Look up a VAT number

    How to look up a VAT number in Netherlands

    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 Netherlands?

    Validate an exact Netherlands 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 KVK.

    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 Netherlands 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 KVK

      For the underlying company registration number and status, search the same entity in KVK at https://www.kvk.nl.

      https://www.kvk.nl
    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 Netherlands records

    Netherlands: choosing and checking the right record

    Choose the correct source
    Search the KVK Handelsregister for the business, then determine whether you are viewing the main registration or an establishment. Select the official extract when the task requires representation details not available in a basic result.
    Confirm the entity
    Keep the KVK number separate from a branch/establishment number and a VAT identifier. Compare legal and trade names against the actual contracting party.

    Check current access and document options on the official KVK (Kamer van Koophandel) site. For search limitations and missing-result guidance, see the Netherlands registry guide.

    Frequently asked questions

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

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

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

    Is the Netherlands company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the KVK (Kamer van Koophandel) 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 Netherlands business registry?

    The KVK (Kamer van Koophandel) is the official public register of companies incorporated in Netherlands. 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 Netherlands VAT number is valid?

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

    What does a Netherlands VAT number look like?

    A Netherlands 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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