XRechnung
XRechnung is an XML‑based invoice format built on the European standard EN 16931. It enables structured, machine‑readable invoices that can be processed and archived with ease.
XRechnung applies to customers who are established and VAT‑registered in Germany, across both the public and private sectors. The responsible authority overseeing the standard is KOSiT in Bremen.
Currently AirPlus is offering XRechnung exclusively via the PEPPOL network to our public sector customers using the AirPlus Company Account.
From January 1, 2027 AirPlus will offer XRechnung for all products and services where we act as the "legal invoice issuer" in Germany. Transmission is handled by default through the AirPlus Portal. Alternative delivery channels include SFTP, email, and PEPPOL.
With the introduction of XRechnung you can:
- Automate invoice processing and reduce manual data entry and processing time.
- Ensure compliance: Meet regulatory requirements and standards with ease.
- Improve efficiency: Speed up invoice approval and payment cycles.
The XRechnung format contains all the mandatory information required for VAT purposes. Additional information, such as the supplier number, an order identification number or a routing identification number, is also part of the XRechnung.
XRechnung Overview:
Legitimization for XRechnungen
All German organizations in the public sector (such as federal and state offices, municipalities, cities, hospitals, universities, schools, etc.) as well as companies and organizations in the private sector with a legal domicile and VAT registration in Germany are eligible for XRechnung.
AirPlus products that are qualified for XInvoices
XRechnung is currently only available for our central payment solutions (due to legal requirements and invoice status). All changes will be communicated on this landing page and via your AirPlus contact person. implementation@airplus.com.
XRechnung transmissions
XRechnungen are offered via AirPlus Portal (default), PEPPOL network, by e-mail and via SFTP .
Transmission via the PEPPOL network is carried out in cooperation with our service provider Unifiedpost.
Starting from 01 January, all customers with a legal address in Germany will receive an XRechnung from AirPlus in addition to the current billing files.
What will change?
The current invoice document will no longer serve as a legally binding invoice. Instead, it will be reclassified as a statement.
- The content of the statement and your current ebilling setup will remain unchanged
- It will continue to support your internal accounting processes as a Buchungshilfe
- No changes to your existing internal processes are required
The XRechnung will be provided as an additional document for legal compliance purposes. For customers of AirPlus lodged products, the content of the XRechnung will largely correspond to the current invoice.
For Corporate Cards and Virtual Cards, the introduction of the XRechnung applies exclusively to invoices for fees charged by AirPlus.
Delivery channels
XRechnung will be available through the following channels:
- AirPlus Portal (default)
- SFTP
- Email
- PEPPOL
As today, the AirPlus Portal remains your default delivery channel. You will be able to access and download the XRechnung, starting 1 January 2027, in the same location as your current PDF invoice documents. Please make to actiivate your AirPlus Portal access.
You only need to contact AirPlus for receiving invoices via the alternative channels.
Setup and technical details
- Alternative delivery channels (SFTP, Email, PEPPOL) will be set up in assisted mode
- XRechnung files will be provided in encrypted format (PGP and ZIP) via SFTP and Email
- If you would like to receive XRechnung via the PEPPOL network, please ensure that you have an active PEPPOL-ID.
FAQ
General
XRechnung is a standardized electronic invoice format that was developed to optimize invoice processes and ensure compliance with the European standards defined by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs in the Federal Gazette (Section 4 (2) E-RechV). It offers a structured way of presenting invoice data that makes it easier for companies and authorities to process invoices efficiently. XRechnungen contains important information such as VAT details, supplier numbers and order identification numbers to simplify invoice processing and improve transparency in transactions.
This format is designed to improve automation, reduce manual errors and facilitate the seamless exchange of invoices between businesses and government agencies. XRechnungen are aligned with the CEN data model and ensure consistency and compatibility with European invoicing regulations. Its implementation promotes the modernization of invoice management and benefits both suppliers and invoice recipients by optimizing workflow and compliance.
XRechnung is a type of e-invoice. It is an XML-based format that is defined by the German legislator.
Your current e-billing setups will remain unchanged; you will receive XRechnung as an additional format.
XRechnungen are required by law and therefore we do not charge our customers any fees.
XRechnung applies specifically to Germany. Other countries have their own implementations of e‑invoicing regulations, which are generally based on EN 16931. Many EU countries—such as Belgium, Italy, and the Czech Republic—have already introduced their own e‑invoicing frameworks or are currently in the process of doing so. Switzerland, as a non‑EU country, is not directly bound by EU requirements. However, similar digitalization trends can be observed there as well, and it is expected that e‑invoicing requirements will continue to evolve. In summary, while XRechnung is specific to Germany, electronic invoicing is increasingly becoming mandatory across Europe.
AirPlus is currently concentrating on the introduction of XRechnung to support both our B2B and B2G customers and to ensure full compliance with legal requirements. We will keep you informed about any future developments.
To support your internal processes, you will continue to receive a PDF version alongside the XRechnung as a booking aid, helping to simplify processing within your ERP systems. In addition, we will continue to provide your existing e‑billing formats as usual to support your current processes and integrations.
Unifiedpost is AirPlus' service provider for the transmission of XRechnungen via the PEPPOL network to our customers. Unifiedpost is a certified PEPPOL Access Point provider for XRechnung.
Please note that AirPlus creates all XRechnung files internally. However, we use the Unifiedpost service for delivery to the recipient's PEPPOL Access Point.
Receiving X-Rechnung
AirPlus International offers XRechnung via AirPlus Portal, email, SFTP and PEPPOL. To receive XRechnung via PEPPOL please make sure you have a registered PEPPOL ID with the PEPPOL network.
Learn more about how to generate a PEPPOL ID: (How can I generate a Peppol-ID - Invoice-Portal)
XRechnung is an independent AirPlus product that is provided to all German customers from both the public and private sectors.
Per default AirPlus offers XRechnung via the AirPlus Portal. But you can also receive it via email, SFTP and PEPPOL. The receipt via email is possible via the CRM.
Usage of XRechnung
It is planned that all PDFs will continue to be sent as usual according to your current EDI profiles. However, from January 1, 2027, PDFs will no longer serve as the legal invoice but rather as a booking aid (“Buchungshilfe”).
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XRechnung is a government-mandated standard format for electronic invoicing in Germany. Whether your ERP system can process XRechnung depends on your specific system configuration and capabilities. We recommend contacting your ERP provider or internal IT team to confirm compatibility and any required adjustments.
The code list UNTDID 5305 is used to identify the VAT rates. For the coding of the VAT rate, it is irrelevant whether the invoices are domestic or foreign. The specific VAT amount is shown in a different element.
It is not possible to opt out of receiving XRechnung, as this will be a legal requirement for all B2B companies in Germany starting January 2027.
However, we understand that many customers rely on PDF invoices for their internal processes. To support this, we will continue to provide PDFs as well as other e-billing formats alongside XRechnung, as usual. You can continue using your current automated formats and archive the XRechnung as needed.
PEPPOL
The PEPPOL network is an international framework that enables companies and public sector organizations to standardize and securely exchange electronic documents such as invoices, purchase orders and catalogs.
An access point within the PEPPOL network is a gateway or service provider that acts as an intermediary between trading partners, enabling them to connect and exchange electronic documents using the PEPPOL specifications. This ensures the secure transmission and validation of documents according to the content and format of the PEPPOL standard.
In summary, the PEPPOL network is a standardized framework for electronic procurement throughout Europe and worldwide.
If you already have a PEPPOL Access Point with a routing ID, but it has not yet been tested with our service provider Unifiedpost, please contact AirPlus. AirPlus will organize a test with our service provider.
Please note that AirPlus is only responsible for process issues that may occur with our setup. We are not responsible for any issues that may occur with your PEPPOL Access Point.
Make sure that you have activated us on your PEPPOL Access Point to send you the XRechnung files. If you do not activate us from your end, you will not receive an XRechnung from our end.
If all these requirements are met, please contact after 1, January 2027 the technical implementation team at AirPlus: timde@airplus.com.
Routing ID (Leitweg-ID)
A routing ID (or route ID) in connection with XRechnungen is your individual address in the PEPPOL network. The routing ID can be used to ensure that the invoice is forwarded to the correct contact person or the responsible processing point within the organization.
The routing ID is specified in the standard XRechnung in the "Customer reference" field (BT-10 Customer reference) and must be transmitted as mandatory information on every XRechnung.
The routing ID is made up of three components:
- Coarse addressing
- Fine addressing
- Check digit
AirPlus assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the routing ID provided. An incorrect routing ID may result in delays in setting up your XRechnung.
Further information can be found on the official website:www.leitweg-id.de
An invoice recipient in the PEPPOL network has at least one routing ID.
However, an organization or invoice recipient can have several routing IDs. For example, if invoice processing takes place via different teams, organizational units, locations or thematic responsibilities.
Request XRechnungen (for our public sector customers)
Our B2B customers will receive XRechnungen starting from January 1, 2027. Please jump to the FAQ section to learn more about XRechnung.
For our public sector customers: Please proceed as follows:
- Download the XRechnung application form from this landing page.
- Fill in all fields carefully.
- Email the completed form to your main AirPlus contact or the customer service team you have been in contact with on this topic.
- For B2G: Make sure that the receipt of AirPlus XRechnungen is set up & enabled at your PEPPOL ACCESS POINT via Unifiedpost.
- If your company is not part of the FEDERAL, state or local government, please add a short justification to legitimize the use of XRechnung in the email text. This helps to speed up the process on our side.
- As soon as the implementation is complete, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from AirPlus.
Please note that if you are not yet part of our Unifiedpost network, we will need to test your platform or PEPPOL ACCESS Point in cooperation with Unifiedpost.
To receive an XRechnung via e-mail or SFTP, please use the supported mode in CRM. Please do not forget to enter your company's routing ID.
Public sector platforms that are already registered with Unifiedpost:
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Baden-Württemberg: Central invoice receipt
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Berlin: OZG-RE
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Brandenburg: OZG-RE
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Bremen: zERIKA
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Hamburg: Hamburg Service e-invoicing portal
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Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: OZG-RE
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Thüringen: OZG-RE
- Lower Saxony: ZeRN interface ePost Office of the State of Lower Saxony
- North Rhine-Westphalia: vergabe.NRW e-invoice
- Rhineland-Palatinate: Central e-invoice receipt RLP
- Saarland: Central e-invoice receipt RLP
- Saxony: OZG-RESachsen-Anhalt: E-invoice portal of the state of Saxony-Anhalt
- Schleswig-Holstein: SH e-invoicing portal
Do you have any questions?
We will be happy to help you. Please contact your AirPlus Account Manager or our AirPlus Service Team.