Look up a VAT number

    How to look up a VAT number in Ireland

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

    Search Company Records in Ireland

    Free basic search · no sign-up required.

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

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

    Validate an exact Ireland 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 CRO Ireland.

    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 Ireland 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 CRO Ireland

      For the underlying company registration number and status, search the same entity in CRO Ireland at https://www.cro.ie.

      https://www.cro.ie
    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 Ireland records

    Ireland: choosing and checking the right record

    Choose the correct source
    Use CRO's official company search and distinguish a company registration from a business-name registration. Review the filing record and any available officer document relevant to your question.
    Confirm the entity
    Compare the CRO number and legal name. A business name is a trading label and may be registered to an individual or another entity; identify that underlying contracting party.

    Check current access and document options on the official Companies Registration Office (CRO) site. For search limitations and missing-result guidance, see the Ireland registry guide.

    Frequently asked questions

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

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

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

    Is the Ireland company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the Companies Registration Office (CRO) 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 Ireland business registry?

    The Companies Registration Office (CRO) is the official public register of companies incorporated in Ireland. 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 Ireland VAT number is valid?

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

    What does a Ireland VAT number look like?

    A Ireland 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.

    Related guides and tools

    More Ireland guides

    Ireland data