Digital tools and regulations drive electronic invoicing transition in France

Businesses and freelancers in France are preparing for upcoming electronic invoicing mandates. Starting September 1, 2026, all companies established in France and subject to VAT must be able to receive electronic invoices. Small businesses, including SMEs and micro-enterprises, will be required to issue them starting September 1, 2027.

To manage this transition, several platforms are being utilized by independent workers. Indy focuses on accounting and tax declarations, Tiime operates at the intersection of invoicing and accountant relations, and Abby targets administrative needs specific to micro-entrepreneurs, such as Urssaf declarations and VAT threshold monitoring.

Additionally, the selection of electronic signature providers is critical for legal and operational security. Key criteria for choosing a provider include compliance with eIDAS regulations (simple, advanced, and qualified levels), GDPR adherence, and security features like two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and certified timestamping. Integration capabilities via APIs and native connectors are also essential for seamless workflow adoption.