Validate an EU VAT number
Check the format of an EU VAT number, with full check-digit verification for several countries, for free.
Try an example
This checks format only for most countries, and format plus check digit for Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands (plus France when its key is numeric). It never confirms a VAT number is currently registered — for that, use VIES.
Where do you need this?
How EU VAT numbers are checked
Every EU VAT number starts with a 2-letter country code (for example ES, DE, FR) followed by up to 12 digits or letters, in a format fixed by that country — the length and allowed characters differ from one member state to another.
For five countries — Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands — this checker also verifies the check digit, using each country's own formula. French VAT numbers get the same treatment only when their 9-digit key is fully numeric; some French numbers use letters in that key, and for those this checker checks the format only. For every other member state, it also checks format only; it can't confirm the check digit because those countries' rules aren't implemented here.
Northern Ireland uses the XI prefix instead of GB, for trading goods with the EU under the Windsor Framework; this checker treats it as one more format.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't a UK VAT number with GB work here?
GB stopped being an EU VAT prefix after Brexit. UK VAT numbers still exist, but this checker only covers the EU list plus Northern Ireland's XI prefix.
Does a valid result mean the company is really registered?
No — see the note below the checker. It means the format (and, for some countries, the check digit) is correct. Only VIES, the European Commission's official lookup service, can confirm a VAT number is currently active.
Why does the checker accept some clearly wrong numbers for certain countries?
For countries where only the format is checked, any digits of the right length and pattern will pass. That's a known limit of format-only checking, and it's stated above.
Can I type the country prefix in lowercase?
Yes, the checker uppercases everything automatically before checking.
Related article: How to collect and validate a VAT number at Shopify checkout (without Plus)
Need this on your Shopify store?
Fiscal ID adds this exact validation to your cart, on any Shopify plan — no theme code, no Plus required.