UBL / Peppol Validator for Spanish Companies
Spain mandates B2G e-invoicing via FACe (UBL-based) and is implementing mandatory B2B e-invoicing via VERI*FACTU from 2025. Validate your UBL / Peppol invoices for EN 16931 compliance - free, no upload.
Open UBL ValidatorSpanish e-invoicing: FACe, TicketBAI and VERI*FACTU
Spain has mandated B2G electronic invoicing via FACe (Punto General de Entrada de Facturas Electrónicas) since 2015, using the Factura-e format (UBL 2.1-based). The Ley Crea y Crece (Law 18/2022) extends mandatory e-invoicing to B2B transactions: companies with turnover above 8M€/year must comply from 2025, all others from 2027.
The Spanish VERI*FACTU system introduces real-time invoice reporting to the Agencia Tributaria (AEAT). TicketBAI applies in the Basque Country, Navarre, and other regions, requiring digitally signed invoices submitted to regional tax authorities. ValidateFin validates UBL 2.1 invoices against EN 16931 and Peppol BIS 3.0, covering the cross-border and FACe compliance aspects.
Spanish e-invoicing compliance timeline
B2G: FACe platform mandatory for invoices to central government entities. Factura-e (UBL-based) format required.
B2B mandatory for large companies (turnover >8M€/year). VERI*FACTU real-time reporting system activated.
TicketBAI extended compliance: Basque Country and Navarre regions complete implementation of signed invoice reporting.
B2B mandatory for all Spanish VAT-registered companies regardless of turnover. Full VERI*FACTU coverage.
What ValidateFin checks in your UBL invoice for Spain
For Spanish companies using UBL/Peppol for B2G (FACe) or cross-border invoicing, verify your invoice passes these checks:
- UBL 2.1 schema validation against EN 16931 and Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 specification
- Spanish VAT number format: ES + NIF/CIF (9 characters: letter + 7 digits + control character)
- EN 16931 mandatory fields: seller/buyer identifiers, invoice number, issue date, tax breakdown
- FACe-specific: supplier identifier (DIR3 code) for B2G invoices to Spanish public entities
- VAT consistency: Spanish rates (21%, 10%, 4%) and exempt categories correctly applied
Common UBL errors for Spanish e-invoicing
Invalid Spanish VAT/NIF format
Spanish tax identifiers (NIF for individuals, CIF for companies) must be prefixed with ES in EN 16931. Format: ES + letter + 7 digits + control character (e.g. ESA12345674).
Missing DIR3 code for FACe B2G invoices
Invoices submitted to Spanish public entities via FACe must include the DIR3 administrative unit codes (Órgano Gestor, Unidad Tramitadora, Oficina Contable) in the buyer reference fields.
Wrong VAT rate for Spanish reduced/super-reduced categories
Spain's tax system has three positive rates (21%, 10%, 4%) plus exempt categories. Mixing up rates or category codes causes EN 16931 BR-S-08 and related rule failures.
Frequently asked questions
What is FACe and how does it use UBL?
FACe (Punto General de Entrada de Facturas Electrónicas de la Administración General del Estado) is Spain's central platform for electronic invoices to government entities. It accepts the Factura-e format, which is based on UBL 2.1 with Spanish-specific extensions. ValidateFin validates the UBL/Peppol aspect of your invoice.
Is VERI*FACTU the same as B2B mandatory e-invoicing?
VERI*FACTU is a real-time reporting system where invoice data is transmitted to AEAT (Spanish tax authority) at the time of issuance. It is different from mandatory e-invoicing: VERI*FACTU is about tax reporting, while the Ley Crea y Crece mandate is about exchanging structured invoices with buyers. Both obligations apply from 2025.
Can ValidateFin validate Factura-e invoices?
ValidateFin validates UBL 2.1 invoices against EN 16931 and Peppol BIS 3.0 rules. The core Factura-e structure is UBL 2.1-based. For Spanish-specific Factura-e extensions (DIR3 codes, specific tax categories), the base EN 16931 validation covers the core requirements. Use the AEAT tools for full VERI*FACTU compliance testing.
E-invoicing guides by country
E-invoicing rules in Spain
Status: Phasing in (2026–2027). See who must issue and receive e-invoices, deadlines and accepted formats.
Validate your UBL invoice for Spanish e-invoicing
Check FACe UBL structure and EN 16931 compliance instantly. No file uploaded.