Mandatory e-invoicing in Belgium: January 2026

As of 1 January 2026, Belgium will make the use of structured electronic invoicing mandatory for business-to-business (B2B) transactions. This regulation marks a significant milestone for all VAT-liable businesses and associations, requiring companies to fully digitize their invoicing and accounting processes.

What Is Structured E-Invoicing and Why Is It So Important?

Structured e-invoicing, similar to Türkiye’s GIB e-Invoice system, is a digital invoice created in a standardized, machine-readable XML format, rather than as a PDF or paper document. This format enables invoices to:

• Be processed automatically,

• Be transferred directly into ERP and accounting systems without manual data entry,

• Improve accuracy and reliability,

• Simplify tax compliance and reporting processes.

In Belgium, the use of the PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) standard is mandatory for structured e-invoicing.

What Will Change After 1 January 2026?

From this date onward in Belgium:

• All B2B invoices must be issued in a structured e-invoice format,

• Invoices must be sent and received via the PEPPOL network,

• PDF or paper invoices will no longer be considered legally sufficient.

This obligation applies not only to companies established in Belgium, but to all businesses that are subject to Belgian VAT.

What Is PEPPOL and How Does It Work?

PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) is a widely adopted European standard for digital invoice exchange. In Belgium, the e-invoicing framework:

• Uses the PEPPOL BIS format (UBL-based XML),

• Is fully compliant with the European standard EN 16931,

• Operates under the four-corner model, involving the sender, the receiver, and their respective service providers.

This means invoices are not merely sent from one system to another, but are exchanged through a secure, standardized, traceable, and automated network.

Who Is Subject to the Belgian E-Invoicing Mandate?

The following entities fall within the scope of the regulation:

• VAT-registered businesses established in Belgium,

• Companies providing B2B goods or services,

• All VAT-liable businesses, regardless of how frequently they issue invoices.

However, certain entities are exempt from the Belgian e-invoicing obligation:

• Businesses fully exempt from VAT under Article 44 of the VAT Code (e.g. certain healthcare and educational services),

• Companies without a permanent establishment or registered address in Belgium,

• Associations whose entire income is VAT-exempt,

• Businesses undergoing bankruptcy or liquidation procedures.

PEPPOL-Compliant E-Invoicing Portal and SAP Solution for Belgium

With the e-invoicing mandate coming into force in 2026, businesses must adopt an infrastructure that fully complies with PEPPOL standards. Compliance is not limited to generating e-invoices; it also requires the ability to send and receive invoices through the PEPPOL network in the correct format.

At MDP Group, we simplify this transition with our PEPPOL-compliant e-invoicing solution.

With our infrastructure, you can:

• Send and receive invoices securely via the PEPPOL network,

• Eliminate manual processes with the existing SAP Peppol integration.

• Go live quickly and start issuing invoices via the peppoltr.com portal, without dealing with complex technical setups.

All of this can be implemented with minimal disruption to your daily operations and in a very short timeframe. While ensuring compliance with Belgium’s e-invoicing regulations, you can also transform your finance and accounting processes into a more efficient, automated, and sustainable digital structure.