ZUGFeRD outgoing invoices for Odoo users
Odoo supports ZUGFeRD and XRechnung for German e-invoicing but the implementation has specific requirements. Structured e-invoicing is restricted to Odoo Enterprise, and is intentionally excluded from the Odoo Online Free plan. Enterprise users require specific German localisation module configuration. Odoo V18 had documented ZUGFeRD issues in the German localisation that generated community discussion. Facturwise generates compliant ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, XRechnung, and Peppol BIS 3.0 outgoing invoices alongside any Odoo installation, whether Community, Enterprise, or any version, without configuration or IT engagement.
Odoo and ZUGFeRD: what works and what requires configuration
Odoo Enterprise with the German localisation module activated supports ZUGFeRD and XRechnung invoice generation. Odoo also operates as a certified Peppol access point for network-based invoice exchange. For Odoo Enterprise users with a correctly configured German localisation, outgoing ZUGFeRD generation is possible within the Odoo system.
The restrictions and gaps appear in specific situations. Odoo Online Free plan, the entry-level free tier, intentionally excludes structured e-invoicing as confirmed on Odoo's own forum. A user requesting structured e-invoicing on the free plan received the response that EN 16931 structured invoicing is part of the Enterprise Accounting feature set and is restricted in the functional free tier. Odoo Community users running self-hosted installations require third-party modules from the Odoo App Store to enable ZUGFeRD generation. Odoo V18 had documented German localisation issues with ZUGFeRD: a forum post confirmed "Odoo V18 is not yet able to create ZUGFeRD invoices" before Odoo Support confirmed a resolution. This pattern of partial coverage is part of the broader ERP outgoing invoice gap SMEs are working through right now.
For Odoo users in any of these situations (Free plan, Community, V18 transition period, or Enterprise users who have not yet completed German localisation configuration), Facturwise provides an immediately operational alternative for generating compliant outgoing invoices for German and French clients without touching your Odoo installation.
Who this applies to
Odoo Online Free plan users in Germany or invoicing German clients. Structured e-invoicing is explicitly excluded from the free plan. Upgrading to Enterprise to unlock ZUGFeRD is one route. Using Facturwise alongside your free Odoo installation for outgoing client invoices is another, at significantly lower cost than Odoo Enterprise for users who only need the invoicing compliance layer.
Odoo Community users running self-hosted installations. Community does not include the Enterprise Accounting module. ZUGFeRD generation requires a third-party module from the Odoo App Store with its own configuration and maintenance requirements. Facturwise operates independently of your Community installation.
Odoo Enterprise users who have not yet completed German localisation configuration for ZUGFeRD. The configuration is not automatic. It requires activation and setup. If your Odoo Enterprise installation is not yet generating compliant outgoing ZUGFeRD invoices and the January 2027 mandate is approaching, Facturwise is operational as a parallel tool while the Odoo configuration is completed.
Non-German companies running Odoo (Dutch, Belgian, UK, Danish, or French businesses) that use Odoo for their domestic accounting and operations but need to invoice German or French clients in ZUGFeRD or Factur-X format. Odoo's German localisation is designed for businesses operating in Germany. Cross-border outgoing compliance for German clients from a non-German Odoo installation is not the core use case of the German localisation module.
The mandate timeline for Odoo users
The facts are the same as for any German or cross-border business. Germany receiving obligation active since January 2025. Germany sending obligation from January 2027 for businesses above 800,000 euros turnover, from January 2028 for all businesses. France receiving obligation active since September 2026. France sending obligation for all businesses from September 2027. Belgium Peppol BIS 3.0 B2B mandate active since January 2026. For the cross-system view, see outgoing e-invoicing for companies.
For Odoo users who are not yet generating compliant outgoing ZUGFeRD invoices, whether due to plan restrictions, version issues, or pending localisation configuration, the January 2027 deadline for Germany and the September 2026 receiving obligation for France are current compliance gaps, not future considerations.
What Facturwise generates alongside Odoo
ZUGFeRD 2.4 at EN 16931 profile level for German business clients. Factur-X 1.0.8 at EN 16931 profile level for French business clients. XRechnung for German public sector and federal clients. Peppol BIS 3.0 for Belgian clients and cross-border EU trade. DATEV-compatible CSV export on all plans including the free trial. 22 invoice output languages from the same account.
Your Odoo installation continues to handle what it currently handles: CRM, inventory, project management, accounts payable, and any other modules you use. Facturwise handles compliant outgoing invoice generation for the clients who require structured e-invoices.
Frequently asked questions
Does Odoo support ZUGFeRD?
Odoo Enterprise with the German localisation module supports ZUGFeRD and XRechnung. The Odoo Online Free plan intentionally excludes structured e-invoicing as part of its Enterprise Accounting feature set restriction. Odoo Community requires third-party modules for ZUGFeRD support. Odoo V18 had documented German localisation issues with ZUGFeRD output that generated community forum discussion.
Can I use Facturwise if I am on Odoo Enterprise?
Yes. Facturwise works alongside Odoo Enterprise as a parallel invoicing tool for clients who require ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, or XRechnung compliance. This is particularly useful if your Odoo German localisation is not yet configured, if you invoice French clients who require Factur-X which may not be covered by your current Odoo German localisation setup, or if you prefer a dedicated focused invoicing tool for your compliance output.
Does Facturwise replace Odoo?
No. Facturwise does not replace Odoo or any of the functions Odoo performs, including CRM, inventory management, project management, accounting, purchase orders, or HR modules. Facturwise generates compliant outgoing client invoices alongside your Odoo installation.
I am on Odoo Free. Is Facturwise cheaper than upgrading to Enterprise for ZUGFeRD?
Odoo Enterprise pricing starts at approximately 24.90 euros per user per month. Facturwise Advanced is 13.90 euros per month with no per-user pricing for basic invoicing use. For Odoo Free users who need ZUGFeRD compliance only for outgoing client invoices and do not need the full Odoo Enterprise feature set, Facturwise is the more cost-effective route to compliance.
Does Facturwise cover Factur-X for French clients?
Yes. Facturwise generates Factur-X 1.0.8 at EN 16931 profile level on all plans including the free trial. The French receiving obligation became active in September 2026. French business clients now require Factur-X invoices. Facturwise covers Germany and France from the same account.
Compliant outgoing invoices alongside Odoo, starting free
Five invoices free. Full ZUGFeRD 2.4, Factur-X 1.0.8, XRechnung, and Peppol BIS 3.0 compliance at EN 16931 profile level. DATEV export included. No Odoo configuration required. No annual commitment.
Facturwise handles outgoing client invoices. It does not replace Odoo or any ERP, CRM, inventory, or accounting function.