Convert PDF to ZUGFeRD using REST-API

Convert a PDF invoice into a ZUGFeRD 2.x compliant hybrid invoice. The API extracts structured data from your PDF, validates it against EN 16931 business rules, and returns a PDF/A-3 with an embedded zugferd-invoice.xml attachment, ready for German B2B and B2G exchange.

Transformation uses AI to extract data from your PDF and accelerates remediation, but human review is still recommended for compliance and accuracy. If the source invoice is poorly structured or ambiguous, the AI may misinterpret fields.

POST https://api.invoicexml.com/v1/transform/to/zugferd

Code Example

curl -X POST https://api.invoicexml.com/v1/transform/to/zugferd \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -F "[email protected]" \
  -F "version=2.3.2" \
  -F "profile=extended" \
  -F "syntax=cii" \
  -F "embed=true" \
  -F "language=en"

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Request

Parameter	Type	Description
file *	binary	The PDF invoice file to convert.
strict	boolean	Defaults to `false`. When `true`, treat validation warnings as errors, the request is rejected if any warning is raised, not just errors.
version	string	Standard version (e.g. `2.3.2`). Defaults to the latest supported version.
profile	string	Compliance profile. Values: `minimum`, `basicwl`, `basic`, `en16931`, `extended`. Defaults to `en16931`.
syntax	string	XML syntax: `cii` (Cross Industry Invoice) or `ubl` (Universal Business Language). Defaults to `cii`.
embed	boolean	When `true`, embed the XML inside a PDF/A-3. Defaults to `true`.
language	string	Language for PDF labels and date formatting. Values: `en`, `de`, `fr`. Defaults to `en`.

Content-Type: multipart/form-data

Headers

Header	Value
Authorization *	Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
Content-Type	multipart/form-data

Response

200 Returns the ZUGFeRD PDF as a binary file.

Content-Type: application/pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ZUGFeRD?

ZUGFeRD (Zentraler User Guide des Forums elektronische Rechnung Deutschland) is the German e-invoicing standard. Version 2.x is technically identical to Factur-X and embeds a CII-based XML file inside a PDF/A-3 container.

Which ZUGFeRD version is generated?

The API generates ZUGFeRD 2.3 by default, the latest version aligned with EN 16931 and the upcoming 2025/2026 German e-invoicing mandates.

How does ZUGFeRD differ from Factur-X?

They are the same technical format. ZUGFeRD is the German branding while Factur-X is the French branding. Both embed identical CII XML inside PDF/A-3.

Is ZUGFeRD mandatory in Germany?

Starting January 2025, all German businesses must be able to receive e-invoices. From 2027, sending structured e-invoices becomes mandatory for most B2B transactions. ZUGFeRD is one of the accepted formats.

Can I use this for XRechnung as well?

ZUGFeRD and XRechnung are complementary. ZUGFeRD produces a hybrid PDF, while XRechnung produces a standalone XML. Use the /v1/transform/to/xrechnung endpoint if you need pure XML for German B2G portals.