Digital B2C invoicing in the Nordics

Invoicing goes digital‑by‑default 

Digitalization has transformed the way businesses handle invoicing, especially in the Nordic region. For B2C companies, understanding these changes is critical, not only to streamline operations but also to meet consumer expectations across different markets. When expanding internationally, the nuances of local invoicing practices can make or break customer satisfaction. 

In the last decade, digitalization has been aggressive. Consumers are more aware of digital channels and tools and want more efficient, cheaper and environmentally friendly ways of  handling their errands. While during the early 2010s it was still normal to ask if a company was providing e-invoice for their customers. Today it is assumed and consumers are asking what other digital channels companies are providing. And the best part of it is that it is very often a win-win situation! Electronic invoicing is often the simplest and cheapest way of sending invoices especially for smaller companies. The downside is that the e-invoice doesn’t cater for any dialogue with the consumer. If the payment is fixed the end-customer normally never even look at the actual invoice – they just pay it. 

If we take all invoices sent in 2015, the e-ratio was approximately: 

• Finland 32% 
• Norway 20-25% 
• Sweden 15-20% 

Then let’s fast forward to 2025 e-ratio: 

• Finland 60-70% 
• Norway 90% 
• Sweden 60-70% 

These numbers include all digital channels. 

 Electronic invoicing in the Nordics 

Electronic invoicing through online banks (e-invoicing) is now a standard in many Nordic countries, but the implementation varies significantly: 

• Norway: Consumers benefit from a unified system through MPS (Mastercard Payment Services), which allows them to subscribe to all e-invoices at once. This simplicity reduces friction and enhances adoption. Consumers can opt out of single billers if they want to get their invoices from a specific biller through another channel. 

• Finland: The process is more fragmented. Consumers must subscribe to each vendor individually via their online bank, creating extra steps and potential frustration. Siirto is developing a more centralized registry and an easier way to onboard consumers and is planning on releasing the registry during H1 2026. 

• Sweden: Efforts are underway to replicate Norway’s model. E-fakturabolaget is driving a project to introduce a similar centralized solution, signaling a shift toward greater convenience. 

“These differences highlight why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Companies entering new markets need partners who understand these local systems, have a wide variety of trusted partners, and can help navigate the market effectively.” - saying Teemu Petäjäniemi, Product Area Manager.  

Teemu Petäjäniemi, Product Area Manager, Tieto Indtech

Beyond e-Invoices: Digital Mailboxes and Live Invoice 

In addition to e-invoicing, digital mailboxes such as Kivra, Omaposti, Digipost, Billo and e-Boks offer alternative ways of deliver invoices. These platforms go beyond static documents, enabling interactive and responsive invoices that can improve customer experience. Features like reminders, payment options, and centralized storage make them attractive alternatives. Companies have a better channel for marketing add-on sales and gathering customer feedback together with periodic invoicing. 

Digital mailboxes are getting more and more popular, and these days even governments have started driving the digitalization. In Finland for example government has started a project called “Digi first” where everyone over 18, who has used any digital services provided by the government will start receiving all their governmental mail digitally starting from H1 2026. People can still opt-out from digital mailing if they wish, but digital mailbox will still be created for them and if they do not act, their mail will be digital. 

Invoices themselves to digital mailboxes are nothing new, however new additional features such as easy payment options and reminders have offered promising signs for billers. On average, consumers pay their invoices five days before the due date, and as many as eight percent of consumers pay their invoices the day of the delivery.  

While it is impossible to compare how many invoices go missing or are left un-opened with traditional mail, in digital mailboxes around 99% of invoices are opened. - pointing Petäjäniemi. 

Nordic differences 

In Finland approximately 84% of working-age people have some digital mailbox and are prepared to receive also invoices to their digital mailboxes. In Finland, the biggest digital mailbox is by far OmaPosti, but Kivra has entered the market and are gaining users at a very high rate. 

In Sweden around 75% of adults have started using digital mailboxes and Kivra is the biggest in Sweden with over 600 million items handled annually. Almost all large billers are using Kivra. 

In Norway almost 70% of adults are using digital mailboxes. Major billers are using Digipost as their default channel for customer communication. From an invoicing point of view, Norway has a stronger market in e-invoices, since consumers can select to receive all their invoices as e-invoices by default. In other countries the onboarding for e-invoices are still little more complicated. 

These channels pose normally some security questions from consumers. There are several ways to address those concerns, e.g. adding login via eID before being able to access the content or distributing the interactive invoice via company specific app or My Pages. The upside of these interactive invoices is that they provide possibilities for dialogue with the consumers, the content can be targeted to be more relevant to the recipient etc. In Tieto we call this interactive invoice – Live Invoice, and this service gives the consumers a user-friendly way of connecting with their supplier, an app-like experience without having to download anything which also includes the possibilities of instant or recurring payments. 

What this means for B2C companies 

These days even the smallest differences can make consumers change their service providers, and competition is fierce throughout the business areas. Customer experience, especially in invoicing should be in the center of discussion always. - saying Petäjäniemi. 

The key is flexibility. Consumers want a choice, whether it’s e-invoice, digital mailbox, or traditional methods, consumers value simplicity. Offering multiple payment channels ensures customers can centralize their personal tasks and choose what works best for them. 

In some industries companies can also really take an advantage of data they offer for their customers. For example in energy sector companies have these days options to show visual statistics on electricity consumption and trends for their customers. Digitalization also offers a lot of new channels and ways to make add-on sales while giving value to the customer. When understood, utilized and executed correctly, digitalization of invoices can truly be a win-win situation! 

We in Tieto have broad experience with the differences and challenges across the Nordic markets. With our solutions Multichannel, we offer the flexibility needed to ensure end‑consumer satisfaction in the whole Nordic and beyond. - summarizing Petäjäniemi 

Reach out now and let’s elevate your invoicing experience together and we will tell you more about our service Multichannel.