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E-Invoicing in Spain

Country Situation

General Description

In Spain, B2G e-invoicing has been mandatory for suppliers to public administrations since January 2015, under Law 25/2013. Invoices must be issued in the structured Facturae XML format (version 3.2 or higher) with a digital signature, ensuring compliance with EN 16931 standards. Each invoice must also include a DIR3 code, which identifies the relevant administrative body.

There is a central platform that covers almost all potential customers. That being said, some additional platforms exist, particularly in the basque country, which are not connected to FACE. These are expected to remain in place during the implementation of B2B e-invoicing.ae XML format (version 3.2 or higher) with a digital signature, ensuring compliance with EN 16931 standards. Each invoice must include a DIR3 code.

There is a main Central Platform that covers almost all the potential customers, but there are some other platforms, specially in the basque country that are not covered by FACE. It is expected to be kept during the B2B implementation.

FAQs

Is e-invoicing mandatory in Spain?
Yes. E-invoicing is mandatory for all suppliers issuing invoices to the public sector in Spain since January 2015, as per Law 25/2013. All public administrations are required to accept electronic invoices. B2B e-invoicing however is currently not mandatory but expected in 2026/2027.
What format is used for Spanish e-invoicing?
The official format is facturae, an XML-based structured format developed by the Spanish government. The current version in use is typically Facturae 3.2.2.
Which are the platforms to be connected?
The primary platform is FACe (Punto General de Entrada de Facturas Electrónicas), managed by the Ministry of Finance. For central and most of the regional/local administrations, other platforms are used, like Osiriz, Osakidetza and others.
How can I identify the customers inside the invoices?
Customers (public administrations) are identified in facturae invoices using their DIR3 codes, which consist of three fields:
- Accounting office (Oficina Contable),
- Management body (Órgano Gestor),
- Processing unit (Unidad Tramitadora).

These codes are provided by the contracting public entity and must be included in the invoice’s XML structure to ensure correct routing and processing.
Do I need to digitally sign my e-invoice in Spain?
Yes. B2G e-invoices in Spain must include an advanced electronic signature based on a qualified certificate, per Royal Decree 1619/2012 and eIDAS regulations. This ensures authenticity and integrity. Suppliers need a digital certificate (e.g., from FNMT or other trusted providers) to sign facturae XML invoices before submission to FACe or regional platforms.
Can I track the status of my e-invoice via the FACe platform?
Yes. You can track the status of your invoice through the FACe platform via the invoice reference and a tracking code. Statuses include received, validated, rejected, paid, etc.
What are the archiving requirements for B2G e-invoices?
Suppliers must electronically archive B2G e-invoices for at least six years.
Can foreign suppliers submit electronic invoices to Spanish public entities?
Yes. As long as they comply with the Spanish facturae format, use an accepted electronic certificate and transmit it through the FACe platform or an integrated provider.

Country Specs

Mandate StatusMandatory
Mandate ScopeB2G
Model TypeCentralised exchange
Government EntityFACE
FormatsFacturae
Infrastructure / PlatformFACE, among others
E-signature RequiredYes, qualified electronic signature
Key DeadlinesNo upcoming deadlines
AR MandatoryYes
AP MandatoryYes
Peppol AvailableNo
Domestic TransactionsYes
Cross-border TransactionsNo
Archiving Period6 Years
Archiving AbroadYes

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