As of 1 January 2026, structured electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) will become mandatory for all B2B transactions between Belgian companies that are subject to VAT. In other words, your company will have to send and receive electronic invoices in a specific format via the Peppol network.
Peppol was developed to streamline and secure the exchange of electronic invoices within the European Union. But what about foreign clients or suppliers? We'll explain it all in this article!
Although it will be mandatory to send electronic invoices to Belgian businesses from 2026, this deadline does not apply for invoices sent to clients in other EU member states. Things will change from 2030, however. At that moment, e-invoicing will become the standard for all B2B transactions within the EU.
Electronic invoicing is already mandatory for public procurement (i.e. Business-to-Government, or B2G transactions) in many European countries. Each country has until 2030 to decide whether to implement e-invoicing for B2B transactions, and if so, when. Currently, e-invoicing is already in effect in some countries, via Peppol or another system. In others, it's not yet mandatory.
And because the different platforms are not (yet) fully compatible, you are not (yet) obliged to send electronic invoices to other EU member states. Of course, you are already allowed to do so.
| Country | Effective date |
| Belgium | 2026 |
| Germany | 2025 |
| France | 2024 |
| Italy | 2019 |
| The Netherlands | 2030 |
| Portugal | 2023 |
The other EU member states have not yet made e-invoicing mandatory, but will have to do so from 2030.
To find out more and to consult the latest information on e-invoicing in the different EU member states, check out the European Commission’s country factsheet.
For clients located outside the European Union, other rules apply, depending on the country.
Some countries, such as Australia and Mexico, already have strict e-invoicing requirements, while others have no specific rules.
Are you active internationally as a Belgian-registered sole trader or company? If so, you need to take the invoicing requirements of your client's country into account.
No, the obligation in Belgium to use e-invoicing from 2026 only applies between Belgian companies. From 2030, businesses in every European country will be required to send e-invoices and use an e-invoicing platform for B2G and B2B transactions within the EU. Before that, there is no obligation to send e-invoices or to use Peppol. Of course, they are already allowed to do so if they wish.
No, the obligation in Belgium to use e-invoicing from 2026 only applies between Belgian companies. From 2030, businesses in every European country will be required to send e-invoices and use an e-invoicing platform for B2G and B2B transactions within the EU. Before that, there is no obligation to send e-invoices or to use Peppol. Of course, they are already allowed to do so if they wish.
That’s correct. In this case, you do not need to use Peppol. E-invoicing via Peppol or another platform is not (yet) mandatory internationally. You can continue to invoice your clients outside the EU as usual, provided local or international regulations don’t change.
No, the obligation in Belgium to use e-invoicing from 2026 only applies between Belgian companies. From 2030, businesses in every European country will be required to send e-invoices and use an e-invoicing platform for B2G and B2B transactions within the EU. Before that, there is no obligation to send e-invoices or to use Peppol. Of course, they are already allowed to do so if they wish.
Author - Valesca Wilms
As content marketing lead at Accountable Belgium, Valesca writes about freelancing, self-employment, and taxes based on her own experience as a freelancer.
Who is Valesca ?Thank you for your feedback!
Useful
As a self-employed individual with a sole proprietorship, your income is taxed under the personal in...
Read moreStarting from 2026, all self-employed individuals will need to send their invoices electronically in...
Read moreThe VAT reverse charge is a complicated word for a simple concept. It helps you purchase and sell sm...
Read moreThey always answer right away to any question I have, they provide clear answers, and they are very patient even when I struggle to understand. They try to explain in different ways. They are very helpful, responsive and friendly.
Chiara Marradi
01/05/2026
Everything was great! All my questions were answered quickly and in a friendly manner.
Wenzeslawa Wegener
04/05/2026
In the world where everyone seems to be out to get small entrepreneurs and overwhelm them with new rules, more taxes and reporting obligations, Accountable often feels like the one steady partner that actually wants you to succeed, providing quick, clear and personalised support. Thank you!
Janina Arsenjeva
10/04/2026
This is an amazing application with great support on issues. In short as in day I am addicted to it (in a positive way). I myself is from IT project management and the way they have captured the user requirement, it’s phenomenal.
Sumit Tewary
01/12/2024
UI is great. Feature packed and very easy to use. The team at Accountable were VERY quick to respond and their team of technicians soon had a fix in place. Very happy with the level of service so far. Thumbs up from me!
Dean Osborne
14/06/2023
This program is a lifesaver, and it is always improving. Plus, it has an AI chat feature that is actually useful.
Jeffrey Humble
14/01/2026
The coaching session on tax management was excellent, good material, excellent explanations and very insightful. Combined with the AI I never feel alone with Accountable.
Sergio Barbarino
23/04/2026
The availability of your team to help and guide people to understand their finances better is what really makes Accountable valuable. While the AI is able to give answers to most basic questions, specific scenarios need counsel from a human which your team performs beautifully.
Sofiya Bogdan Neves
18/04/2026
Fast and careful answers from Alina. Top service. Thank you.
Anonymous
15/04/2023
They always answer for questions wherever is via direct e-mail or through app. If they can’t answer fully they will forward you to the right place. Documents were always prepared well and ready to send further to government. Everything is intuitive in the app and easy to sort out even for someone completely green in this field.
Anonymous
22/03/2026
