European VAT Number Validator
Enter the VAT number of a European company to check whether the format is correct.
Start with the two-letter country code followed by the number. E.g. GB, DE, FR, ES...
What is a VAT number?
A VAT number is the tax identifier assigned to companies registered for VAT in the European Union. It is mandatory on invoices between businesses in different EU member states (intra-community transactions). Since Brexit, the UK maintains its own GB-prefixed VAT numbers outside the EU system.
VAT number format by country
| Country | Prefix | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | GB | GB + 9 or 12 digits | GB123456789 |
| Germany | DE | DE + 9 digits | DE123456789 |
| France | FR | FR + 2 alphanumeric + 9 digits | FRXX123456789 |
| Spain | ES | ES + letter/digit + 7 digits + letter/digit | ESA12345678 |
| Italy | IT | IT + 11 digits | IT12345678901 |
| Netherlands | NL | NL + 9 digits + B + 2 digits | NL123456789B01 |
| Portugal | PT | PT + 9 digits | PT123456789 |
Is this an official validation?
This tool validates the format of a VAT number against the official rules of each country. It does not verify in real time whether the number is active or registered in the tax authority's system. For official verification, use the European Commission's VIES system.
Frequently asked questions about VAT numbers
What is a VAT number?
The tax identifier for companies registered for VAT in the EU. Used on intra-community invoices between businesses in different member states.
What is the UK VAT number format?
GB followed by 9 or 12 digits. For example: GB123456789. Since Brexit, UK VAT numbers are outside the EU system but still use the GB prefix.
What is a VAT number used for?
For invoicing between businesses in different EU countries with 0% intra-community VAT, and to verify that a European customer or supplier is a registered VAT operator.
How do I officially verify a VAT number?
Use the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) from the European Commission, which verifies in real time whether a VAT number is active in each member state's register.