- 4/6/2025

Electronic invoicing will become mandatory between companies in 2026

2 min

Electronic invoices, or e-invoicing, will be compulsory in Belgium from 1 January 2026 for transactions between companies. Here, we explain the principles, practical obligations, and compatible software to help you prepare.

From 1 January 2026, electronic invoicing between companies, also known as “B2B e-invoicing”, will become compulsory in Belgium.

This obligation:

  • stems from a European regulation.
  • applies to all companies, self-employed persons and companies subject to VAT in Belgium.
  • only applies to invoicing for B2B business-to-business transactions, not for B2C transactions involving a private customer.
  • will reduce your administrative burden in managing invoices.

What is the electronic invoicing obligation?

From 2026, all invoices sent or received between companies subject to Belgian VAT must meet two key requirements:

  • They must be transmitted through Peppol, an electronic communication network.
  • They must comply with a standard structure for their data, including essential information such as amount, company details, and more.

Note that sending invoices to customers in PDF format by email will not be sufficient to comply with the electronic invoicing obligation.

Use Peppol-compatible software

To comply with the electronic invoicing obligation, you will need to use software (such as invoicing, accounting, or ERP systems) that is compatible with Peppol and connected to this network. This will enable you to create, send, and receive electronic invoices in just a few clicks.

The structured format of these invoices allows for automatic exchange and management by software connected to Peppol, making tasks such as preparing VAT returns easier.

A wide range of Peppol-compatible solutions are already available, from comprehensive to simple, allowing you to choose a solution that suits the specific needs and size of your company. For more information on these solutions, including a list of certified options, please visit the public authorities' dedicated e-invoicing website.

Tax incentives for SMEs and the self-employed

The public authorities' requirement to switch to electronic invoicing may necessitate an investment in a new solution. However, it's worth noting that the authorities plan to offer tax incentives to help offset the costs.

One last piece of advice:

Start preparing now!

Wondering how to switch to electronic invoicing? Talk to your accountant, who may already have a solution for you. And if you already use business software for your finances, check whether it supports electronic invoicing.

You can also find more information in this video.

Watch the video