> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.e-invoice.be/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Get started with e-invoice.be in minutes

## Getting an Account

To start using the e-invoice.be API, you need to create an account and obtain your API credentials.

### 1. Sign Up

Visit [app.e-invoice.be](https://app.e-invoice.be) and create your account. You'll need to provide:

* Your company information
* Company registration details (VAT number, business registration number, etc.)
* Contact details

<Note>
  **For SaaS companies**: Interested in our reseller programme? Contact us at [support@e-invoice.be](mailto:support@e-invoice.be) to learn about integration options and partnership opportunities.
</Note>

### 2. Get Your API Key

Once your account is created:

1. Log in to your dashboard at [app.e-invoice.be](https://app.e-invoice.be)
2. Navigate to **Settings** → **API Keys**
3. Click **Create API Key**
4. Copy your API key immediately - it won't be shown again
5. Store it securely (never commit it to version control)

### 3. Create a Sandbox Company

For development and testing, create a **sandbox company** - a dedicated company that runs in test mode and comes with its own API key:

<Note>
  **A sandbox company is essential for safe development.** Documents are emailed instead of being sent via Peppol, so you can test your integration without affecting real recipients.

  In [app.e-invoice.be](https://app.e-invoice.be), click **Create sandbox company**, then use that company's API key for your requests. [Learn more about test mode →](/environments)
</Note>

### 4. Choose Your API

There is a single API host:

| API              | Base URL                   | When to Use                                                                        |
| ---------------- | -------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **e-invoice.be** | `https://api.e-invoice.be` | Everything — testing (with a sandbox company) and production (with a real company) |

<Tip>
  **Everything runs on `https://api.e-invoice.be`.** Use a sandbox company's API key to test in test mode, and a real company's API key to send over Peppol. You won't need to change your code or base URL when going live.
</Tip>

<Card title="Learn About Test Mode" icon="flask" href="/environments">
  Understand test mode and when to use the development API
</Card>

## Quick Test

Verify your API key works by checking your account information:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET "https://api.e-invoice.be/api/me/" \
     -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

You should receive a response with your account details:

```json theme={null}
{
  "name": "Your Company Name",
  "company_name": "Your Company BV",
  "company_number": "0123456789",
  "peppol_ids": ["0208:0123456789"]
}
```

<Tip>
  Since both environments share the same database and credentials, the response will be identical regardless of which environment you query.
</Tip>

## What's Next?

Now that you have your account set up, you can:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Authenticate" icon="key" href="/authentication">
    Learn how to authenticate API requests
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create Your First Invoice" icon="file-invoice" href="/guides/creating-invoices">
    Send your first e-invoice via Peppol
  </Card>

  <Card title="Validate During Development" icon="check-circle" href="/guides/validation">
    Test your invoices before sending
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Up Webhooks" icon="webhook" href="/essentials/webhooks">
    Get notified about invoice events
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect via MCP" icon="plug" href="/essentials/mcp">
    Use the API from any AI assistant
  </Card>
</CardGroup>