing, it is mandatory to submit them electronically and ensure they are signed with an electronic signature

• Fall 2024 (or 1 year after approval of technical regulation): Mandatory B2B e-invoicing for large taxpayers with an annual turnover of at least €8 million

• Fall 2025 (or 2 years after approval of technical regulation): Mandatory B2B for whose invoices total turnover is less than €8 million

Portal: FACe, FACeB2B

Format: UBL, Facturae, CII, EDIFACT

Tax Authority: Agencia Tributaria (AEAT)

With over 12 million e-invoices sent each year, electronic invoicing, or e-invoicing, has grown to be a substantial part of financial operations in Spain. Business-to-business electronic invoicing will soon follow B2G electronic invoicing, which has been required since 2015. The anticipated implementation date of B2B e-invoicing is probably going to be postponed due to the lack of available information of the technical specifications.

Sweden eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2008: Mandatory e-invoicing for central public administrations

• 2019: Mandatory B2G e-invoicing

Portal: Peppol Network

Format: Peppol BIS 3.0, Svefaktura, SFTI ESAP 6 Fulltextfaktura

Tax Authority: Skatteverket, Agency for Digital Government (DICG).

In Sweden, the electronic invoice is only voluntary for the public sector and its suppliers. In the public sector, its use is voluntary.

Switzerland eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• January 2016: Mandatory B2G e-invoicing for contracts over 5,000 CHF (approx. 5,195 EUR)

Portal: n/a

Format: swissDIGIN, Yellowbill 2.0, EDIFACT ABADOC

Tax Authority: Eidgenössische Steuerverwaltung (ESTV)

Only B2G transactions in Switzerland must now be invoiced electronically as of January 2016. The Federal Finance Administration is in charge of e-invoicing but does not yet have a centralized portal.

Türkiye eInvoicing

Implementation timeline

• 2014: Mandatory B2B e-invoicing

• 1 June 2019: Mandatory e-procurement

• July 2023: It will be required of all businesses that invoiced more than 3 million TL (140 000 €) in 2022 to declare all of their invoices on the TRA portal

• September 2023: mandatory to include a QR code on invoices, e-invoices, and e-archives

Portal: TRA

Format: e-Fatura, e-Arşiv, UBL-TR 1.2

Tax Authority: Gelir dare Başkanlığı (GIB)

Businesses who conduct B2B transactions and generate a specific volume of invoices are required to use electronic invoicing. In a B2G setting, suppliers who have registered with the TRA must be able to issue e-invoices to public agencies as well as receive them.

Benefits of an e-invoicing Solution

1. Enhanced Efficiency: E-invoicing eliminates manual processes, such as printing, mailing, and manual data entry. It enables businesses to automate invoice creation, delivery, and payment reconciliation, resulting in significant time and cost savings. The streamlined workflow allows for faster invoice processing and reduces the risk of errors and delays.

2. Cost Savings: E-invoicing reduces administrative costs associated with printing, postage, and manual data entry. With digital invoicing, businesses can minimize paper usage, storage costs, and the need for physical storage space. Additionally, faster payment cycles can improve cash flow and reduce financing costs.

3. Improved Accuracy and Data Integrity: Manual data entry is prone to errors, leading to discrepancies and potential payment delays. E-invoicing eliminates these inaccuracies by automating the invoice creation process and ensuring accurate data transfer from the sender to the recipient.

4. Increased Security and Compliance: E-invoicing offers robust security measures to protect sensitive financial information. Encryption, digital signatures, and secure transmission protocols ensure the confidentiality and integrity of invoices. Furthermore, e-invoicing helps businesses comply with tax regulations and invoicing standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: By eliminating the need for paper, printing, and transportation, e-invoicing contributes to environmental sustainability. It reduces carbon footprint, supports green initiatives, and aligns with corporate social responsibility goals.

In conclusion, e-invoicing offers numerous benefits to businesses, including increased efficiency, cost savings, improved accuracy, faster payment cycles, enhanced visibility, and compliance with regulations. Adopting e-invoicing not only streamlines financial processes but also drives sustainability and supports digital transformation in the modern business landscape.

How DDD Invoices Can Benefit Your Business Across Europe

DDD Invoices simplifies e-invoicing by providing an e-invoicing solution that integrates into your existing software. This allows companies to automate the invoicing process and eliminate the need for manual data entry.

We stay up to date with local tax regulations, so you don’t have to. Comply with B2G and B2B e-invoicing requirements with ease through a single API. If we do not currently serve a EU country where you require e-reporting, let us know, and we can develop it in 2-3 weeks. This way, we can ensure your VAT compliance at all times, wherever you do business.