Does your German entity have over €800,000 total turnover in 2026? From 2027, a PDF invoice is no longer enough.
NetSuite comes with German e‑invoicing. We set it up for you. It takes us 35 to 42 hours, usually spread over one to two weeks. We have done this for more than 100 customers in Germany.
Receiving since 2025, sending from 2027
From 1 January 2027 German entities with more than €800,000 total turnover in 2026 must send e‑invoices to their business customers in Germany, and from 2028 all of them must, apart from a few statutory exceptions. For groups, what counts is the turnover of each individual entity; more on this in the questions below.
How German e‑invoicing works in NetSuite
The German localization is already included in NetSuite. NetSuite reads incoming e‑invoices as standard. For the outgoing ones, we set up templates and the automatic sending. You keep writing your invoices in NetSuite, and from there they go to your customer. XRechnung and ZUGFeRD are structured electronic formats that software can process automatically; with ZUGFeRD, the data part counts, not the PDF view. A plain PDF is not an e‑invoice.
What Cloudmaven sets up in NetSuite
Your invoice is created in NetSuite as before. We make sure it automatically becomes an e‑invoice that reaches your customer.
What you get from it
Experience with e‑invoicing and NetSuite
Our NetSuite customers include groups with twelve or more entities across Europe, North America and Asia. We also set up e‑invoicing in other countries, for example in France.
100+
e‑invoicing projects in Germany
600+
NetSuite projects
15+ years
ERP experience
Companies that work with us
The effort: 35 to 42 hours
A small project. In the call we clarify the entities, the formats and whether you need PEPPOL. After that, we know the exact number of hours.
We bill for the hours we actually work. If we need fewer hours, we charge less. The template for PEPPOL is included in the hours; the connection to the PEPPOL network through an access point is not. After the call we send you a quote with a price.
How we work with you
Call
In 30 minutes we clarify which entities and formats are involved and which customers need PEPPOL. Beforehand we send you a checklist, so your team knows what it can prepare.
Quote
You receive a quote with scope and price.
Kick-off
Together we decide what your team handles and what we handle. If your team can handle most of it, we only advise.
Setup
We set up NetSuite and the templates, test together with you and train the key users. This usually takes one to two weeks, depending on how quickly your team can contribute.
Frequently asked questions
Are we already too late?
No. NetSuite comes with the German localization. Setting it up usually takes one to two weeks.
How soon can we start?
Right after the contract is signed. Our own consultants have free capacity for this. Setting it up then usually takes one to two weeks, depending on how quickly your team can contribute.
Does the obligation apply to our entity?
It applies to invoices to other businesses in Germany if the entity has its registered seat, its management or a permanent establishment in Germany that is involved in the supply. If the entity's total turnover in 2026 is over €800,000 (until the year ends, the projected full-year figure counts), the obligation applies from 1 January 2027, otherwise from 1 January 2028. Exceptions include invoices up to €250. Your tax advisor can give you a binding answer.
And after go-live?
You open a ticket in the service desk. A consultant estimates the effort beforehand, you approve it in writing, and we bill by the hour. There is no minimum term.
Is a PDF invoice by email enough?
For invoices to other businesses in Germany only as a transitional arrangement and with the recipient's consent: until the end of 2026, or until the end of 2027 if total turnover in 2026 is at most €800,000. An existing EDI process may continue until the end of 2027 if the recipient agrees, even if it does not meet the definition of an e‑invoice. Invoices to consumers are not covered by the obligation.
What counts as an e‑invoice?
An invoice in a structured electronic format that can be processed automatically: for example XRechnung, ZUGFeRD from version 2.0.1 (excluding the MINIMUM and BASIC-WL profiles) or another format under EN 16931. With ZUGFeRD, the data part counts, not the PDF view. A plain PDF is not an e‑invoice.
Does the turnover of the whole group count?
No, not the group turnover. What counts is the previous year's total turnover under VAT law, of the entity that issues the invoice (for invoices in 2027, the year 2026); it can differ from the turnover in the consolidated accounts. An example: a sales GmbH with €5 million turnover must send e‑invoices from 2027, a service GmbH with €300,000 only from 2028. If the two form a VAT group (Organschaft), their combined turnover of €5.3 million counts (without the sales between them), and 1 January 2027 applies to both.
Does the obligation also apply if the parent company is abroad?
Yes, for the German entity's invoices to other businesses in Germany, unless an exception applies. Invoices to the parent abroad are not covered, as long as it has no permanent establishment in Germany that is involved in the supply.
Will the 2027 deadline still be postponed?
There are calls for a postponement, but nothing has been decided. As of 28 October 2026, the law still names 1 January 2027 (Section 27(38) UStG).
In 30 minutes you will know what to do
We clarify which entities send e‑invoices in which formats and which customers require PEPPOL. After that we know how many hours the project needs and when we can start.
It is best if your accounting team and your NetSuite team join, and someone from head office is welcome too. We speak English and German, and you do not have to be a Cloudmaven customer yet.
Get in touch
We reply on the same working day.