PDF to XRechnung Transformation API Reference
Convert a PDF invoice into a XRechnung-compliant XML document. Our engine reads your invoice data from a PDF, and generates a validated XRechnung XML automatically. XRechnung is Germany's national CIUS (Core Invoice Usage Specification) of the EN 16931 standard and is mandatory for all invoices sent to German federal, state, and municipal authorities.
This is an experimental feature. AI can make mistakes. Always double-check the result before submitting it to tax authorities.
https://api.invoicexml.com/v1/transform/to/xrechnung
Code Example
curl -X POST https://api.invoicexml.com/v1/transform/to/xrechnung \ -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \ -F "[email protected]" \ -F "language=en"
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Request
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| file * | binary | The invoice file to process. |
| language | string | Language for PDF labels and date formatting. Values: en, de, fr. Defaults to en. |
Content-Type: multipart/form-data
The source and target formats are part of the endpoint path, and everything else (syntax, declared profile, specification identifier) is read from the document itself, so there is nothing more to configure.
Headers
| Header | Value |
|---|---|
| Authorization * | Bearer YOUR_API_KEY |
| Content-Type | multipart/form-data |
Response
200 Converted invoice
Returns the XRechnung XML document.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is XRechnung?
XRechnung is the German implementation (CIUS) of EN 16931. It adds stricter validation rules on top of the European core standard and is mandatory for B2G invoicing with German government entities since November 2020.
Do I need a Leitweg-ID?
Yes. German government recipients require a Leitweg-ID (routing identifier) in the BuyerReference field. If the source PDF contains a Leitweg-ID, the API maps it automatically; otherwise, you can supply it as a parameter.
What is the difference between XRechnung and ZUGFeRD?
XRechnung produces a standalone XML file for B2G portals (e.g., ZRE, OZG-RE). ZUGFeRD produces a hybrid PDF with embedded XML, primarily for B2B exchange. Both can satisfy EN 16931 requirements.
Which XRechnung version is generated?
The API generates the latest XRechnung 3.0 specification, aligned with the current KoSIT validation rules.
Where do I submit XRechnung invoices?
XRechnung invoices are typically submitted via the Peppol network or uploaded directly to the ZRE (Zentrale Rechnungseingangsplattform) or OZG-RE portals.