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How to verify VAT Number in EU?

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Verify VAT number in EU using VIES​

VAT validation for the whole of the EU is made available under a single roof by the European Union via a tool called VAT VIES.

VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) functions as a search engine rather than a database, under the ownership of the European Commission. Information is sourced from national VAT databases each time a query is initiated.

You can check the validity of a VAT number from the VIES website for free. You can access the VIES VAT lookup service here. Submit your own VAT number alongside the number you wish to verify to receive a Consultation Number — an official proof of the verification.

To verify an EU VAT number:

  1. Go to the EU VIES portal.
  2. Select the member state from the dropdown.
  3. Enter the VAT number without the country prefix (e.g. for FR61775670417, enter 61775670417).
  4. Optionally enter your own VAT number to receive a Consultation Number.
  5. Submit — results appear immediately.
EU VIES VAT lookup
VAT verification on VIES website
Status of a Netherlands VATStatus of a Spain VAT number
Status of a Netherlands VATStatus of a Spain VAT number

A successful VAT number verification on the EU VIES site usually returns the following details. Some details may not be available depending on the country:

  • Status of the VAT number
  • Time of validation
  • Details of the business:
    • Name of the business (where available)
    • Registered address including postcode
  • Consultation Number — serves as proof of the verification

For country-specific VIES verification guides, see: France TVA, Belgium VAT, Finland VAT, Bulgaria VAT.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Why does VIES sometimes return "data unavailable" for a valid EU VAT number?​

VIES queries each EU member state's national VAT register in real time — it is not a static database. "Data unavailable" errors occur when: (1) the member state's database is temporarily offline (common overnight or weekends); (2) new registration lag — typically 1–5 business days before a new registration appears; (3) format error — each country has specific format rules; incorrect format is rejected before the national query; (4) national database overloaded. Retry after 24 hours or check the country's national VAT portal directly. [1]

What is the VIES Consultation Number and why does it matter for audits?​

The Consultation Number is generated when you enter your own VAT number alongside the verified number. It proves: (1) you performed the verification; (2) the number was valid at that specific date and time; (3) the EU Commission confirmed it. EU VAT auditors may request this as evidence you verified a supplier or customer's VAT status before applying zero-rating or reverse charge on intra-EU transactions. Retain the Consultation Number or a screenshot for each B2B intra-EU supplier. [1]

Some EU countries don't return company names on VIES — which ones, and how do I get the name?​

Countries that typically do NOT return names on VIES (for privacy reasons): Spain (ES), Greece (EL), and some Slovakia (SK) / Czech Republic (CZ) results. Countries that DO return names: Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and most others. If VIES doesn't return a name, verify via the country's national business registry: Spain — portalobpol.gob.es; Greece — gsis.gr; Slovakia — orsr.sk. [1]

After Brexit, why is the UK no longer on VIES?​

The UK left the EU's VAT system on 31 December 2020. GB-prefix UK VAT numbers are no longer on VIES. UK VAT must be verified via HMRC at tax.service.gov.uk/check-vat-number. Exception: Northern Ireland businesses that trade in EU goods use XI prefix numbers — these XI numbers ARE searchable on VIES under the Northern Ireland Protocol. [1]

Is there a VIES API for programmatic EU VAT verification?​

Yes. The EU Commission provides a VIES SOAP web service at ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/services/checkVatService — accepts countryCode and vatNumber, returns valid/invalid, name, address, and Consultation Number. No authentication required. A REST/JSON API is being developed as part of a modernization initiative. Popular wrappers: Python (zeep SOAP library), Node.js (vies-on-fhir npm package). [1]

Do EU OSS (One Stop Shop) VAT registrations appear on VIES?​

No. EU OSS and IOSS registrations are separate from standard national VAT registrations and do not appear on VIES. OSS is a filing simplification — a business registered for OSS in one EU country does not have standard VAT registrations in other member states. OSS VAT numbers are used internally between tax authorities but are not publicly queryable. For B2B supplies, reverse charge still applies regardless of the supplier's OSS status. [1]

How quickly does VIES reflect a VAT deregistration?​

VIES reflects deregistrations with a lag of approximately 1–5 business days after the national tax authority processes it — and there is no automatic notification. For ongoing supplier relationships, consider periodic re-verification (monthly or quarterly) of key suppliers' VAT numbers via the VIES API. If a supplier's VAT number becomes invalid after a transaction, retroactive VAT charges may apply if zero-rating was incorrectly applied. [1]

How Lookuptax can help you in VAT validation?

Lookuptax VAT validation revolutionizes VAT number validation with its robust platform, empowering businesses to seamlessly verify VAT numbers across over 100 countries. Our cutting-edge technology ensures accurate and efficient validation, reducing errors and enhancing compliance.