Is PEPPOL mandatory for freelancers and sole traders?

One of the most common questions we get: do I really need PEPPOL as a freelancer or sole trader? The short answer is yes, if you invoice other businesses in Belgium.

The rule applies regardless of size

Since January 2026, all Belgian businesses must send and receive invoices electronically via PEPPOL for B2B transactions — including VAT-exempt ones. There is no turnover threshold. Whether you invoice one client a month or a hundred, the obligation is the same.

Freelancers, sole traders, one-person companies, architects, consultants, cleaners, contractors: if you invoice other businesses in Belgium, you are in scope. This applies even if you operate under a VAT exemption scheme.

What about invoicing consumers?

If all your clients are private individuals, you are not required to send PEPPOL invoices. But you may still receive PEPPOL invoices from your own suppliers. To receive them correctly, you need a PEPPOL address.

PepCerto has a Receiver plan for exactly this situation: you get a PEPPOL address and receive incoming invoices, without paying for sending features you do not need.

What happens if you do nothing?

Some clients will start refusing PDF invoices or asking you to resubmit via PEPPOL. In the longer term, penalties apply. The easiest fix is to get set up now: it takes about five minutes with PepCerto.

Do I need an accountant to set this up?

No. You only need your VAT number. PepCerto registers your PEPPOL ID automatically and you can send your first invoice straight away. No IT knowledge required, no complex configuration.