In Germany, a VAT ID is formatted as 'DE'
plus 9 digits.
An example of a valid German VAT ID is 'DE999999999'.
Check any EU VAT number — free, no signup
Data straight from the official EU VIES system · all 27 member states + Northern Ireland
The Federal Central Tax Office manages tax administration in Germany.
Situated in Western and Central Europe, Germany is known for its efficiency, diverse cultural history, and powerful economy.
Being an EU member, Germany's VAT system aligns with the EU's common system of VAT.
In Germany, a VAT ID is formatted as 'DE' plus 9 digits. An example of a valid German VAT ID is 'DE999999999'.
The Federal Central Tax Office manages tax administration in Germany. Situated in Western and Central Europe, Germany is known for its efficiency, diverse cultural history, and powerful economy. Being an EU member, Germany's VAT system aligns with the EU's common system of VAT.
Germany, a country in Central Europe, is celebrated for its precision engineering and high-tech products. As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation, Germany is a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. Its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty have contributed to its reputation as a major global tourism destination.
The Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern) manages the tax system in Germany, ensuring the collection of various taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT), income tax, corporate tax, and customs duties. The tax office's primary role is to enforce tax laws, ensure the collection of due taxes, and administer the country's taxation policies.
As part of the European Union, Germany aligns its VAT system with the EU's common VAT system. The standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%, with a reduced rate of 7% applied to certain goods and services. VAT identification numbers in Germany follow the 'DE' prefix, plus 9 digits. This format is integral to the efficient conduct of intra-community transactions and adherence to tax-related procedures within the EU.
Validate any Germany VAT ID in real time against the official EU VIES database — free, no signup. You'll see whether it's valid, plus the registered company name and address where available.
Check any EU VAT number — free, no signup
Data straight from the official EU VIES system · all 27 member states + Northern Ireland
Doing business in Germany? Before you zero-rate a B2B sale or reclaim input VAT, it pays to confirm your counterparty's VAT number is genuine and currently registered. VatProtect checks any Germany VAT ID in real time against the EU's official VIES database and returns the registered company name and address where available.
| VAT rate type | VAT rate | Specific categories of goods or services |
|---|---|---|
| Standard VAT rate in Germany | 19% | Other goods and services |
| Reduced VAT rate in Germany | 7% | Food Books Pharmaceuticals |
| Exempt VAT rate in Germany | 0% | Medical services Educational services Financial services |
A valid Germany VAT number lets you apply the reverse charge with confidence and keeps your invoices audit-ready. An invalid or deregistered number can lead to disallowed input-VAT deductions and penalties — so it's worth checking before you invoice rather than after.
Enter a Germany VAT number in the checker above to validate it instantly — free, with no signup.
VAT rates are indicative and can change. Confirm current Germany rates with the EU's official VAT rules & rates. Last reviewed: May 2026.
Enter the VAT number in the checker above. VatProtect validates it in real time against the EU's official VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) database and returns the registered company name and address where available.
Germany VAT numbers are prefixed with the country code DE, followed by the national registration digits. VatProtect automatically checks both the format and whether the number is currently registered for VAT.
Yes — you can validate a Germany VAT number on this page for free. For high-volume needs you can run bulk checks, set up ongoing monitoring, or integrate our REST API on a paid plan.
For B2B sales within the EU, a valid VAT number lets you apply the reverse charge and zero-rate the supply. If the number is invalid, the tax authority can disallow that treatment and hold you liable for the VAT plus penalties — so it pays to verify before you invoice.
In addition to its standard rate, Germany applies reduced VAT rates to certain goods and services. The current Germany rates are listed in the VAT rate table on this page.
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