Our free XRechnung validator checks a German XRechnung invoice against the official XML schema and also against the KoSIT business rules. Drop your UBL or CII file below. Then you see every error with its rule code, while the file never leaves your browser.
Drop your XML file here or click to choose a file
UBL, CII or another e-invoice format (.xml, .p7m), or a PDF with embedded XML (Factur-X, ZUGFeRD). The file stays on your own computer.
What does the XRechnung validator check?
- Structure: first, we check the file against the official schema of its syntax, UBL 2.1 or UN/CEFACT CII.
- European rules: next, every XRechnung must meet the core rules of EN 16931, such as mandatory fields and correct totals (rule codes BR- and BR-CO-).
- German rules: in addition, we apply the XRechnung rules of KoSIT, release 3.0.2, for UBL and CII (rule codes BR-DE-).
- ZUGFeRD: moreover, with Germany selected, we check a ZUGFeRD PDF or XML against the ZUGFeRD rules for its profile.
What is XRechnung?
XRechnung is the German standard for structured e-invoices. Technically, it is a CIUS of the European standard EN 16931. In other words, it keeps the European model and adds German rules. The coordination office KoSIT in Bremen maintains it. Moreover, an XRechnung can use the UBL or the CII syntax, because both carry the same data.
For invoices to German public bodies, the buyer reference (BT-10) also contains the Leitweg-ID, the routing ID of the receiving authority. As a result, the portal cannot deliver the invoice without the right Leitweg-ID.
Who has to use XRechnung?
German public bodies have required e-invoices from their suppliers for years, usually as XRechnung. Since 1 January 2025, every business in Germany must also be able to receive e-invoices that follow EN 16931. Then, from 2027, businesses with a turnover above 800,000 euros must issue them. Finally, from 2028, all businesses must. Besides XRechnung, ZUGFeRD and Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 also qualify. Updated on 10 October 2026.
What the XRechnung validator does not check
We do not check whether a Leitweg-ID exists, and we do not perform the extra checks of the federal and state invoice portals. The result is therefore an aid, not a guarantee that a portal or customer will accept the invoice. Finally, KoSIT publishes the official XRechnung specification on xeinkauf.de.
Frequently asked questions about the XRechnung validator
Is the XRechnung validator free?
Yes. Moreover, you need no account, because we process the file only in your browser.
Which XRechnung version do you check?
We apply the XRechnung 3.0 rules of KoSIT, release 3.0.2, for UBL and CII. Every result also shows the exact rule set and version used.
Can I check a ZUGFeRD invoice here?
Yes. Simply keep Germany selected and drop the PDF or XML. For Factur-X invoices for France, however, use our Factur-X validator.
I invoice a German customer from Belgium. Do I need XRechnung?
Not always. For example, many German businesses and public bodies also receive Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 via Peppol. Therefore, ask your customer which format and channel they accept.
Belgian customer?
Invoices to Belgian businesses travel via Peppol in the Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 format. For those invoices, use our Peppol validator instead, because it applies the official Peppol rules.
More free tools
- E-invoice formats by country: every format the validator recognises, and also what it checks for each.
- Peppol error codes: common rule codes in plain language, such as BR-CO-15, with tested XML examples.
- Test invoices: sample files with and without errors, so that you can try the validator first.
- UBL viewer: open an XML invoice and then read it as a PDF.