If your business operates in France — or works with French companies — there’s a big change coming your way: electronic invoicing will soon be mandatory for almost everyone.
You might’ve already heard about Factur-X. Factur-X invoice is the e-invoicing format that’s been making the rounds. But what exactly is it? Why is it being rolled out across the EU? And most importantly: what should you be doing now to get ready?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
So, What Is Factur-X?
Factur-X is a hybrid electronic invoice format that combines two things in one:
A PDF you can open and read like any traditional invoice.
An embedded XML file that machines can read to process the data automatically.
The format was developed through a Franco-German partnership and is now fully aligned with the European semantic standard EN 16931, which supports cross-border interoperability. It’s already accepted by Chorus Pro, France’s public-sector invoicing portal.
Why Is Everyone Talking About It Now?
Factur-X is one of three approved formats under France’s new e-invoicing reform. If you’re not ready by those dates, your invoices could be rejected — and that means payment delays.
What Makes Factur-X So Useful?
Beyond compliance, Factur-X comes with real benefits:
- 🕒 Faster invoice processing – no more manual data entry
- 💰 Lower costs – fewer errors, no printing or mailing
- 📊 Better automation – structured XML allows accounting tools to do more
- 🌍 International compatibility – compliant across EU countries
Factur-X isn’t just a regulation — it’s a smarter way to manage invoicing.
What’s Inside a Factur-X Invoice?
Each Factur-X invoice is built from:
A PDF/A-3 document (the human-readable part)
An XML file with structured data (for automation)
Optional attachments like delivery notes or T&Cs
The XML follows international standards like UN/CEFACT CII D22B and UBL, making it widely compatible with most accounting systems.
One Format, Five Profiles: Which One Do You Need?
Factur-X supports five data profiles – think of them as different “levels” of invoice detail:
The idea is flexibility – you send what you can, and your customer can read what they need.
What’s the Difference Between Factur-X and ZUGFeRD?
Technically, there is none.
Factur-X is the French version of the same format known as ZUGFeRD in Germany. Since 2024, the two have been completely aligned — same structure, same validation rules.
This is good news if you invoice across borders. You don’t need two systems — just one format that works everywhere.
How Do You Create a Factur-X Invoice?
You don’t have to be a developer. Here’s the basic flow:
- Use invoicing software that supports Factur-X (PDF/A-3 + XML).
- Enter your invoice details (client, products, VAT, etc.).
- The software will generate a file with both the PDF and XML layers.
- You can validate it using tools like FNFE-MPE’s checker or VeraPDF.
- Send it via Chorus Pro, a certified PDP, or directly to your client.
Tools like Sage, Cegid, Pennylane, EBP, and Maginvoice already support this format.
What Should I Do as a Business or Freelancer?
You’re probably asking: “Okay, this sounds important — but what am I actually supposed to do now?”
Here’s a quick guide based on your business type:
If you’re a freelancer or small business:
Use invoicing software that supports Factur-X.
Ask your clients if they already require this format.
Start testing with a few clients — it’s low effort and future-proof.
If you’re a mid-sized or large company:
Make sure your ERP or accounting system supports Factur-X.
Assign someone on your finance team to manage the transition.
Work with your IT team or provider to prepare for Chorus Pro integration.
For everyone:
Don’t wait until 2026 or 2027.
Starting now means fewer surprises — and fewer rejected invoices.
What’s Next? Key Dates to Remember
The new release even includes a French-specific profile (EXTENDED-CTC-FR) designed for full compliance with local e-reporting rules.
Final Thoughts: Factur-X Isn’t Just a Format — It’s a Strategy
At the end of the day, switching to Factur-X helps your business:
Stay compliant
Get paid faster
Automate processes
Reduce errors
Scale internationally
It’s more than just ticking a legal box. It’s about setting your business up for smarter, more efficient financial operations.
