SME Packages Digital: How Luxembourg Subsidises Your E-Invoicing Transition

Government Support for Your Digital Transition

Transitioning to electronic invoicing involves costs, whether for software subscriptions, integration with existing systems, or staff training. Recognising this, the Luxembourg government has established the SME Packages Digital programme to help small and medium-sized enterprises embrace digitalisation, including the adoption of e-invoicing via Peppol.

This programme offers subsidies covering up to 70% of eligible costs, making it one of the most generous digitalisation support schemes in Europe. For businesses looking to implement Peppol e-invoicing, this financial aid can significantly reduce the barrier to entry.

What Are SME Packages Digital?

The SME Packages Digital (also known as "Packs PME Digital" in French) is an initiative led by the Ministry of the Economy in collaboration with Luxinnovation, the national innovation agency. The programme provides structured digitalisation support to SMEs through a combination of expert consultancy and financial subsidies.

The packages are designed to help businesses at different stages of their digital maturity, from those just beginning their digital journey to those looking to optimise existing digital processes. E-invoicing implementation, including Peppol setup, falls squarely within the programme's scope.

How the Programme Works

The SME Packages Digital programme typically follows this process:

1. Application — submit your application through the designated platform, usually via Luxinnovation or the Chamber of Commerce
2. Digital assessment — an expert evaluates your current digital maturity and identifies areas for improvement
3. Action plan — a tailored digitalisation plan is developed, including specific projects like e-invoicing implementation
4. Implementation — carry out the planned projects with support from approved service providers
5. Reimbursement — submit your expenses and receive the subsidy covering up to 70% of eligible costs

The process is designed to be accessible and straightforward, with support available at each stage from the relevant institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from the SME Packages Digital programme, your business generally needs to meet the following criteria:

• Company size — qualify as an SME under EU definitions (typically fewer than 250 employees and turnover under EUR 50 million)
• Location — be established and operating in the Grand Duchy
• Sector — most business sectors are eligible, though certain exclusions may apply
• Financial standing — be in good financial health and up to date with tax and social security obligations

Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the current programme cycle. It is advisable to check with the Chamber of Commerce or Luxinnovation for the most up-to-date conditions.

What Costs Are Covered?

The programme covers a range of digitalisation expenses. For e-invoicing projects, eligible costs typically include:

• Software subscriptions — including Peppol access point fees from providers like Peppol Box
• Integration services — connecting your Peppol access point with your accounting workflow via the Peppol Box portal, CSV/XML/PDF export, or API
• Consultancy — expert advice on setting up your e-invoicing processes
• Training — educating your team on using the new tools and workflows
• Digital assessment — the initial evaluation of your digital maturity

With up to 70% of these costs covered, a business investing EUR 2,000 in a Peppol e-invoicing setup could receive EUR 1,400 back from the government. This makes the effective cost remarkably low for a significant operational improvement.

How to Apply

Getting started with the SME Packages Digital programme involves these steps:

1. Contact the Chamber of Commerce — the Chambre de Commerce is often the first point of contact and can guide you through the process
2. Reach out to Luxinnovation — as the programme coordinator, they can provide detailed information on current availability and requirements
3. Prepare your documentation — gather basic company information, financial statements, and a description of your digitalisation needs
4. Submit your application — follow the instructions provided by the relevant institution
5. Implement and claim — once approved, carry out your e-invoicing project and submit expenses for reimbursement

Combining the Subsidy with Peppol Box

The SME Packages Digital programme and a Peppol access point like Peppol Box are a perfect combination. Here is how it works in practice:

• Apply for the SME Packages Digital programme
• Include Peppol e-invoicing implementation in your digitalisation plan
• Sign up for Peppol Box and start sending e-invoices
• Submit your Peppol Box subscription costs as eligible expenses
• Receive up to 70% reimbursement from the programme

This approach allows you to benefit from a professional e-invoicing solution at a fraction of the cost, while also meeting your B2G obligations and preparing for future B2B requirements.

Act Now While Funding Is Available

Government subsidy programmes have finite budgets and defined time periods. The SME Packages Digital programme will not run indefinitely, and the available funding may be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses that act early are more likely to secure the full subsidy amount.

Moreover, with Belgium's 2026 B2B e-invoicing mandate on the horizon and increasing pressure from cross-border trading partners, implementing e-invoicing is becoming a business necessity. Using the subsidy to fund this transition now means you are prepared for the future at minimal cost.