EU VAT Number Format Validator
Paste a VAT number to check that its country code is a real EU or UK prefix and that the rest of the number fits that country's official format. Validation runs in your browser and checks the format only, not live registration.
How to validate a VAT number
- Paste your VAT number into the box. Spaces, dots, hyphens and lowercase are fine.
- Read the valid or invalid indicator that updates as you type.
- When valid, check the detected country and the matched format note.
Examples
A German VAT number
DE123456789
valid: true, country: DE, 9 digits
A Dutch VAT number
NL123456789B01
valid: true, country: NL, 9 digits + B + 2 digits
Wrong length for the country
DE12345678
valid: false (Germany expects 9 digits)
Frequently asked questions
Does this confirm the VAT number is actually registered?
No. This checks the format only: that the country code is a known EU or UK prefix and the remaining characters match that country's official pattern. It does not contact the EU VIES service, so a well-formed but unregistered or inactive number will still show as a valid format. For live registration use the official VIES lookup.
Which countries are supported?
All 27 EU member states plus the United Kingdom (GB), which kept its own VAT scheme after Brexit. Greek VAT numbers use the EL prefix rather than GR, which is the standard exception.
What does a VAT number look like?
A two-letter country code followed by a country-specific block of digits or letters. For example Germany is DE plus 9 digits, France is FR plus two characters and 9 digits, and the Netherlands is NL plus 9 digits, the letter B and 2 digits.
Can I paste a number with spaces or in lowercase?
Yes. The input is uppercased and any spaces, dots and hyphens are stripped before validation, so DE 123 456 789 and de-123456789 both validate the same as DE123456789.
Why is my valid-looking number rejected?
Most often the length is wrong for that country, the country code is not an EU or UK VAT prefix, or a required letter is missing (such as the U in an Austrian number or the B in a Dutch number). The format note tells you which country pattern was expected.
Is my VAT number sent anywhere?
No. All validation happens locally in your browser, so the VAT number you paste never leaves your device.
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