CrowFlip
PDF invoice generator

E-invoice guidance last reviewed: 4 Oct 2026

Create Invoice

Create professional invoices in seconds. Free & secure.

Invoice details & settings

Settings

Save your sender and invoice defaults once and load them with one click for future invoices.

Do not charge VAT (§19 UStG)
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Sender (You)
Recipient (Customer)
Invoice Details
Line Items
Footer & Bank

Three steps to your PDF invoice

  1. Enter the sender, recipient, invoice number and applicable invoice and supply dates. Replace any example data with your own details.
  2. Add line items with a description, quantity and unit price. Select the VAT treatment applicable to your transaction. The small-business option does not check your eligibility.
  3. Check the preview and total, download the PDF and review it before sending. Retain the document within your own accounting process.

Example with two invoice line items

Illustrative calculation: two items at €25 net each total €50. A separate €5 net shipping line brings the net total to €55. The final amount depends on the selected VAT treatment. This example does not determine the correct tax rate for your sale.

The download is a standard PDF, not an XRechnung or ZUGFeRD file. Check whether this format is sufficient for your transaction before sending.

Choose between PDF and structured e-invoices

Guide updated:

PDF invoices in 2026: useful, but not automatically an e-invoice

CrowFlip creates standard PDF invoices. Since 2025, a plain PDF is not a structured German E-Rechnung such as XRechnung or an eligible ZUGFeRD format.

Rules last reviewed: 4 Oct 2026

Typical required invoice fields

Required fields depend on the transaction and any special rules. A standard invoice commonly includes:

  • Full name and address of supplier and recipient
  • Tax number or VAT ID where required
  • Invoice date and unique invoice number
  • Quantity and description of goods or scope and type of service
  • Date of supply or service
  • Consideration, VAT rate and VAT amount or the applicable tax notice

What applies to German e-invoices in 2026

Under the general transition rule, issuers may still use other invoice formats through 31 Dec 2026. A normal electronic PDF generally requires the recipient's consent.

If the issuer's prior-year turnover is no more than €800,000, the transition for issuing invoices extends through the end of 2027.

German domestic businesses generally need to be able to receive e-invoices since 1 Jan 2025. According to the ministry, an email inbox is sufficient for receipt.

Small businesses

Services supplied by German small businesses are currently exempt from the duty to issue an e-invoice, while domestic businesses still need to be able to receive e-invoices. CrowFlip's §19 UStG option controls VAT display in the PDF; it does not turn the PDF into a structured e-invoice.

Frequently asked questions

Primary source

Time-sensitive e-invoice rules are based on the German Federal Ministry of Finance FAQ, March 2026.

German Finance Ministry: e-invoice FAQ

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PDF workflow with clear German e-invoice guidance.

Invoice guidance and related calculators

Combine invoice creation with fee and shipping calculators to keep revenue and margin assumptions consistent.

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