E-invoicing isn’t just a compliance trend—it’s becoming the new standard. And in New Zealand, the shift has already begun.

Whether you’re a freelancer or a platform serving them, now’s the time to act.

Here’s how to start e-invoicing in NZ and stay ahead of the 2026 mandate.

Quick Overview Of E-invoicing

Is E-invoicing Mandatory In New Zealand

Why Should Freelancers and Sole Traders E-invoice In NZ?

What Is The Best Way For Freelancers and Sole Traders To E-Invoice in NZ?

 

 

Quick Overview Of E-invoicing

E-invoicing is an automated process where the invoice is not a PDF or paper document, but a piece of computer-generated code, typically unreadable to the human eye. It is exchanged directly between two invoicing systems over a government-regulated network, significantly reducing errors, tax fraud, and invoicing costs.

In New Zealand, this process is facilitated by the Peppol network, which also ensures that all invoices follow a standardized format, usually in XML.

 

 

Is E-invoicing Mandatory In New Zealand

Currently, only central government agencies in New Zealand are required to have the capability to receive e-invoices. This means that if a company chooses to issue e-invoices, these agencies must be able to accept them.

Starting 1 January 2026, all government agencies that issue or receive more than 2,000 domestic invoices per year will be required to use e-invoicing.

So while it may not be mandatory for you yet, there are already many benefits to adopting e-invoicing early.

 

 

Why Should Freelancers and Sole Traders E-invoice In NZ?

The goal of e-invoicing isn’t just regulatory compliance. A big part of it is also about automating invoicing to save time and money for businesses. Most businesses agree on the key benefits:

Faster Payments: E-invoices are processed quicker and often include QR codes or payment links, speeding up transactions.

Fewer Errors & Fines: Automation reduces manual input, minimizing mistakes and the risk of penalties.

Stronger Security: Invoices are sent through secure, regulated networks, helping prevent fraud.

Lower Costs: With no manual entry, teams can focus more on clients, growth, or even downtime, leading to better productivity.

 

 

What Is The Best Way For Freelancers and Sole Traders To E-Invoice in NZ?

Since you won’t invoice huge numbers, it’s best to find a provider, that can offer you business platform to manage from whole business, as they usually offer for an upsell invoicing. But in general, the process would look like:

Obtain a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): This unique identifier is essential for e-invoicing and can be obtained through the NZBN website.

Use Compatible Accounting Software: Ensure your accounting software supports e-invoicing. Popular options like Xero and MYOB offer built-in e-invoicing capabilities.

Register for E-Invoicing: Sign up through your accounting software to send and receive e-invoices.

Inform Clients and Suppliers: Notify your business partners that you are e-invoice capable, encouraging them to adopt the system for seamless transactions.

 

 

Additional Resources

Official E-Invoicing Website: einvoicing.govt.nz

NZBN Registration: nzbn.govt.nzNew Zealand Business Number

Invoicing Software Providers: GetApollo, Space Invoices

 

 

Are You A Platform Working With Freelance and Sole Traders?

If you're a SaaS, Fintech, or Neobank platform, chances are your clients include freelancers and sole traders. At Space Invoices, we’ve built an invoicing API specifically for platforms like yours—to help you upsell clients and strengthen your One-Stop Shop positioning. With us, you can:

Have one API for current and future global tax and invoicing compliance, in 70+ countries,

Save time and money with integration that takes less than a week

Support and upsell your clients worldwide, including EU

Ensure all documents are archived and successfully reported to responsible institutions

Become a one-stop shop for current and future clients

Streamline processes and eliminate manual errors, saving time and money

Do you have questions about New Zealand compliance?

We are ready to help.