The e-invoicing process in the Netherlands:
- Invoice creation: Vendors generate electronic invoices that comply with legal requirements and the Peppol standard.
- Submission: Electronic invoices are primarily submitted through the Peppol network, the preferred method. Suppliers can also use the government e-Invoicing portal or submit invoices via certified e-mail.
- Validation: The Peppol Infrastructure performs formal checks on submitted invoices to ensure compliance before forwarding them to the relevant public authority.
- Processing: Public authorities receive and process e-invoices, utilizing automated systems. The specific processing approach may vary depending on the size and technical capabilities of the authority.
Archiving: E-invoices must be archived for seven years, with a longer retention period of ten years required for real estate invoices.