Short answer
A UBL invoice is an XML file that follows the international UBL standard, the format most Peppol e-invoices use. It is meant for accounting software, so it is hard to read yourself. Open it in this viewer to see the invoice details, lines, VAT and payment information clearly, plus any embedded PDF.
What is a UBL invoice?
UBL stands for Universal Business Language, an open OASIS standard for business documents in XML. A UBL invoice holds the same details as a normal invoice, but in fixed fields, so accounting software can process it automatically.
E-invoices sent over the Peppol network usually use UBL as defined by Peppol BIS Billing 3.0. Belgium’s B2B e-invoicing mandate, in force since 2026, and Dutch government invoicing both rely on this format.
How do you open a UBL file?
- Drop the .xml file on the box at the top of this page, or choose it with the button.
- The viewer shows the supplier, customer, invoice lines, VAT amounts and payment details as a normal invoice.
- If the file contains a PDF, you can download it as an attachment.
- To keep or share a readable copy, choose Print or save as PDF.
Why doesn’t an XML invoice open like a normal invoice?
A browser or text editor shows an XML file as code with tags such as cbc:ID and cac:InvoiceLine, because the file is made for software. Accounting software reads the fields in; for a person, the data has to be laid out first. That is what this viewer does.
What is the difference between UBL and Peppol?
UBL is the file format, Peppol is the network that delivers it. Over Peppol an e-invoice arrives directly in the customer’s invoicing or accounting software, without email.
Keep the original file
If you received an e-invoice, keep the XML file itself in your records. The view in this tool and a printed PDF are readable copies only. In Factuur Simpel, Peppol invoices you receive arrive with your expenses together with a readable version, on the Complete plan.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a UBL invoice?
Drop the .xml file on the viewer on this page or choose it with the button. You immediately see the supplier, customer, invoice lines, VAT and payment details. The file is only read in your own browser and is not uploaded.
Is a UBL invoice the same as a Peppol invoice?
Not quite. UBL is the file format; Peppol is the network that delivers e-invoices. Invoices sent over Peppol usually use UBL following Peppol BIS Billing 3.0, but a UBL file can also be sent by email.
Can I convert a UBL invoice to PDF?
Yes. Open the file in the viewer and choose Print or save as PDF. If the UBL file already contains a PDF, you can download it as an attachment. Keep the original XML file in your records as well.
Is it safe to open my invoice here?
The viewer reads the file in your browser and does not send it anywhere. Nothing is stored after you close the page.
Send and receive e-invoices
With Factuur Simpel Complete you send invoices as e-invoices over Peppol, and Peppol invoices you receive arrive readable with your expenses.
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