VIES VAT number validator
Verify any EU VAT number using the official European Commission VIES database. Results are cached for faster lookups.
Checking VIES…
- Official European Commission VIES data
- Repeat lookups answered instantly
- Free, no sign-up
What is VIES?
VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) is the official European Commission service for verifying VAT identification numbers of businesses registered in EU member states.
When you validate a VAT number through VIES, the system checks against the national VAT databases of each EU country in real-time. A valid result confirms the company is registered for intra-community trade.
Our validator adds a caching layer on top of VIES, so previously checked numbers return results instantly without querying the EU servers again.
VAT validation API
Validate VAT numbers from your own software with a free JSON endpoint.
Endpoint
https://vat.businesspress.io/api/vat/validation/validate
No API key · JSON request body · 20 requests per minute
Try it live
POST /api/vat/validation/validate
The response will appear here.
Frequently asked questions
What is a VAT number?
A VAT identification number identifies a business registered for VAT in an EU member state. It is required for intra-community supplies and B2B invoicing across the EU.
How does VIES validation work?
VIES forwards your query to the national VAT database of the member state that issued the number and returns its registration status, together with the company name and address where the member state shares them.
Why should I validate VAT numbers?
Checking a customer's VAT number before you invoice lets you apply the reverse charge or zero-rate an intra-community supply with confidence, and gives you an audit trail for your tax authority.
How current are the results?
Results come from national tax administrations through VIES. A result is reused for up to 7 days to keep lookups fast, and the data source is shown with every result.
Can I validate VAT numbers through an API?
Yes. The free REST API supports single and batch validation. See the API section on this page for the endpoint and a live example.
Validation results come from the European Commission VIES database. Results are cached for speed, so confirm critical decisions with your national tax administration.