EU · VIES
EU VAT ID check
Checks the format of VAT identification numbers from every EU member state and Northern Ireland, and the check digit where this tool implements it. It runs in your browser.
A format check, not a confirmation
This tool checks the structure of the number and, for German numbers, its check digit. It does not say whether the number has been issued or belongs to the company named. For that, use the European Commission's VIES service. For VAT-exempt intra-community supplies from Germany, the qualified confirmation from the German Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) under section 18e UStG is the evidence the tax office expects.
Formats by country
The table is generated from the rules this tool checks, so it cannot contradict it.
| Country | Prefix | Format | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | AT | ATU + 8 digits | format |
| Belgium | BE | BE + 0 or 1 + 9 digits | format |
| Bulgaria | BG | BG + 9–10 digits | format |
| Croatia | HR | HR + 11 digits | format |
| Cyprus | CY | CY + 8 digits + 1 letter | format |
| Czechia | CZ | CZ + 8–10 digits | format |
| Denmark | DK | DK + 8 digits | format |
| Estonia | EE | EE + 9 digits | format |
| Finland | FI | FI + 8 digits | format |
| France | FR | FR + 2 characters + 9 digits | format |
| Germany | DE | DE + 9 digits | format + check digit |
| Greece | EL | EL + 9 digits | format |
| Hungary | HU | HU + 8 digits | format |
| Ireland | IE | IE + 7 digits + 1–2 letters or IE + 1 digit + letter, + or * + 5 digits + 1 letter | format |
| Italy | IT | IT + 11 digits | format |
| Latvia | LV | LV + 11 digits | format |
| Lithuania | LT | LT + 9 digits or LT + 12 digits | format |
| Luxembourg | LU | LU + 8 digits | format |
| Malta | MT | MT + 8 digits | format |
| Netherlands | NL | NL + 9 digits + B + 2 digits | format |
| Northern Ireland | XI | XI + 9 digits, XI + 12 digits, XIGD + 3 digits or XIHA + 3 digits | format |
| Poland | PL | PL + 10 digits | format |
| Portugal | PT | PT + 9 digits | format |
| Romania | RO | RO + 2–10 digits | format |
| Slovakia | SK | SK + 10 digits | format |
| Slovenia | SI | SI + 8 digits | format |
| Spain | ES | ES + character + 7 digits + character | format |
| Sweden | SE | SE + 12 digits | format |
Frequently asked questions
Does a valid format mean the VAT number is registered?
No. The format and, where implemented, the check digit only catch typos. Whether a number is issued and belongs to the company, only a query against the member states' databases can say, for example through VIES.
Why is a UK VAT number rejected?
Since Brexit, VIES only covers Northern Ireland, with the prefix XI. Numbers starting with GB are no longer EU VAT numbers.
Why does Greece use EL instead of GR?
VAT numbers use the prefix EL for Greece, following the EU's own country code for VAT purposes, not the ISO code GR.
Is the number sent anywhere?
No. The check runs entirely in your browser; nothing you enter leaves your device.
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