ZUGFeRD (Zentraler User Guide des Forums elektronische Rechnung Deutschland) is a hybrid invoice format developed in Germany. A ZUGFeRD file is a PDF/A-3 document with an embedded XML attachment conforming to the UN/CEFACT Cross Industry Invoice (CII) schema.
This hybrid approach means the invoice is human-readable as a PDF and machine-readable via the embedded XML — no separate file exchange needed.
ZUGFeRD v2.x is technically identical to the French Factur-X standard. Both are now maintained under the same specification.
Key facts
- Format: PDF/A-3 + embedded XML (UN/CEFACT CII)
- Profiles: MINIMUM, BASIC WL, BASIC, EN 16931, EXTENDED, XRECHNUNG
- Aligned with EN 16931 (European e-invoicing norm)
- Equivalent to Factur-X (France / Germany joint standard)