Germany will mandate e-invoicing for all B2B transactions between 2025 and 2028, while allowing invoices to be issued in any of the EU’s 24 official languages. This multilingual approach reduces translation burdens, supports cross-border trade, and ensures compliance as long as invoices contain required VAT details, though businesses must provide German translations if requested during audits
Germany allows e-invoices in all EU languages during 2025–2028 rollout.
Public
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Category:
Fiscal subject related
General information
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Content accuracy validation date:
06.10.2025
Content accuracy validation time:
09:20h
Germany is preparing for a major shift in business invoicing. Starting 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) will gradually become mandatory for all business-to-business (B2B) transactions, with full implementation by 2028. To support this change, the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) has confirmed that German e-invoices can be issued in any of the EU’s 24 official languages.
This move is designed to make cross-border trade easier, reduce administrative costs, and align Germany with the multilingual nature of the EU market. Until now, businesses were unsure if invoices had to be in German to remain valid. The new rules clarify that as long as invoices include all legally required VAT information and are understandable to the recipient, they are compliant.
What should businesses know?
- Language flexibility: Invoices can be issued in any EU language, both domestic and cross-border,
- Audits: Tax authorities may request a German translation during audits, so businesses should be prepared to provide one,
- Cross-border benefits: Companies trading within the EU can invoice customers directly in their preferred language,
- VAT deduction: Using another EU language does not affect the right to deduct input VAT,
- Terminology: Businesses are encouraged to use standard EU terms to avoid misunderstandings.
The language concession comes as part of Germany’s phased e-invoicing rollout: large companies will start in 2025, followed by medium and small businesses through 2026–2027, with all B2B invoices electronic by 2028.
This change offers companies with international operations more flexibility, fewer translation burdens, and smoother integration of invoicing systems across Europe. At the same time, firms must ensure accuracy, maintain compliance, and be ready with translations if tax authorities request them.
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