ZUGFeRD validator – check ZUGFeRD and Factur-X invoices
Verify a ZUGFeRD or Factur-X invoice before you pay or send it. Problems are explained in plain English.
Drop your e-invoice here or choose a file
XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, Peppol · max 15 MB · Your file never leaves your browser.
Why check the XML inside the PDF?
A ZUGFeRD invoice contains two versions of the same invoice: the visible PDF and the embedded XML. Accounting systems import the XML, and for tax purposes the XML counts. If the software that created the file made a mistake, the two can differ – and you may pay or book a wrong amount. A quick check of the XML shows whether totals and VAT add up.
Errors, warnings and passes
- Error: a mandatory rule is broken; the recipient may reject the invoice.
- Warning: something to look at, such as an IBAN with a wrong checksum or a small VAT rounding difference.
- OK: the rule is met.
Each result shows the rule ID from EN 16931 or XRechnung (for example BR-CO-15), so your software vendor can find the cause quickly.
Full validation
For a complete technical validation against all schemas and rules, the freeKoSIT validator is the reference tool. To simply read an invoice, use the XRechnung viewer or the e-invoice viewer.
Source: German Federal Ministry of Finance – e-invoicing FAQ (German). Last checked: 22 Oct 2026. Not tax advice – ask a tax adviser about your case.
ZUGFeRD validator FAQ
What does the ZUGFeRD validator check?
It reads the XML embedded in the PDF (or a plain XML file) and checks mandatory fields, line and document totals, VAT amounts and the IBAN checksum. For the XRECHNUNG profile, the German rules such as the Leitweg-ID are added.
Is ZUGFeRD the same as Factur-X?
Yes. ZUGFeRD 2.1 and later is technically identical to the French Factur-X. Both are PDF/A-3 files with embedded CII XML.
My PDF is reported as “no e-invoice”. Why?
The PDF has no embedded XML, so it is a regular PDF invoice, not an e-invoice. Ask the sender for a ZUGFeRD, Factur-X or XRechnung file.
Does this replace an official validation?
No. It is a quick check of selected rules. It does not check the PDF/A-3 format or every schema rule. For a complete validation use the KoSIT validator.