VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) is the European Commission search tool that checks whether an EU VAT number is registered. If you sell to businesses in other EU countries, validating the number before invoicing without VAT is essential.
How to validate a VAT number on VIES, step by step
- Open the European Commission VIES validator.
- Choose the country of the number (Greece uses the prefix EL and Northern Ireland XI).
- Type the number without spaces or symbols.
- Click verify. The result is valid or invalid.
- Save a screenshot or the dated confirmation: it is your evidence for the tax authority.
What the result means
“Valid” means the number is registered for intra-EU transactions at the time of the check. It does not guarantee the company complies with its taxes. “Invalid” can mean a typo, a number that is not yet active, or a company that is not registered.
Common mistakes
Using the wrong prefix, adding extra characters, or checking right after registration, before the national database has updated. In Spain, a VAT number only shows as valid on VIES if the company is on the ROI register (intra-community operators). Sometimes VIES does not respond because the national system of the country is down; try again later.
Why it matters if you sell on Amazon or your own store
To sell to another EU business without VAT, the buyer needs a valid number. And if you store stock in another country with Amazon FBA, you usually need your own local VAT number. See the VAT number format in all 27 EU countries, or the guide to which countries need VAT with Pan-EU. If you sell through an Estonian company or a US LLC, read why Estonia for your ecommerce.
Want us to review your case? Tell us what you sell and where and we will tell you which countries need VAT registration.