VAT number formats in every EU country
Every member state has its own VAT number format. The checker validates the format first, then confirms the registration live from VIES.
| Country | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ATAustria | ATU + 8 digits | ATU12345678 |
| BEBelgium | BE + 10 digits | BE0123456789 |
| BGBulgaria | BG + 9–10 digits | BG123456789 |
| CYCyprus | CY + 8 digits + letter | CY12345678X |
| CZCzechia | CZ + 8–10 digits | CZ12345678 |
| DEGermany | DE + 9 digits | DE123456789 |
| DKDenmark | DK + 8 digits | DK12345678 |
| EEEstonia | EE + 9 digits | EE123456789 |
| ELGreece | EL + 9 digits | EL123456789 |
| ESSpain | ES + 9 characters | ESX1234567X |
| FIFinland | FI + 8 digits | FI01120389 |
| FRFrance | FR + 2 characters + 9 digits | FR12345678901 |
| HRCroatia | HR + 11 digits | HR12345678901 |
| HUHungary | HU + 8 digits | HU12345678 |
| IEIreland | IE + 7 digits + 1–2 letters | IE1234567X |
| ITItaly | IT + 11 digits | IT12345678901 |
| LTLithuania | LT + 9 or 12 digits | LT123456789 |
| LULuxembourg | LU + 8 digits | LU12345678 |
| LVLatvia | LV + 11 digits | LV12345678901 |
| MTMalta | MT + 8 digits | MT12345678 |
| NLNetherlands | NL + 9 digits + B + 2 digits | NL123456789B01 |
| PLPoland | PL + 10 digits | PL1234567890 |
| PTPortugal | PT + 9 digits | PT123456789 |
| RORomania | RO + 2–10 digits | RO12345678 |
| SESweden | SE + 12 digits (ends 01) | SE123456789001 |
| SISlovenia | SI + 8 digits | SI12345678 |
| SKSlovakia | SK + 10 digits | SK1234567890 |
| XINorthern Ireland | XI + 9 digits | XI123456789 |
Frequently asked questions
Is this VAT check free?▾
Yes. The check queries the European Commission's official VIES service and is completely free, with no sign-up.
Why do I need to verify a customer's VAT number?▾
For an intra-EU B2B sale to be zero-rated, you must confirm the buyer's VAT number is valid at the time of the transaction and keep evidence of the check. An invalid number can make you liable for the VAT.
What does “VIES” mean?▾
VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) is the European Commission's system that relays validation requests to each national tax administration in real time.
Why is a correct-looking number reported as invalid?▾
The number may not be registered for intra-EU trade, the registration may have ended, or the national service may be momentarily down. Check with the counterparty and try again later.
Do you store the numbers I check?▾
No. Lookups are passed to VIES and are not stored or used for any other purpose.
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Explore FlowDialValidation data: European Commission VIES. Format reference maintained by FlowDial.
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