What is the VIES VAT number checker?

VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) is the official EU system for verifying VAT registration numbers. It confirms whether a VAT number is valid and currently registered in any EU member state.

Why do I need to verify a VAT number before invoicing?

For cross-border B2B sales within the EU, you must verify your client's VAT number to apply the reverse charge mechanism (0% VAT). If the VAT number is invalid, you must charge VAT at the customer's country rate instead.

What countries does the VAT checker cover?

The VIES system covers all 27 EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Is the UK included in the EU VAT checker?

No. Since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU VIES system. UK VAT numbers (starting with GB) must be verified separately through HMRC's online checker.

Free EU VAT Number Checker & Validator | VIES Lookup

Check a VAT Number

Enter the number without the country prefix — we'll add it automatically

🔍 Why Verify?

For EU cross-border B2B sales, you must verify your client's VAT number to apply the reverse charge (0% VAT). If the number is invalid, you're liable for charging full VAT.

📋 What is VIES?

VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) is the EU's official database for validating VAT numbers. It's maintained by the European Commission and updated by each member state's tax authority.

⚡ Keep a Record

Always save proof that you checked your client's VAT number before applying reverse charge. Screenshot the result or note the date — tax authorities may ask for evidence.

🇬🇧 UK VAT Numbers?

Since Brexit, UK VAT numbers (GB prefix) are no longer in the VIES system. Use HMRC's VAT checker for UK numbers instead.

Supported Countries

Click any country to pre-fill the checker

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VAT number?

A VAT number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses registered for Value Added Tax in an EU member state. It's used for cross-border B2B transactions to apply the reverse charge mechanism, where the buyer (not the seller) accounts for the VAT.

Why do I need to check my client's VAT number?

If you're selling B2B across EU borders, you can apply the reverse charge (charge 0% VAT) only if your client provides a valid VAT number. If the number is invalid or fake, you're responsible for charging and remitting VAT at the customer's country rate. Always verify before invoicing.

What does the VIES system check?

VIES checks whether a VAT number is currently registered and active in the EU member state's national database. It can also return the registered business name and address (though not all countries share this information).

What if VIES says the number is invalid?

If a VAT number comes back as invalid, do NOT apply the reverse charge. You must charge VAT at the customer's country rate. Contact your client — they may have given you the wrong number, or their registration may have lapsed. Ask them to provide a valid VAT number before you issue the invoice.

Can I check UK VAT numbers here?

No. Since Brexit (January 2021), UK VAT numbers are no longer in the EU VIES system. To verify a UK VAT number (GB prefix), use HMRC's official checker at gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number.

Is this checker free?

Yes, completely free with no signup required. We use the official EU VIES SOAP API to validate numbers in real-time. The data comes directly from the European Commission's servers.

What format should I use for the VAT number?

Select the country from the dropdown and enter only the number part (without the country prefix). For example, for an Irish VAT number IE1234567T, select "IE" and enter "1234567T". We handle the formatting automatically.

EU VAT Number Checker