How-to · Updated June 2026

Create a ZUGFeRD invoice: step by step

Q: What is a ZUGFeRD invoice?

ZUGFeRD is a hybrid format: a PDF/A-3 that carries a complete, valid XML embedded in the document. The recipient sees a normal PDF, a system reads the structured data from the XML in parallel. Both meet EN 16931.

Q: Which ZUGFeRD profile should I choose?

For a full e-invoice to EN 16931, the EN 16931 profile (also called COMFORT) is the sensible minimum. For German public bodies, use the XRECHNUNG profile, which also follows the XRechnung mandatory rules. MINIMUM and BASIC carry less data.

Q: Do I need a tax program for this?

No. You need software that produces the XML correctly and embeds it in a PDF/A-3. Vera does this in the browser without migrating your bookkeeping.

Q: How do I check whether the ZUGFeRD file is valid?

The embedded XML must be validated against the EN 16931 rules and the chosen profile. Vera validates before download so you do not send a file with errors.

Q: Does Vera create ZUGFeRD invoices?

Yes. Vera produces ZUGFeRD or Factur-X as a hybrid PDF with embedded CII XML to EN 16931 and validates before download. Sending is done by email or through your channel.

A ZUGFeRD invoice is a PDF with embedded XML. The recipient sees a familiar PDF, the bookkeeping reads the structured data automatically. Here is how a compliant ZUGFeRD file comes together in a few steps, from the right profile to validation before sending.

TL;DR

ZUGFeRD = PDF/A-3 with embedded CII XML, both to EN 16931. Steps: complete sender data, enter the invoice, choose the profile (EN 16931, or XRECHNUNG for public bodies), produce the hybrid PDF, validate before download. Vera produces and validates ZUGFeRD in the browser, no software migration.

What ZUGFeRD is

ZUGFeRD is a German hybrid format. Technically it is a PDF/A-3 that carries a complete CII XML embedded in it. That makes it both human-readable and machine-processable. ZUGFeRD and the French Factur-X are technically the same format with different origins.

In five steps

Complete the sender data Name, address, tax number or VAT ID and the bank details belong in the profile. If something is missing, the file is incomplete and fails validation.
Enter the invoice Recipient, lines, quantities and prices. Set the tax rate per line so mixed rates, for example 7 and 19 percent, are broken down correctly.
Choose the profile For a full e-invoice at least the EN 16931 profile. For public bodies the XRECHNUNG profile, which also follows the XRechnung rules.
Produce the hybrid PDF The tool produces the PDF/A-3 and embeds the matching CII XML. The visible PDF and the structured data come from the same source and match.
Validate before sending The embedded XML is checked against EN 16931 and the profile. Only once it is clean do you download and send.

The right profile

Profile	Suited for
EN 16931 (COMFORT)	full e-invoice for B2B
XRECHNUNG	B2G, also follows the XRechnung mandatory rules
BASIC / MINIMUM	reduced data, not sufficient for every obligation
EXTENDED	extra fields beyond EN 16931

Note: Vera produces the hybrid PDF and validates before download. Vera is not a sending channel, sending by email or through an Access Point is handled by you.

FAQ

What is a ZUGFeRD invoice?

A PDF/A-3 with embedded, valid XML. The recipient sees a PDF, a system reads the data from the XML. Both meet EN 16931.

Which ZUGFeRD profile should I choose?

At least EN 16931 for a full e-invoice. For public bodies the XRECHNUNG profile. MINIMUM and BASIC carry less data.

Do I need a tax program for this?

No. You need software that produces the XML and embeds it in a PDF/A-3. Vera does this in the browser.

How do I check whether the ZUGFeRD file is valid?

The embedded XML is validated against EN 16931 and the profile. Vera validates before download.

Does Vera create ZUGFeRD invoices?

Yes, as a hybrid PDF with embedded CII XML to EN 16931, validated before download. Sending is done by you.

Create ZUGFeRD in the browser

Vera produces the hybrid PDF with embedded XML to EN 16931, validated before download. No tax program needed.

Create one now

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