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Mandatory e-invoicing in Belgium takes effect on 1 January 2026. FPS Finance will, however, allow a transition period to support businesses and their accounting firms that are not ready yet. This tolerance is not an official postponement.
It therefore remains essential to prepare now and to choose compliant e-invoicing software suited to every profile, whether you are self-employed, a micro-business, an SME or an accounting firm.
Widespread delays
According to L'Echo (8 October 2025, Robbe Van Lier and Manon Brasseur), Belgium is still far from ready for the switch to e-invoicing. Of around 1.2 million VAT-registered businesses, only a third are currently registered on the PEPPOL network, which is essential for sending valid e-invoices.
Figures from Wolters Kluwer show that barely one in ten business purchase invoices is electronic. Even though e-invoice volumes have doubled since the start of the year, two out of three businesses say they are not ready. This applies as much to the self-employed and micro-businesses as to SMEs and the accounting firms that support several clients with their paperwork.
Tolerance is planned, but limited
FPS Finance confirms that a transition period will be put in place to support businesses facing technical difficulties.
"There will be a certain transition period with tolerance for businesses that tried to prepare in time but run into problems during implementation", according to statements reported by L'Echo.
This tolerance applies to all businesses and to the accounting firms that handle their clients' invoicing. It aims to avoid immediate penalties for those who have taken the necessary steps.
However, it is important to remember that this is not an official postponement.
"The message is clear: make sure you follow the rules. A postponement would send a very bad signal to all the businesses that tried to be ready in time", says Francis Adyns, spokesperson for FPS Finance.
The date of 1 January 2026 remains the official deadline for e-invoicing between businesses and for the services accounting firms provide to their clients.
Why you shouldn't wait to comply
Even with tolerance planned, waiting until the last minute remains risky for everyone. Bas Kniphorst, European director at Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, points out:
"Those who do nothing will always have a problem."
Experience in other countries, such as Italy, shows that the final stretch often leads to delays, errors and extra costs.
Preparing now lets you:
- avoid fines of up to 5,000 euros,
- master the process before the deadline,
- ensure a smooth switch to PEPPOL,
- save time on day-to-day admin, for businesses and accounting firms alike.
How to prepare properly for e-invoicing in 2026
Check PEPPOL compliance
The software you choose must be PEPPOL-compatible. Connecting to this network is mandatory to ensure your e-invoices are valid in Belgium. PDF invoices sent by email are no longer compliant. This step is essential for businesses and for accounting firms managing several clients' files.
Centralise customer and supplier data
To generate e-invoices automatically and limit errors, it's important to have a complete, up-to-date database of customers and suppliers.
Train your teams in the new procedure
Even for small organisations or accounting firms, a short training session on e-invoicing saves time and avoids bottlenecks.
Choose simple, suitable software
For the self-employed, micro-businesses, SMEs and accounting firms, an intuitive, automated and compliant tool is recommended. Solutions like Fidly make the transition easier with a clear, intuitive interface, a direct connection to PEPPOL and compatibility with Belgian accounting software.
FAQ: your questions about the transition
Has e-invoicing been postponed?
No. FPS Finance confirms there is no official postponement. A tolerance period is simply planned for businesses and accounting firms that have started their transition.
Who can benefit from this tolerance?
All businesses and accounting firms that have started their move to e-invoicing and are still facing technical difficulties.
What penalties are possible?
Fines can reach 5,000 euros. The tolerance allows some flexibility, but checks will be stepped up gradually.
Why adopt software now?
Getting ahead gives you peace of mind, helps you avoid technical errors and ensures the software works perfectly before 1 January 2026.
In short: tolerance yes, postponement no
FPS Finance confirms that a transition period will accompany the switch to e-invoicing. This measure aims to help businesses and accounting firms acting in good faith. However, the obligation takes effect on 1 January 2026.
Acting today and choosing PEPPOL-compliant e-invoicing software such as Fidly remains the best way to approach this transition calmly and stay compliant.
Sources:
- L'Echo, "Le fisc accorde un délai aux entreprises pour adopter la facturation électronique", 8 October 2025, Robbe Van Lier and Manon Brasseur
- FPS Finance – Official information on e-invoicing in Belgium
