Germany is consolidating its two federal B2G e-invoicing platforms—ZRE and OZG-RE—into a single system, with OZG-RE becoming the centralized portal for all federal invoice submissions. This long-overdue merger eliminates redundant infrastructure, reduces administrative costs, and simplifies the process for suppliers by resolving inefficiencies caused by the previous dual-platform setup.
Germany Consolidates its Federal e-Invoicing platforms.
Public
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Category:
Fiscal subject related
Views:
1445
Content accuracy validation date:
02.06.2025
Content accuracy validation time:
08:52h
To improve efficiency and user experience, the German federal government is merging its two existing B2G (business-to-government) electronic invoicing platforms into a single system. The platform previously known as ZRE will now be fully integrated into OZG-RE, creating one centralized portal for federal e-invoicing.
Since 2018, Germany has operated two separate platforms for receiving electronic invoices at the federal level:
- ZRE: Served the immediate federal administration,
- OZG-RE: Served the indirect federal administration and 5 German states (Länder).
This split was due to differences in how these parts of the administration were funded. However, it created a number of issues:
- Duplicate technical infrastructure and maintenance,
- Higher administrative costs,
- Confusion for suppliers who had to distinguish between different agencies,
- Extra complexity that undermined the benefits of digital invoicing.
In November 2024, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of the Interior decided to consolidate both systems into OZG-RE. From now on, OZG-RE will serve all federal agencies, including those that previously used ZRE.
A major migration project is now underway. This involves
- Technically onboarding ZRE recipients onto OZG-RE,
- Connecting OZG-RE with existing systems and workflows,
- Communicating the transition to both public institutions and suppliers.
The migration began on May 23, 2025, with the Purchasing Office of the Bundeswehr as the first agency to switch from ZRE to OZG-RE. Other federal agencies will follow gradually. Suppliers will be informed well in advance of each switch.
Only suppliers using interactive portals or agency-specific platforms need to take action. Those sending invoices via Peppol, a standardized e-invoicing network, don’t need to do anything; the system will automatically route invoices to the correct endpoint once updated in the Peppol network using Dynamic Discovery.
This consolidation corrects a setup that was never based on technical or business needs; it existed only because of a budgetary division in Germany’s federal structure. The merger is long overdue and brings a more streamlined, logical, and cost-effective solution for public sector e-invoicing.
Other news from Germany
New event was created: Reminder - Join our free webinar: Are You Audit-Ready? Retail Tax Checks in Germany, France & Italy
Public
Author: Ivana Picajkić and Vukašin Santo
Tax audits are becoming an increasingly important part of modern tax systems across Europe, especially in the retail sector where transaction volumes are high and compliance requirements are constantly evolving. With different fiscalization models in place across Germany, France, and Italy, understanding what authorities actually check during tax audits is essential for retailers and software pro... Read more
Germany Updates VAT Registration Certificate Rules (VAT 1 TN)
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany introduced a new standardized VAT registration certificate (VAT 1 TN), replacing previous guidance. The certificate serves only as proof of VAT registration, is valid for up to one year, and can be issued electronically without signature. The update mainly simplifies procedures and supports digitalization and cross-border VAT use. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? Login
New event was created: Join our free webinar: Are You Audit-Ready? Retail Tax Checks in Germany, France & Italy
Public
Author: Vukašin Santo and Ivana Picajkić
Tax audits are becoming an increasingly important part of modern tax systems across Europe, especially in the retail sector where transaction volumes are high and compliance requirements are constantly evolving. With different fiscalization models in place across Germany, France, and Italy, understanding what authorities actually check during tax audits is essential for retailers and software pro... Read more
New document was uploaded: Tax Audit in Germany
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
The purpose of this document is to explain the rules governing the tax audit regime in Germany, including the legal framework, the main focus areas of a tax audit, and the procedures followed by the tax authorities. It also outlines the increasing importance of digital data access and audit techniques. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? Login
Germany Expands X-Rechnung as the Core of Its E-Invoicing System
Public
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany is expanding the role of XRechnung as a core structured e-invoicing format, moving from public-sector use to a mandatory standard for domestic B2B transactions between 2025 and 2028, based on EU Directive 2014/55/EU and national legislation. Businesses must adapt their systems and processes to handle XML-based invoices, ensure compliance with EN 16931 standards, and manage proper transmiss... Read more
Germany Clarifies E-Invoicing Rules for Small Businesses Ahead of 2028 Mandate
Public
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany has clarified that small businesses under Section 19 UStG are exempt from issuing e-invoices even after the 2028 mandate, allowing continued use of paper or PDF invoices. However, they must still be able to receive, process, and store structured e-invoices from January 1, 2025, as part of the phased transition to full digital B2B invoicing. Germany has confirmed how new e-Invoicing obligat... Read more
Germany and France: ZUGFeRD 2.5 to Launch in May 2026, Introducing Gross Invoices
Public
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany and France will release ZUGFeRD version 2.5 on May 20, 2026, introducing support for gross invoices and aligning the format with the latest EN 16931 standards. Germany and France have announced a new version of the ZUGFeRD e-invoicing format (version 2.5), which will be released on May 20, 2026. The update is developed jointly by Forum for Electronic Invoicing Germany and FNFE-MPE (a Fren... Read more