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VAT number format validator

Check whether an EU or UK VAT number matches the official country format — the right prefix, length and structure. No sign-up, and nothing is sent anywhere.

This is a format check only. It does not confirm that a VAT number is registered or active — use the EU VIES service for that.

Step by step

How to validate a VAT number format

It takes a few seconds and happens entirely on your device.

Pick the country

Choose the country, or leave auto-detect on so the two-letter prefix selects it for you.

Enter the VAT number

Type or paste the VAT number, with or without the country prefix. Spaces, dots and dashes are ignored.

Read the result

See whether the number matches the published format for that country. Confirm registration separately via VIES.

Anatomy

How a VAT number is structured

A European VAT number begins with a two-letter country prefix, followed by a block of characters set by that country's tax authority. Most are digits only, but several — such as the Netherlands, Ireland, Cyprus and Spain — mix in letters. Using a Dutch number as the example:

Country prefix

123456789

Digit block

B01

NL-only suffix

Under the hood

Format check vs existence check

There are two different questions you can ask about a VAT number, and they are often confused.

Format check

Does the number look right for its country — correct prefix, length and character pattern? That is what this tool does, instantly and offline.

Existence check

Is the number actually registered to a live business right now? Only an official source such as VIES or a national tax authority can answer that.

Two prefixes to remember

Greece's ISO code is GR, but its VAT prefix is EL. And since Brexit, UK (GB) VAT numbers are validated by HMRC, separately from the EU — they are not in VIES.

A number can be perfectly formatted and still not be registered. Before relying on a VAT number for invoicing or a zero-rated supply, verify it against VIES and keep a record of the result.

Reference

VAT number formats by country

The published format for each supported country — all 27 EU member states plus the United Kingdom. 9 means a digit, X a letter or digit, L a letter.

Country	Prefix	Format
Austria	AT	`ATU99999999` — U + 8 digits
Belgium	BE	`BE0999999999` — 10 digits (leading 0)
Bulgaria	BG	`BG999999999` — 9 or 10 digits
Croatia	HR	`HR99999999999` — 11 digits
Cyprus	CY	`CY99999999L` — 8 digits + 1 letter
Czechia	CZ	`CZ99999999` — 8, 9 or 10 digits
Denmark	DK	`DK99999999` — 8 digits
Estonia	EE	`EE999999999` — 9 digits
Finland	FI	`FI99999999` — 8 digits
France	FR	`FRXX999999999` — 2 characters + 9 digits
Germany	DE	`DE999999999` — 9 digits
Greece	EL	`EL999999999` — 9 digits (prefix EL, not GR)
Hungary	HU	`HU99999999` — 8 digits
Ireland	IE	`IE9S99999L` — 8 or 9 characters
Italy	IT	`IT99999999999` — 11 digits
Latvia	LV	`LV99999999999` — 11 digits
Lithuania	LT	`LT999999999` — 9 or 12 digits
Luxembourg	LU	`LU99999999` — 8 digits
Malta	MT	`MT99999999` — 8 digits
Netherlands	NL	`NL999999999B99` — 9 digits + B + 2 digits
Poland	PL	`PL9999999999` — 10 digits
Portugal	PT	`PT999999999` — 9 digits
Romania	RO	`RO999999999` — 2 to 10 digits
Slovakia	SK	`SK9999999999` — 10 digits
Slovenia	SI	`SI99999999` — 8 digits
Spain	ES	`ESX9999999X` — letter/digit + 7 digits + letter/digit
Sweden	SE	`SE999999999999` — 12 digits
United Kingdom	GB	`GB999999999` — 9 or 12 digits

Troubleshooting

Common VAT number mistakes

If the checker reports an invalid format, it's usually one of these.

Using GR for Greece

Greek VAT numbers start with EL, not the ISO code GR.

Dropping a leading zero

Belgian numbers keep their leading zero — a 9-digit Belgian number is usually missing it.

Treating format as proof

A well-formed number still has to be checked against VIES to confirm it is registered.

Extra spaces or dots

Copying a number with spaces, dots or the wrong prefix from a document or website.

Good to know

Validating bank details too?

VAT numbers cover tax; bank identifiers cover the payment itself. Paying across Europe? Read our guide to SEPA payments.

IBAN

The International Bank Account Number identifies one specific account for cross-border payments. Validate an IBAN with our free checker.

SWIFT / BIC

An 8 or 11-character code that identifies the bank itself in international transfers. Check a SWIFT/BIC code with our free checker.

ABA routing number

The 9-digit checksum-validated code that identifies a US bank in ACH and wires. Validate a routing number with our free checker.

FAQ

VAT number validator — frequently asked questions

What a VAT format check does and doesn't confirm, which countries are covered, and why registration must be verified separately via VIES.

Handling VAT on payouts?

See Tax Compliance

What does this VAT number validator check?

It checks whether a VAT number matches the published format (prefix and structure) for its country — for example the correct length and the right mix of letters and digits. It is a format check only.

Does it confirm the VAT number is registered?

No. Format validity does not mean the number is active or registered. To confirm a VAT number actually exists, use the EU's official VIES service or the relevant national tax authority.

Why does Greece use the prefix EL?

Greece's ISO country code is GR, but by long-standing convention its VAT number prefix is EL. This validator expects EL for Greek VAT numbers.

Which countries are supported?

All 27 EU member states plus the United Kingdom (GB). The tool uses the format patterns published by the tax authorities; it does not cover every non-EU country.

Is my data sent anywhere?

No. The check runs entirely in your browser — the VAT number you enter is never transmitted or stored.

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