The Crea y Crece law came into effect on October 19, 2022. It is a key part of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, aimed at stimulating business creation and offering various benefits to streamline corporate processes.

These benefits include:

• Promoting widespread adoption of electronic invoicing
• Reducing processing times, including payments
• Minimizing human errors
• Advancing economic modernization and the information society
• Lowering operational costs
• Improving customer service
• Facilitating the fight against fraud

Once the invoicing regulation is published, three deadlines will be established for the full mandatory implementation of electronic invoicing for all businesses.

• One year after the regulation’s approval: companies with revenues exceeding eight million euros will be required to use e-invoicing and report their invoice status.
• Two years later: self-employed professionals and SMEs with revenues below eight million euros must adopt e-invoicing, although freelancers will not yet be required to report their invoice status.
• Three years after the regulation takes effect: even individual self-employed professionals or freelancers will be required to submit their invoice status to suppliers or the Tax Agency.

Although the mandate is not yet in effect, businesses should begin preparing to adopt e-invoicing for B2B transactions. The shift toward a streamlined digital economy has already begun, and early adoption will be key to staying ahead.

This model delivers measurable benefits:

• Enhanced transparency, with data processed through a government-monitored platform.
• Reduced payment delays, improving cash flow for SMEs and freelancers.
• Streamlined business operations, potentially lowering material costs.
• CSR compliance with a lower carbon footprint through paperless transactions.

There’s no denying that the future of business is digital, and electronic invoicing is a cornerstone of full digital transformation. However, to unlock its full potential, partnering with a competent technology provider is critical.

Here are 5 key requirements your technology partner must meet:

• Compliance with legal standards:
  While it may seem obvious, adhering to e-invoicing regulations in Europe—governed by Directive 2014/55/EU—poses challenges. Each EU member state implements its own national legislation, and outside the EU, regulations are even more dynamic, requiring constant adaptation. A provider that ensures compliance keeps your business safe and audit-proof.
• End-to-End service capabilities:
  If your company operates internationally or works with foreign suppliers, your e-invoicing provider must offer global coverage. This enables seamless, automated collaboration with all business partners.
• Personalized support:
  Every business has unique needs. Your provider should fully adapt to your company’s specifics while offering consultancy, flexibility, and future-proof solutions to support scalability.
• Uninterrupted reliability:
  Issues will inevitably arise. Your provider must deliver swift, transparent support to resolve disruptions and ensure billing stability.
• Industry expertise:
  Choose a provider with proven e-invoicing experience and a track record of serving clients similar to your business. Their expertise will minimize errors and ensure smooth, efficient operations.