Running invoices in Excel feels safe, but the Verifactu deadlines are near: 2025 for larger companies and mid‑2026 for most freelancers and SMEs. A cloud billing platform lets you bill from any device, apply taxes automatically, and share real-time data with your gestor. This guide compares the best platforms, shows the must‑have features, and gives you a four‑week roadmap so you can switch without drama.
Quick Q&A
What is a cloud billing platform?
It’s online software that stores your invoices and tax data in the cloud, so you can issue, track, and report from anywhere.
Do I need one for Verifactu?
Yes. From 2025, invoices must be generated with Verifactu-compliant software that creates hashed XML/QR records, which can be sent instantly to Hacienda or stored in a tamper-proof log. Cloud tools get updates automatically, so compliance is easier.
How much does it cost?
Expect €0‑40 per month for most freelancers and small teams. The time saved usually pays the fee in weeks.
Cloud billing platform overview
Cloud billing runs in the browser, not on your hard drive.
It’s SaaS. Your data lives on encrypted servers, updates install overnight, and you log in with any phone or laptop. Unlike on‑premise packages that you need to patch and back up yourself, cloud billing handles security, backups, and new tax formats in the background. With Spain moving to mandatory e‑invoicing under Ley Crea y Crece, that peace of mind matters.
For a full rundown on online accounting platforms for SMEs and freelancers, check our online accounting platform guide.
What is cloud billing?
Cloud billing automates the full invoice cycle inside one platform.
Cloud billing calculates prices, adds VAT or GST, generates PDFs and XML, and posts the transaction to your ledger in one click. Modern tools bundle:
- a product catalogue,
- a tax engine that knows reversed charge and intra‑EU rules,
- payment links for card or SEPA,
Benefits of a cloud billing platform for SMEs in Spain
It saves hours and avoids fines.
- Work anywhere: issue invoices from a train or a client’s office.
- Share with your accountant: Live access cuts email back-and-forth and reduce significantly the risk of entry errors.
- Automatic Verifactu XML: the software stamps invoices with a hash and QR, ready to send to Hacienda.
- Faster cash: push the invoice the same day and get paid sooner on average.
- Lower cost: no servers, no manual backups, no paid upgrades.
- Grows with you: add extra users or currencies in minutes.
Key features to look for in a cloud billing platform
Pick compliance first, convenience second.
- Verifactu‑ready file format.
- Recurring billing for subscriptions.
- Bank feeds with automatic reconciliation.
- Mobile app for on‑site issuing.
- Templates in Spanish, English, Catalan, Basque.
- Payment links via Stripe or GoCardless.
- Cash‑flow and tax reports.
- Open API or Zapier/Make integration.
Top cloud billing platforms compared
Every tool has a sweet spot-pick yours.
renn
Free tier up to 25 invoices a month, then €15. Clean interface, AI expense categorisation, Verifactu in one click. Ecosystem is newer but growing fast. Perfect for solo workers who hate admin. Try it here.
Holded
From €14.50 per month. All‑in‑one ERP with inventory and payroll. Great for SMEs with stock. Steeper learning curve and higher tiers. 14‑day free trial.
Sage Business Cloud Facturación
From €12 per month. Trusted brand and large accountant network. Limited automation beyond invoicing. Best for traditional firms moving online. 30‑day trial.
Quipu
From €14 per month. Built around Verifactu, with bank sync and optional gestoría service. Inventory is basic. Ideal for freelancers and micro‑pymes. 15‑day trial.
Zoho Books
Free for revenue under €50k, then €15‑60. Strong mobile app and multicurrency. Needs external plugin for SII. Good for export‑heavy SMEs.
Stripe Billing
No monthly fee, pay per invoice. Best‑in‑class recurring and usage billing. Requires developer setup and lacks built‑in Spanish tax reports. Fit for SaaS platforms.
QuickBooks Online
€20‑60. Robust accounting and app marketplace. English‑first support may frustrate some teams. Good for companies with UK or US ties.
FreshBooks
€15‑50. Combines time tracking with invoicing. Tax localisation is limited. Favoured by creative freelancers.
Security and compliance checklist
Compliance is non‑negotiable.
- ISO 27001 and GDPR certification.
- Spanish or EU data centre.
- Two‑factor authentication and role permissions.
- Daily backups and a tested disaster-recovery plan (best practice, not legally required).
- Real‑time Verifactu signature flow.
- Review the Agencia Tributaria Verifactu FAQ for exact specs.
Implementation roadmap: migrate in 30 days
Four focused weeks is enough.
Week 1 - Export your current invoices and VAT codes. Clean the product list.
Week 2 - Pick a provider, create the company profile, import customers and items.
Week 3 - Connect the bank feed and payment gateways. Send test invoices and check the XML.
Week 4 - Run a one‑hour team webinar, switch to live mode, and watch the first bank reconciliation.
Costs and ROI of cloud billing
The subscription pays for itself quickly.
Freemium tiers cover early freelancers. Most SMEs land in the €15‑40 range. Add €50‑200 for optional onboarding support. A 10‑person agency spending six hours less on admin each month saves about €180, recovers the fee in two months, and gains cleaner books for tax season.
Bottom line
Move now and stay ahead of Verifactu.
A cloud billing platform gives Spanish SMEs remote access, lower risk, and automatic compliance. Teams that migrate before the deadlines avoid last‑minute stress and win back time to grow. Choose a Verifactu‑ready provider, follow the 30‑day roadmap, and your billing will be future‑proof.
Updating your processes today means fewer errors tomorrow. By adopting a cloud billing platform, you lock in Verifactu compliance, faster payments, and sustainable growth-all with one login.
