E-invoicing in France: mandatory from 1 September 2026
Check an e-invoice here
Drop an XML or ZUGFeRD PDF file here. Validation runs locally in your browser against EN 16931 — your file never leaves your machine.
France is introducing mandatory B2B e-invoicing — and it affects German companies that have customers or subsidiaries in France too. This page frames the timeline and shows what you can prepare yourself.
The timeline
France phases the mandate by company size:
- from 01.09.2026: receiving becomes mandatory for all companies, regardless of size.
- from 01.09.2026: sending becomes mandatory for large and mid-sized companies (grandes entreprises, ETI).
- from 01.09.2027: sending becomes mandatory for SMEs and micro-enterprises (PME, TPE).
Because the topic is politically in motion, it’s worth checking the official French sources before key deadlines.
The format: Factur-X
France builds on Factur-X — the French counterpart to ZUGFeRD. Both are the same standard: a PDF/A-3 with embedded CII XML per EN 16931. An invoice you create as ZUGFeRD is also a valid Factur-X invoice. Details in the Factur-X guide.
Plain UBL and CII invoices per EN 16931 are permitted as well.
What you can do with Beleggo
Beleggo covers the part you control yourself, independent of any platform:
- Create: an EN 16931-valid invoice as Factur-X/ZUGFeRD, UBL or CII.
- Check: validate an incoming or outgoing invoice against EN 16931 — before you book or send it.
- Convert: switch between UBL, CII and a Factur-X PDF.
Everything runs locally in your browser — the invoice data never leaves your machine.
What Beleggo does not do
To be clear: sending in France runs over approved platforms (PDP — Plateforme de Dématérialisation Partenaire) and is tied to e-reporting to the tax authority. Beleggo does not handle that transmission, the Chorus Pro/PDP connection, or the French CTC reporting duties — you need a PDP for those. Beleggo makes sure the invoice you submit there is correct in content and structure.
Checked in a moment
Load a Factur-X, ZUGFeRD or UBL/CII invoice below and check it against EN 16931 right here — free, no upload.
Frequently asked questions
When does e-invoicing become mandatory in France?
Receiving becomes mandatory for all companies from 1 September 2026. Sending from 1 September 2026 for large and mid-sized companies, and from 1 September 2027 for SMEs and micro-enterprises.
Which format do I need for France?
France relies on Factur-X — technically identical to the German ZUGFeRD — as well as plain UBL and CII per EN 16931. A valid Factur-X / ZUGFeRD invoice covers both countries.
Can I send invoices to Chorus Pro or a PDP with Beleggo?
No. Beleggo checks and creates the invoice (EN 16931 / Factur-X) locally in your browser. The actual transmission in France runs over approved platforms (PDP) — Beleggo does not handle the transmission or the e-reporting.