Spain's Royal Decree 238/2026 introduces mandatory B2B e‑invoicing, with implementation timelines of 12 months for firms over €8 million and 24 months for others, pending a ministerial order on technical specifications. The decree expands the scope to non‑resident suppliers, raising compatibility concerns with the EU VAT Directive. The new system will overlay Spain's existing real‑time reporting and VeriFactu regimes, potentially conflicting with the forthcoming EU ViDA Directive.
If the ministerial order is approved in 2026, large operators (annual turnover > €8 million) must comply by 2027.
24 months from the ministerial order’s approval, meaning compliance by 2028.
Yes, suppliers not established in Spain but required to issue invoices under Spanish rules must issue them electronically, potentially conflicting with the EU VAT Directive.
The real‑time reporting system (since 2017) and the VeriFactu invoicing software regime.
Article 218 of the EU VAT Directive, limiting member states’ power to impose mandatory e‑invoicing on taxable persons established within their territory.
Get VAT and indirect tax news delivered to your inbox twice a week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fintua · 4 days ago
Spain has introduced mandatory B2B e‑invoicing under Royal Decree 238/2026, effective from 31 March 2026 but operationally deferred until the public e‑invoicing platform regulation takes effect. The decree sets phased implementation: large businesses with turnover over €8 million must comply within 12 months, while all other businesses follow within 24 months. It also imposes strict invoice status reporting within four calendar days and allows four electronic formats.
Inspain · 4 days ago
Spain has temporarily lowered fuel VAT from 21% to 10% under Real Decreto-ley 7/2026, a measure set to expire on 30 June 2026. The EU Commission warned that the cut breaches EU rules, but no formal infringement has been initiated. The temporary relief is expected to cost Spain about €507 million in revenue loss.
Euro Weekly News · 5 days ago
Spain has temporarily lowered fuel VAT from 21% to 10% as part of a €5 billion emergency package, a move that the European Commission says violates the EU VAT Directive. The reduction is set to expire at the end of June 2026, after which the standard 21% rate will resume unless Madrid extends the measure. Brussels has issued a formal warning and warned of potential infringement proceedings if the policy persists.
BDO · 6 days ago
Spain’s Royal Decree‑Law 7/2026 introduces a temporary 10% reduced VAT rate on selected energy supplies, effective from 22 March 2026 until 30 June 2026, subject to a CPI threshold. The measure covers electricity (for small‑scale and vulnerable consumers), natural gas, biomass briquettes, firewood, and certain fuels and biofuels, and applies to supplies, imports and intra‑Community acquisitions.
Seeburger · 11 days ago
Spain has approved a draft bill that will extend mandatory e‑invoicing from the B2G sector to B2B transactions. The new law requires companies to use certified invoicing software from 1 January 2024 and sets a phased implementation schedule based on turnover thresholds. Non‑compliance can lead to fines up to €10,000.
Agencia Tributaria · 13 days ago
Spain's Tax Agency has enacted Royal Decree 238/2026, mandating electronic invoicing for businesses and professionals. The decree takes effect 20 April 2026, with high‑volume firms (VAT turnover > €8 million) required to comply 12 months after the ministerial order, and others 24 months later. A free application will be provided, and the public e‑invoicing platform must be available at least two months before the first effective application.
