Look up a VAT number

    How to look up a VAT number in Germany

    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 Germany?

    Validate an exact Germany 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 Handelsregister.

    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 Germany 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 Handelsregister

      For the underlying company registration number and status, search the same entity in Handelsregister at https://www.handelsregister.de.

      https://www.handelsregister.de
    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 Germany records

    Germany: choosing and checking the right record

    Choose the correct source
    Use the Handelsregister for the registered legal entity and its filings. Match the register category, register number and responsible court; a company-name search by itself can return branches and similarly named entities.
    Confirm the entity
    Keep the court alongside an HRB or HRA number. Read the German legal form and representation provisions on the record rather than translating every representative into a director or owner.

    Official register-information access guidance

    Check current access and document options on the official Handelsregister site. For search limitations and missing-result guidance, see the Germany registry guide.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is checking a Germany 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 Germany 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 Germany VAT number from a company name?

    VIES does not support name search. Ask the supplier for its VAT number and verify it. Handelsregister 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 Germany

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

    Is the Germany company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the Handelsregister 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 Germany business registry?

    The Handelsregister is the official public register of companies incorporated in Germany. 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 Germany VAT number is valid?

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

    What does a Germany VAT number look like?

    A Germany 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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