How To Send E-Invoices Via Peppol In Germany? Step-By-Step Guide

Peppol allows businesses to send structured e-invoices to public authorities and connected businesses in Germany. For invoices submitted to the federal administration through OZG-RE, businesses must use the required format and routing details. Businesses can send Peppol invoices through a service provider or their own Access Point. The suitable option depends on invoice volume, system setup, and automation needs. Peppol can also be used for B2B invoice exchange when both parties are connected to the network.

Key Takeaways

• Businesses can send Peppol e-invoices through a service provider or their own Peppol Access Point.
• A B2G invoice submitted to the federal administration must include the buyer reference, also known as the Leitweg-ID.
• Linking the Peppol sender ID to the OZG-RE account allows businesses to view invoice statuses and processing history in the portal.
• Peppol is commonly used for B2G invoicing and can also support B2B invoice exchange.

What Is Peppol?

Peppol is a network used to exchange structured business documents, including e-invoices. It connects businesses, public authorities, and service providers through a standardised delivery model. Peppol uses a four-corner model. The invoice sender connects to a Peppol Access Point, which delivers the document to the recipient’s Access Point. This allows businesses with different accounting or ERP systems to exchange invoices in a structured format.

For invoices sent to German federal authorities through OZG-RE, Peppol supports automated machine-to-machine transmission. It is particularly useful for businesses that submit invoices regularly or need to process a high volume of invoices.

Different Ways Of Submitting E-Invoice Via Peppol In Germany

Businesses can submit Peppol e-invoices in different ways, depending on their invoice volume and technical setup.

1. Using A Peppol Service Provider (Access Point):

This is the most common way to send an e-invoice through Peppol. The business connects to a certified Peppol Access Point operated by a service provider.

The provider handles invoice transmission and delivery. Depending on the service, it may also support invoice validation, format conversion, ERP integration, and status tracking. 

This option suits businesses that want to exchange B2G or B2B invoices without building and maintaining their own Peppol infrastructure.

2. Using Government Portal (OZG-RE):

OZG-RE is the sole invoice submission portal for Germany’s federal administration. ZRE operations were discontinued in Q4 2025.

The OZG-RE portal provides several transmission methods for invoices sent to connected federal recipients:

• Peppol transmission
• Email submission
• XML invoice upload
• Manual invoice entry through the web interface

Businesses using Peppol can route invoices to connected authorities through OZG-RE. This is useful for automated submissions. Businesses with a low invoice volume may choose the manual upload or web entry options instead.

3. Setting Up Own Peppol Access Point:

Large organisations may set up their own Peppol Access Point. This gives them direct control over invoice exchange and system integration.

However, this option requires OpenPeppol membership, technical expertise, compliance management, and ongoing maintenance. 

It is generally suitable for organisations with a high invoice volume or specific integration requirements.

Mandatory Information For Peppol E-Invoices In Germany

Invoices submitted to the German federal administration through OZG-RE must follow the applicable EN 16931 and XRechnung requirements. Missing or incorrect data can result in rejection or processing delays.

1. Buyer Reference (Leitweg-ID):

The Leitweg-ID is required for invoices sent to recipients in the federal administration. It identifies the correct authority and routes the invoice to the relevant department or organisation.

The Leitweg-ID must be included in the buyer reference field of the invoice. When Peppol is used, the recipient’s Peppol ID generally consists of the prefix 0204 followed by the Leitweg-ID.

2. Invoice Identification Details:

Each Peppol invoice must include a unique invoice number and the invoice issue date. The service or delivery date should also be included where applicable.

3. Supplier And Buyer Information:

The invoice must clearly state the legal name and address of the supplier and the buyer. Tax identification details, such as the VAT ID, should be included where required.

4. Payment And Banking Details:

The invoice should include the required payment information, including the payment terms and the supplier’s banking details. IBAN and BIC details should be added where applicable.

5. Line Item And Pricing Details:

Each invoice line should include a clear description, quantity, unit price, and total value. The applicable VAT rate should also be stated.

6. Tax Breakdown: 

The invoice must provide a VAT breakdown by rate. Any exemption or reverse charge treatment should be clearly stated where applicable.

7. Additional References:

Purchase order numbers, contract references, or other buyer references may be required by the authority. These details should be added where they have been provided by the recipient.

8. Technical And Format Compliance:

The invoice must follow the required structured XML format and pass the applicable validation checks. The invoice totals, tax calculations, identifiers, and mandatory fields should be verified before submission.

How To Link Your Peppol ID To The OZG-RE Portal

Businesses can submit invoices through Peppol without linking their Peppol sender ID to the OZG-RE account. However, linking the ID is required if the issuer wants to view Peppol invoice statuses and processing history in the portal.

OZG-RE (Federal Invoice Submission Portal)

1. Register and log in to the OZG-RE portal.
2. Open the Manage company account page.
3. Go to the section for linking the Peppol identity to the account.
4. Enter the Peppol sender ID.
5. Generate the verification token.
6. Attach the token directly to an e-invoice. Do not attach it as a large attachment through a URL.
7. Submit the invoice through the Peppol transmission channel while the token is still active.
8. Check the company account page to confirm that the Peppol ID has been verified.

After verification, Peppol invoices submitted through the linked sender ID appear on the Invoice status page.

Peppol IDs that were registered through ZRE before the portal consolidation were transferred to OZG-RE automatically. No additional action is required for those IDs.

Why Linking is Required

Key Considerations

• Linking the Peppol sender ID is optional for transmission but required for portal-based tracking.
• Registration with OZG-RE is required when submitting invoices to the federal administration, regardless of the transmission method used.
• ZRE is no longer an active submission portal. OZG-RE is the sole federal invoice submission platform.
• The verification token should be attached directly to the invoice and submitted before it expires.
• The recipient’s Leitweg-ID must be entered correctly to avoid invoice rejection.

Using Peppol To Send e-Invoices To B2B Transactions

Businesses can use Peppol to send structured B2B e-invoices when both the supplier and the buyer are connected to the Peppol network. It is suitable for companies that want to exchange invoices directly between their accounting or ERP systems, including businesses working with cross-border partners.

To send a B2B invoice through Peppol:

• Connect with a certified Peppol Access Point provider.
• Confirm that the buyer is registered on the Peppol network.
• Obtain the buyer’s Peppol ID.
• Create the invoice in the agreed structured format.
• Send the invoice through the Access Point.
• Track the delivery status and correct any validation errors.

Best Practices For Peppol E-Invoicing

Businesses should check invoice data and routing details before submitting a Peppol e-invoice. The following practices help reduce rejection risks and make invoice processing easier to monitor.

• Validate Before Submission: Validate the XML invoice against the applicable EN 16931 and XRechnung rules before sending it. Check mandatory fields, invoice totals, tax calculations, and format requirements.
• Use Correct Peppol Identifiers: Confirm the recipient’s Peppol ID before submitting the invoice. Incorrect identifiers can result in failed delivery or routing errors.
• Include Buyer Reference (Leitweg-ID): For invoices sent to the federal administration, enter the correct Leitweg-ID in the buyer reference field. A missing or incorrect Leitweg-ID can result in rejection by the OZG-RE portal.
• Monitor Invoice Status: Track invoice delivery and processing updates through the Access Point or the linked OZG-RE account. Review any rejection or error message promptly.
• Maintain Structured Data Accuracy: Populate the required structured fields correctly. This includes VAT details, payment terms, banking information, buyer references, and line-level data. Important invoice details should not be placed only in free-text fields.

Operational And Compliance Controls

Additional Recommendations

• Keep Peppol registration details updated with the service provider.
• Link the Peppol sender ID to the OZG-RE account if portal-based status tracking is required.
• Maintain an alternative submission method for system downtime.
• Test invoice flows when onboarding a new trading partner or public authority.
• Review validation errors before resubmitting an invoice.

Conclusion

Peppol provides an automated way to send structured e-invoices to public authorities and connected businesses in Germany. For invoices submitted to the federal administration, businesses should confirm the recipient’s Peppol ID, enter the correct Leitweg-ID, validate the structured invoice, and use the OZG-RE portal where required.

The first step is to choose the right setup. Businesses with regular invoice volumes may use a Peppol service provider, while larger organisations may consider operating their own Access Point. Linking the sender ID to the OZG-RE account also makes it easier to view invoice statuses and identify issues that require follow-up.