Look up a VAT number

    How to look up a VAT number in France

    Source-cited registry guidance — access and document fees vary by source.

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    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamContent reviewed June 2026Primary source: EU VIES

    How do I look up and validate a VAT number in France?

    Validate an exact France VAT number using the free EU VIES service at https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/. VIES checks registration for intra-EU transactions; name and address availability varies. It is not a company-name search or a company-registration check. Cross-check the legal entity separately in Infogreffe.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Open the EU VIES portal

      Go to https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/. VIES is the European Commission's official VAT verification service.

      https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/
    2. 2

      Select France as the member state

      Choose the country code, then enter the VAT number without the country prefix.

    3. 3

      Read the response

      Record valid, invalid or service unavailable separately. Invalid can reflect non-activation for intra-EU transactions or a registration update, not just de-registration. Name and address may not be supplied by the national service.

    4. 4

      Cross-check in Infogreffe

      For the underlying company registration number and status, search the same entity in Infogreffe at https://www.infogreffe.fr.

      https://www.infogreffe.fr
    5. 5

      Save the timestamp

      Keep the queried country, VAT number, result, timestamp and consultation reference where supplied. Evidence requirements depend on the transaction and authority; this response alone is not tax advice.

    Open EU VIESAll France records

    France: choosing and checking the right record

    Choose the correct source
    Identify the legal unit with its SIREN, then distinguish it from a particular establishment identified by SIRET. Use the relevant official register or document service for the company's filings and extract.
    Confirm the entity
    A SIREN has nine digits; a SIRET has 14 and identifies an establishment. Compare legal form, registered name and headquarters before matching a branch address to an invoice.

    INPI beneficial-ownership access conditions

    Check current access and document options on the official Infogreffe / INSEE site. For search limitations and missing-result guidance, see the France registry guide.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is checking a France VAT number free?

    Yes — the EU VIES service at https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/ is free, official, and does not require registration.

    What does an invalid VIES response mean for a France VAT number?

    It means the VAT number is not currently registered for intra-EU trade — either it was never valid, was de-registered, or is only registered for domestic transactions.

    Can I look up a France VAT number from a company name?

    VIES does not support name search. Ask the supplier for its VAT number and verify it. Infogreffe can help identify the company, but do not assume its record includes a VAT number.

    People also ask about look up and validate a VAT number in France

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the France company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the Infogreffe / INSEE are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official France business registry?

    The Infogreffe / INSEE is the official public register of companies incorporated in France. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/.

    How do I check if a France VAT number is valid?

    Use the EU VIES service (ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/) or the Infogreffe / INSEE. Enter the VAT number without spaces and pick France from the country dropdown. A valid number returns the registered trading name and address; an invalid one returns "not valid".

    What does a France VAT number look like?

    A France VAT number always begins with the country's ISO code and is followed by the national numeric identifier. The exact length and check-digit rule depends on the country — see the format examples in the step-by-step above.

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