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 029 497 008 to validate a VAT number (standard call rates will apply).
For more details on Finnish tax identifiers, see our Finland Tax ID Guide. For registration, rates, invoicing and filing rules, see the Finland VAT guide, and to check a number's format instantly, use the Finland ALV number validator.
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?
Since 1 January 2025, a business established in Finland must register for VAT once its turnover exceeds EUR 20,000 in the current or the previous calendar year (section 3 of the VAT Act, as amended by Law 448/2024); VAT is due from the day the threshold is exceeded. The limit was raised from EUR 15,000 to EUR 20,000 on that date, and the graduated small-business relief (alarajahuojennus) was abolished. The exemption does not apply to businesses established outside the EU, and businesses from other EU states can use it only through the EU SME scheme (EU turnover up to EUR 100,000). Businesses below EUR 20,000 may still register voluntarily. Check VAT status via ytj.fi, and see the Finland VAT guide for the full rules. [1] [2]
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 show no VAT and carry the statutory note "käännetty verovelvollisuus" (section 209 e of the VAT Act). [1] [2]
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 462/2024). Current Finnish VAT rates: (1) 25.5% — standard rate for most goods and services; (2) 13.5% — food and animal feed, restaurant and catering, books, medicines, hotel stays, passenger transport, cultural and sports events (the reduced rate was 14% in 2025 and fell to 13.5% on 1 January 2026; books, medicines, hotels, transport and culture moved to it from 10% on 1 January 2025); (3) 10% — newspapers and magazines only. The 25.5% rate is among the highest standard VAT rates in the EU. [1]
Can I verify Finnish VAT numbers by phone, or check many at once?
Yes. Besides the EU VIES portal, you can call the Finnish Tax Administration on 029 497 008 (standard call rates apply) to confirm a VAT number's status. For many numbers at once, VIES accepts a bulk file upload. A verbal confirmation is not a substitute for the VIES consultation number as 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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