An honest note first
InvoiceDesk is a browser tool that makes human-readable PDF and print invoices. A legally compliant e-invoice is usually a structured data file (for example EN 16931 UBL or CII XML, or a Peppol document) exchanged through an approved network or platform. This site does not produce structured e-invoices or connect to government platforms. Where e-invoicing is mandatory you will need accounting software or a service provider that does. You can still use our tools for quotes, receipts, calculators and invoices where PDF invoices remain valid.
The EU picture: ViDA
In 2025 the EU adopted the “VAT in the Digital Age” (ViDA) package. It introduces digital reporting requirements based on structured e-invoicing for cross-border B2B transactions between member states from 1 July 2030, and allows member states to introduce national e-invoicing mandates for domestic transactions without needing special permission from the EU. The EN 16931 standard is the common data model.
Country snapshot (as of October 2026)
| Country | Status | Key dates |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Mandatory B2B, B2G and B2C via the SDI system | In force since 2019 (2024 for most forfettari) |
| 🇫🇷 France | Mandatory B2B e-invoicing and e-reporting via approved platforms | All businesses must be able to receive from 1 Sep 2026. Large and mid-size companies must issue from 1 Sep 2026; small and micro businesses from 1 Sep 2027 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Mandatory domestic B2B e-invoicing, phased | All businesses must be able to receive from 1 Jan 2025. Issuing: from 1 Jan 2027 for turnover over €800,000, and from 1 Jan 2028 for everyone |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | Mandatory B2B via Peppol | From 1 Jan 2026 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | National KSeF system | Large businesses from 1 Feb 2026, others from 1 Apr 2026, micro businesses from 1 Jan 2027 |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | B2B e-invoicing law and VERI*FACTU billing-software rules | Dates have moved. Check AEAT |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | B2G mandatory, B2B voluntary, Peppol widely used | Check Belastingdienst |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | Phased VAT modernisation with e-invoicing and reporting | Check Revenue.ie |
These dates are as published when we checked in October 2026. Governments postpone and change them, so confirm with the national tax authority before you rely on any date.
What small businesses can do now
- Find out whether your country requires e-invoices for the customers you sell to.
- If so, choose accounting software that supports Peppol, EN 16931, or the national platform.
- Collect the data you will need: legal names, VAT numbers, addresses and, in some countries, buyer identifiers or routing codes.
- Keep using PDF invoices where they are still permitted.
- Keep orderly records. Even a simple structured habit (consistent numbering, buyer details, clear line items) makes migration easier. See numbering best practices.
The UK is on its own track
The UK has announced mandatory e-invoicing from April 2029. See UK e-invoicing 2029.
- All e-invoicing dates here are subject to change by governments. Confirm with the national tax authority.
Frequently asked questions
Is a PDF invoice an e-invoice?
Not in the strict legal sense of the new mandates. A PDF is an image-like document that a person reads. Structured e-invoices carry data a computer reads.
Do I need to stop using PDF invoices today?
Only where a mandate applies to you and your customer. Elsewhere PDFs remain valid. Check your national rules.
What is Peppol?
An international network and set of standards for exchanging electronic documents between businesses. Many countries use it for e-invoices.
What is EN 16931?
The European standard for the core elements of an electronic invoice.
Will InvoiceDesk add e-invoicing?
This site generates human-readable invoices in your browser and does not connect to e-invoicing networks.
Where can I check the dates?
The European Commission’s e-invoicing country factsheets and your national tax authority.
Related topics
- e-invoicing Europe
- Peppol
- ViDA
- EN 16931
- France e-invoicing 2026
- Germany E-Rechnung
- KSeF Poland
- Belgium Peppol