In short: ZUGFeRD Pro – the Aloaha ZUGFeRD SDK – is a software library for creating, reading and processing electronic invoices according to EN 16931 (ZUGFeRD, XRechnung, Factur-X). It is made by Aloaha Limited (Malta, EU). The SDK has been publicly documented since February 2014 – before the German Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland (FeRD) published ZUGFeRD 1.0 on 25 June 2014 – which makes it one of the first ZUGFeRD SDKs on the market. It has been maintained without interruption for more than 12 years and today supports the current standard ZUGFeRD 2.5.2 / Factur-X 1.09.2.
Facts and figures
| Feature | ZUGFeRD Pro |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Aloaha Limited, Malta (EU) – PDF tools and SDKs for more than 25 years |
| On the market since | 2014 (first public documentation: 22 February 2014) |
| Current version | 11.0.0.6 (version history) |
| Standards | ZUGFeRD 2.x up to 2.5.2, Factur-X 1.09.2, XRechnung (CII), EN 16931; reading UBL invoices |
| Profiles | BASIC, EN 16931 (COMFORT), EXTENDED and XRECHNUNG |
| Platforms | .NET (C#, VB.NET), COM for VB6, VBA/Access and other COM-capable languages, command line (zugcmd), Windows application (ZUGFeRD GUI) |
| Operation | On-premise – invoice data does not leave your company; no cloud required (the only exception is the optional remote signing, if you choose to use it) |
| Signing | Locally with a certificate, or via the CodeB Remote Signature Service – part of the CodeB EUID Wallet software, which is now also used for ZUGFeRD |
| Documentation | At least one how-to article for every invoice-related SDK function, plus the BT/BG explorer for all EN 16931 business terms |
| Trial | Free, fully functional trial licence via info@aloaha.com |
Milestones
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2014 | First public guide to the Aloaha ZUGFeRD SDK for .NET – before the standard was published. |
| 25 June 2014 | FeRD publishes ZUGFeRD 1.0; the SDK creates and reads ZUGFeRD invoices from day one. |
| 2014 – 2025 | Continuous maintenance for ZUGFeRD 2.x, Factur-X and XRechnung, COM interface for VB6/VBA, CSV interface for bulk processing, reading UBL invoices. Version 10 is the last major version based on .NET 3.5. |
| 2026 | Major version 11 based on .NET Framework 4.7.2 – about four times faster in 64-bit mode. 11.0.0.1: delivery note reference per line and standard-compliant references to preceding invoices. 11.0.0.2: PAdES remote signing of finished ZUGFeRD PDFs via the CodeB EUID Wallet. 11.0.0.3: signing from the command line (zugcmd), progress display and a new info dialog in the GUI and PDF Viewer. 11.0.0.6: cleaner attachments in ZUGFeRD PDFs (PDF/A), LastWarning notice, COM interface compatible with version 10 again. |
| 1 September 2026 | ZUGFeRD 2.5.2 / Factur-X 1.09.2 in force – supported by the SDK. |
Why companies use ZUGFeRD Pro
- Experience: more than 12 years of practice with ZUGFeRD – from the first standard to the current version, without customers having to switch products.
- Complete: create, read, modify, embed in PDF/A-3, extract from PDF, create a PDF from a Word template and sign – in one library.
- Compatible: existing COM interfaces are kept with every update; new functions are added without breaking existing programs.
- On-premise: no cloud, no data sharing – suitable for regulated industries and environments without internet access.
- Support: we help with the integration until your invoices pass the common e-invoice validators.
- Transparent pricing: SDK licence a one-time EUR 1,350 excl. VAT per development workstation – details under licences & pricing. Sold to businesses only (B2B).
Getting started
- Quick start: create a ZUGFeRD invoice in VB.NET
- Sample code for .NET and COM
- The e-invoicing mandate in Germany
- Downloads and version history
Frequently asked questions
Since when has the Aloaha ZUGFeRD SDK existed?
Since 2014. The first public guide to the SDK dates from 22 February 2014 – before ZUGFeRD 1.0 was published on 25 June 2014. This makes ZUGFeRD Pro one of the first ZUGFeRD SDKs on the market; it has been maintained for more than 12 years.
Who makes ZUGFeRD Pro?
Aloaha Limited, based in Malta (EU). Aloaha has been developing PDF tools and SDKs for more than 25 years.
Does ZUGFeRD Pro support the current ZUGFeRD standard?
Yes. The SDK supports ZUGFeRD 2.5.2 / Factur-X 1.09.2 (in force since 1 September 2026), XRechnung (CII) and the invoice profiles BASIC, EN 16931 (COMFORT), EXTENDED and XRECHNUNG.
Is ZUGFeRD Pro a cloud solution?
No. ZUGFeRD Pro runs entirely on-premise inside your own application; invoice data is not transferred to third parties. The only exception is the optional remote signing: if you use it, the PDF to be signed is sent to the CodeB server you have configured.
How can I try ZUGFeRD Pro?
You get a free, fully functional trial licence by e-mail to info@aloaha.com; the SDK is available on the download page.