Create an XRechnung: Guide with Leitweg-ID

Updated: 2026-06-25

The XRechnung is the standard format for invoices to public authorities — and a clean choice in B2B too when only pure data is to be transferred. Here is how to create it.

Step by step

1. Capture the invoice data: enter seller, buyer, line items, tax rates and amounts.
2. Add the Leitweg-ID (for authorities): the Leitweg-ID is mandatory for B2G invoices. It goes in the buyer reference field (BT-10).
3. Choose the syntax: UBL or CII — both are valid.
4. Export: download the XRechnung as an XML file.

Get started right away: create an XRechnung in the browser.

What sets the XRechnung apart from ZUGFeRD

The XRechnung is a pure XML file — without a visible PDF. If the recipient should also be able to “see” the invoice, ZUGFeRD is the better choice. More in the comparison.

Mind the current version

The XRechnung is updated twice a year; the current version is 3.0.2. A good tool automatically generates the valid version, so you do not have to worry about it. Background under XRechnung.

Don’t forget the mandatory fields

In addition to the general invoice details, the German business rules (BR-DE) require additional fields. Common pitfalls: a missing or incorrect Leitweg-ID, a missing buyer reference, inconsistent amounts.

Always validate

A faulty XRechnung is rejected by the recipient’s portal. So check it before sending: the tool validates the XRechnung against EN 16931 and the BR-DE rules — locally in the browser, without your data being uploaded.