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How to find a company's VAT number

Updated 2026-10-12

You need a customer's or supplier's VAT number, but you only have their name. The official VIES system can't search by company name: it only confirms a number you already have. Here is where to find it.

1. Look at an invoice or order

EU businesses must print their VAT number on their invoices. If you have ever received an invoice, receipt or order confirmation from them, the number is on it.

2. Check their website

Look in the footer, or on the "Legal notice", "Imprint" or "Terms" page. In Germany and Austria the Impressum usually lists the VAT number (USt-IdNr. / UID-Nummer). French sites usually show it under "Mentions légales".

3. Search the national business register

In several countries the VAT number is derived from the company registration number, so the register gives it to you:

• Belgium: the enterprise number (KBO/BCE) is the VAT number with a BE prefix.
• Denmark: the CVR number with a DK prefix.
• Finland: the Business ID (Y-tunnus) without the hyphen, with an FI prefix.
• France: built from the 9-digit SIREN plus a 2-character key.
• Croatia: the OIB with an HR prefix.
• Sweden: the organisation number followed by 01, with an SE prefix.

The VAT number formats guide covers every country.

4. Ask them

For a new B2B customer, ask for their VAT number before the first invoice. It is a normal request, and you need it anyway to apply the reverse charge.

Then confirm it is valid

A number on a website can be outdated or mistyped. Paste it into the VAT checker: VIES confirms whether it is active and, in most countries, shows the registered name and address so you can match it to the company.

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