How to check whether an EU VAT number is valid in VIES
And why your client can't find you.
In a nutshell
- VIES is the European Commission website where you check whether an EU VAT number is valid.
- Before invoicing a European business without VAT, check it there and keep the result.
- If your number doesn't show up, it's usually because you're not registered in the ROI.
When you sell to a business in another EU country without charging VAT, you have to make sure it's a business with a valid VAT number. That's what VIES is for.
How to check a number
- 1Go to VIESIt's the official European Commission website.
- 2Choose the countryThe number starts with the country letters: FR for France, DE for Germany, IT for Italy…
- 3Type the numberWithout the country letters.
- 4Keep the resultVIES gives you a record of the check. Keep it with the invoice.
If your client can't find you
- You're not registered in the ROI: your NIF alone isn't enough.
- You registered recently: VIES may take a few days to show it.
- They're searching wrongly: the Spanish number is ES plus your NIF, without spaces.
Frequently asked questions
Does VIES show the company name?
It depends on the country. Some countries show the name and address; others only say whether the number is valid.