About VAT-Scan
VAT-Scan is a free, independent tool that helps businesses verify EU VAT numbers in real time using the European Commission's official VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) database.
Why We Built This
Anyone who has tried to validate a customer's EU VAT number before issuing a zero-rated invoice knows the problem: the official VIES portal is functional but bare-bones, the error messages are cryptic, and it offers no formatting help or guidance on what a valid result actually means for your compliance obligations.
VAT-Scan was built to solve that. We wrap the same official VIES API in a clean, fast interface that gives you a clear valid or invalid result, along with the company name and address, a plain-English explanation of what the result means, and guidance on what to do next.
Who It's For
VAT-Scan is used daily by accountants, bookkeepers, VAT managers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and anyone else who needs to quickly verify a trading partner's EU VAT registration. It's also used by businesses onboarding new EU customers or suppliers and needing to confirm VAT status before setting up payment terms.
How It Works
When you enter a VAT number and click Check, VAT-Scan sends a real-time query to the VIES system operated by the European Commission. VIES connects directly to the national VAT database of the relevant member state and returns a valid or invalid response. We display that response immediately, with no caching or delay — every check is live.
We cover all 27 EU member states, plus Northern Ireland (XI prefix) which remains within the EU VAT area for goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Our Editorial Approach
Beyond the checker tool, VAT-Scan publishes practical guides and reference content on EU VAT — registration, cross-border rules, digital services, reclaiming VAT, and country-by-country breakdowns. All content is written and reviewed by our editorial team with reference to current European Commission guidance, EU Council Directives, and member state tax authority publications.
We update our content when EU VAT law changes — including rate changes, new schemes, and updated thresholds. If you spot something out of date, please contact us.
Independence and Accuracy
VAT-Scan is an independent service and is not affiliated with the European Commission, the European Union, or any EU member state tax authority. VIES validation results are sourced directly from the official VIES API and are as accurate as the underlying national databases allow — some member state databases experience periods of downtime or delayed updates, which we flag clearly in the result.
VAT-Scan validation results are not a substitute for professional tax advice. If you have complex VAT compliance questions, we recommend consulting a qualified VAT advisor or your local tax authority.
Privacy
We do not store, log, or share any VAT numbers you check. Each query goes directly from your browser to the VIES API and the result is returned to you. See our Privacy Policy for full details.