Skip to main content
Home Calculator Map

VIES VAT Number Validator

Verify any EU VAT number using the official European Commission VIES database. Results are cached for faster lookups.

Country is auto-detected from VAT number prefix.

VAT Validation API

Full API Docs

Production Endpoint

POST https://vat.businesspress.io/api/vat/validation/validate

No API key required · JSON body · Free to use

Try It Live

POST /api/vat/validation/validate

                        
// Response will appear here...
Validating against VIES…
200 OK

                            
Error

                            

Full API Documentation

Batch validation, error codes, SDK examples

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VAT number?

A VAT number (Value Added Tax identification number) is a unique identifier assigned to businesses registered for VAT in EU member states. It's required for intra-community trade and B2B transactions.

How does VIES validation work?

VIES connects to the national VAT databases of each EU country. When you submit a VAT number, the system verifies it against the relevant country's database and returns the registration status along with company details.

Why should I validate VAT numbers?

Validating VAT numbers is essential for B2B transactions within the EU. It ensures your business partner is legitimately registered for VAT, which is required to apply the reverse charge mechanism and zero-rate intra-community supplies.

How often is VIES data updated?

VIES data comes directly from national tax authorities and is updated in real-time. Our cached results are refreshed every 7 days to balance speed with accuracy.

Can I validate VAT numbers via API?

Yes! We offer a free REST API for single and batch VAT number validation. See the API documentation section above for endpoints and request formats.

VAT validation results are sourced from the European Commission VIES database. While we cache results for performance, always verify critical business decisions with your local tax authority.