If you issue invoices as an autónomo (self-employed worker) or run a small SL (limited company), the process is simple today. But it will change in 2026 when Verifactu, la nueva norma de facturación, becomes mandatory. This guide explains in plain words what Verifactu means, how invoice templates work today, and what you need to know about e-invoicing certificates.
FAQ: invoice request in Spain
Do I need to issue an invoice for every job?
Yes. Every service or sale must have an invoice.
Can I use Word or Excel?
Yes, until Verifactu starts in 2026.
Verifactu in Spain: what actually changes for you
Verifactu is the new invoicing standard that Spain will enforce in 2026. It sets the rules for how invoices must be created, stored, corrected, and sent. The goal is to avoid hidden changes and make invoices easy for the tax agency to verify.
Deadlines:
- Companies (SL): 1 January 2026
- Autónomos: 1 July 2026
The idea is simple:
- From 2026, you cannot create invoices manually.
- Only approved invoicing software will be allowed.
Why? Because the tax agency wants invoices to follow clear, automatic rules:
- Each invoice must follow strict number order.
- Every invoice must include a Verifactu QR code (a code the tax agency can scan to check the invoice).
- Invoices cannot be edited by hand after they are issued.
- Any correction or cancellation must be done through the software.
- Your invoicing tool must keep a secure record of all invoices and timestamps.
What this means for autónomos and SLs
- Word, Excel, Google Docs and PDF templates will no longer be valid.
- Your invoicing software must be updated to support Verifactu.
- If your gestor issues invoices for you, their system must comply too.
- Even if you only send a few invoices per year, you must use approved software.
What you should do now
- Ask your current invoicing tool if they will support Verifactu. Or try renn’s electronic invoicing.
- Plan your move to compliant software before your deadline.
- Keep your invoice files organised for 4 years, as required by law.
Simple invoice template (works today, won’t work under Verifactu)
You can still use a simple template today. It works fine as long as Verifactu is not active. In 2026, templates will stop being valid because they cannot generate the mandatory QR code or follow the new automatic controls. how to make an invoice
Factura Nº [2025-001]
Fecha: [dd/mm/aaaa]
Emisor
Nombre / Razón social
NIF
Dirección
Cliente
Nombre / Razón social
NIF/VAT
Dirección
Concepto
Descripción del servicio o producto
Importes
Base: [€]
IVA: [€]
Total: [€]
Pago
Forma de pago
Cuenta bancaria (opcional)
Archivo
Guardar copia 4 años
Use this template until Verifactu becomes mandatory.
After 2026, only invoices generated by approved software will be accepted.
E-invoicing certificates in Spain
Electronic invoicing in Spain uses a certificado de facturación electrónica, which is a digital ID that confirms who issued the invoice and ensures it has not been changed. When B2B e-invoicing becomes mandatory, the invoicing software will apply this certificate automatically.
You won’t need to manage certificates yourself. The software will add the identity check and validation in the background every time an electronic invoice is sent.
Certificates only matter for you directly if you issue invoices to public administrations today.
Bottom line
- Today, you can still issue invoices with simple templates.
- From 2026, Verifactu will require all autónomos and SLs to use approved invoicing software.
- The software will add the QR code, maintain proper numbering, and handle corrections.
- Templates, Word, Excel, and manual PDFs will no longer be valid.
- E-invoicing certificates will be handled automatically by your invoicing software.
