VAT Number Validator
Enter a European Union VAT identification number and the tool will instantly tell you whether its format is correct for the declared member state. Each of the 27 EU countries has its own VAT number structure — varying lengths, mixes of letters and digits, and special characters — and the validator checks against the official pattern for each one.
The tool displays the detected country, the expected format pattern, and a clear pass/fail result. It automatically strips spaces, dots, and hyphens so you can paste numbers in any common notation. A handy reference grid of all supported countries and their prefixes is shown when no number is entered.
This is a format-only check — it does not contact the EU VIES database to confirm that the number is registered. For that, use the official VIES service after confirming the format here. All processing happens in your browser with no data leaving your device.
By The Paper Room Editorial Team — Calculator Tools
Frequently asked questions
Does this verify the VAT number is actually registered?▼
No. This tool only checks whether the number matches the expected format for its EU country. To confirm active registration, use the official EU VIES service (ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies).
Why does Greece use 'EL' instead of 'GR'?▼
The EU VAT system uses 'EL' as the country prefix for Greece (Ellada in Greek), even though the ISO country code is 'GR'. The tool will suggest the correct prefix if you type 'GR'.
Are UK VAT numbers supported?▼
Since the UK left the EU, its VAT numbers (prefix 'GB') are no longer part of the EU VAT system and are not included in this validator. UK VAT numbers follow a different verification process through HMRC.
What characters are allowed in a VAT number?▼
Most EU VAT numbers are purely numeric after the two-letter country prefix, but several countries (France, Ireland, Spain, Cyprus, Netherlands) include letters or special characters in specific positions. The validator knows each country's exact pattern.