The Netherlands is a major European logistics and trade hub. Dutch VAT — BTW (Belasting over de Toegevoegde Waarde) — is administered by the Belastingdienst and has one of the more distinctive VAT number formats in the EU.
The Netherlands uses a distinctive format: NL followed by 9 digits, the letter B, then 2 digits — 12 characters after the prefix. Example: NL123456789B01. The letter B distinguishes Dutch VAT numbers from tax file numbers. Note that the Netherlands introduced a new BSN-based VAT format for sole traders in 2020 — if you encounter an older format, always verify via VIES.
The Netherlands applies two main rates. The standard rate of 21% applies to most goods and services. The reduced rate of 9% applies to food, non-alcoholic beverages, medicines, books, newspapers, accommodation, hairdressing, and some agricultural supplies. There is no super-reduced rate or parking rate in the Netherlands.
Resident businesses must register before making their first taxable supply. A small businesses scheme (KOR — Kleineondernemersregeling) is available for businesses with turnover below €20,000 per year, exempting them from charging VAT. Foreign businesses making taxable supplies in the Netherlands register with the Belastingdienst's office for non-resident businesses.
The Dutch VIES database is well maintained and returns reliable results. Check any NL number using our free tool.
Check a Dutch VAT number →