How to verify VAT number in Finland?
Finland VAT validation on VIES website
The Finnish Tax Administration (Verohallinto) recommends validation of Finnish VAT numbers (ALV-numero) from the VAT VIES website.
To verify a Finnish VAT number:
- Go to the EU VIES portal.
- Select Finland (FI) from the member state dropdown.
- Enter the 8-digit ALV number (without the FI prefix), e.g.
20584306. - Submit — results appear immediately.
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| Finland VAT validation on VAT VIES website |
Example VAT: 20584306
A successful verification of the Finland VAT number on the VIES VAT lookup tool will return the following details:
- Status of the VAT number: Yes, valid VAT number / No, invalid VAT number
- Member State
- VAT Number
- Date when request received
- Name of the business
- Address
- Consultation Number
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| Successful Finland VAT Verification |
VAT validation via phone
VAT validation can also be done via a phone call in Finland. You can call 029 497 051 to validate a VAT number (standard call rates will apply).
VAT validation via email
Finland also offers VAT validation service via email. You can reach out to [email protected] with the list of VAT numbers. If there are many VAT numbers to be validated, you can send them as an Excel worksheet.
For more details on Finnish tax identifiers, see our Finland Tax ID Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Finnish Y-tunnus and an ALV-numero?
A Y-tunnus (business ID) is assigned to all Finnish legal entities: formatted as XXXXXXX-Y (7 digits + hyphen + 1 check digit, e.g. 2058430-6). The ALV-numero (VAT number) is FI + 8 digits (e.g. FI20584306) — the Y-tunnus without the hyphen. Every VAT-registered entity has both, but not every entity with a Y-tunnus has an ALV-numero — only those registered for VAT. Use the Y-tunnus for general business identification and the ALV-numero for EU intra-Community VAT transactions. [1]
What is Finland's VAT registration threshold?
Finland's VAT registration threshold is €15,000 annual turnover — one of the lowest in the EU. Businesses below this may opt out, but above it must register. Finland also has a small business VAT relief (alarajahuojennus): businesses with turnover between €15,000 and €30,000 receive a partial VAT rebate on a sliding scale. Businesses below €15,000 may still voluntarily register for VAT (useful for B2B clients who need to reclaim input VAT). Check VAT status via ytj.fi. [1]
How do I check a Finnish company's real-time VAT registration status using the YTJ portal?
The YTJ (ytj.fi — Business Information System) shows real-time company data. Search by Y-tunnus or company name and check the 'Arvonlisäverovelvollinen' (VAT-registered) field — it shows the registration date and current status. YTJ is jointly maintained by Verohallinto and PRH. For domestic Finnish due diligence, YTJ provides more detail than VIES; for intra-EU verification, VIES is the authoritative source. [1]
When does the reverse charge (käännetty verovelvollisuus) apply in Finland?
Finland applies reverse charge in two contexts: (1) Cross-border B2B services — when a non-Finnish business supplies services to a Finnish VAT-registered business, the Finnish customer accounts for VAT (EU Directive Article 44); (2) Construction sector — domestic reverse charge applies when a construction company subcontracts to another construction company; the main contractor accounts for VAT. Invoices for reverse charge supplies must state "Käännetty arvonlisäverovelvollisuus — VAT 0%". [1]
Finland raised its standard VAT rate in 2024 — what are the current rates?
Finland raised its standard VAT rate from 24% to 25.5% effective 1 September 2024 (Law 614/2024). Current Finnish VAT rates: (1) 25.5% — standard rate for most goods and services; (2) 14% — food and animal feed; (3) 10% — books (physical and electronic), medicines, hotel stays, passenger transport, cultural and sports events, newspapers. The 25.5% rate is among the highest standard VAT rates in the EU. [1]
Can I verify Finnish VAT numbers by phone or email?
Yes. Finland offers two additional verification channels: (1) Phone — call 029 497 051 to confirm a VAT number verbally (standard rates apply); (2) Email — send a list to [email protected]; for large batches, Excel worksheets are accepted. Email turnaround is typically 1–3 business days. Note: these confirmations are not substitutes for the VIES Consultation Number as official audit documentation. [1]
What is an ALV-rekisteriote and when do I need one?
An ALV-rekisteriote (VAT registration certificate) is an official printout from Verohallinto confirming VAT registration status — more authoritative than a VIES screenshot. Request it when: (1) entering a long-term contract requiring certified proof; (2) public procurement rules require official documentation; (3) a counterpart's auditor requires official certificates. Finnish companies obtain it via the OmaVero portal or YTJ. For construction subcontractors, Finnish tilaajavastuu law requires checking VAT registration via tilaajavastuu.fi. [1]
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