Sample ZUGFeRD invoice as PDF and XML
What does an e-invoice look like, and where is the data? Here you will find a complete sample invoice in ZUGFeRD format to download, with the most important fields in the XML explained. Created with exactly the same generator the service uses.
How to use the sample invoice
Download the ZUGFeRD PDF and the XML on its own, both without sign-up.
You see an ordinary invoice. In the attachments or paperclip view you will find the embedded file factur-x.xml: that is the e-invoice.
Open the XML in a text editor or browser. The table below shows where the invoice number, amounts and bank details are.
Upload the file to the ZUGFeRD validator. You will see what a passed validation looks like and which data is extracted.
With a free account you create your own invoice in the same format; 10 transactions are included.
What the sample invoice contains
MUSTER-2026-001 dated 15.06.2026
A commercial invoice (type code 380) from the fictitious Musterfirma GmbH in Berlin to Beispiel-Kunde AG in Munich, due in 14 days.
Two line items, 19 % VAT
8 hours of consulting at EUR 120.00 each and a software licence for one month at EUR 49.00. Net EUR 1,009.00, VAT EUR 191.71, amount due EUR 1,200.71.
ZUGFeRD, EN 16931 profile
The PDF is a PDF/A-3 with embedded XML in CII syntax. The identifier in the XML is urn:cen.eu:en16931:2017, which is the EN 16931 profile, also called Comfort in ZUGFeRD.
Bank transfer with a test IBAN
The bank details contain a publicly documented test IBAN. Do not transfer anything to it; the data is intended solely for viewing and testing.
Download the sample invoice
Sample as ZUGFeRD PDF
PDF/A-3 with embedded EN 16931 XML (Factur-X). Open the file in a PDF viewer: the machine-readable XML is in the attachments.
Download sample invoice (PDF)Sample as EN 16931 XML
The same sample as pure CII XML, for reading, testing or as a template for your own integration.
Download sample XMLThe most important fields in the XML
| Field | Meaning | Element in the XML | Value in the sample |
|---|---|---|---|
BT-1 | Invoice number | rsm:ExchangedDocument/ram:ID | MUSTER-2026-001 |
BT-2 | Invoice date | ram:IssueDateTime | 20260615 |
BT-3 | Invoice type | ram:TypeCode | 380 |
BT-24 | Specification | ram:GuidelineSpecifiedDocumentContextParameter/ram:ID | urn:cen.eu:en16931:2017 |
BT-84 | Payee IBAN | ram:PayeePartyCreditorFinancialAccount/ram:IBANID | DE89370400440532013000 |
BT-109 | Net amount | ram:TaxBasisTotalAmount | 1009.00 |
BT-110 | Total VAT | ram:TaxTotalAmount | 191.71 |
BT-112 | Gross total | ram:GrandTotalAmount | 1200.71 |
BT-115 | Amount due | ram:DuePayableAmount | 1200.71 |
Common misconceptions
The PDF alone is the e-invoice
Not quite: legally, the structured data set, i.e. the embedded XML, is what counts. The PDF is the human-readable view of it.
A copy is just as good
Anyone who re-saves, prints or scans the PDF loses the attachment and with it the e-invoice, even though the file looks the same. Always work with the original.
Any sample invoice works for public authorities
Public clients usually require an XRechnung with a Leitweg ID. This sample invoice is a ZUGFeRD invoice for business customers.
FAQ: the sample ZUGFeRD invoice
May I use the sample invoice for testing?
Yes. The data is fictitious and the files can be downloaded freely, for example to test your accounting software or your own import with a valid ZUGFeRD file.
Is the sample invoice valid under EN 16931?
Yes. It is created with exactly the same generator the service uses for real invoices and passes validation with the official KoSIT validator. Check it yourself in the ZUGFeRD validator.
Where do I find the XML in the ZUGFeRD PDF?
As a file attachment named factur-x.xml. Many PDF viewers show it in the attachments or paperclip view. The XML is also available here as a separate file.
Is there also a sample XRechnung?
This page shows a ZUGFeRD invoice. You can create an XRechnung yourself with a free account in the invoice form, using the XRechnung format and your own data.
Can I use the sample invoice as a template for my invoices?
As a template for the structure, yes. The easiest way to create the actual invoice is directly in the online tool: enter the data and the validated ZUGFeRD PDF with your details is ready.