German VAT Number Lookup
Verify German and European VAT identification numbers (USt-IdNr) instantly. Free validation for B2B compliance.
Enter a German VAT ID (USt-IdNr) and click "Verify". We validate the format and check against official EU databases. German VAT IDs always start with DE followed by 9 digits.
German VAT ID format: DE + 9 digits
The USt-IdNr (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer) is issued by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) for intra-EU trade.
Valid format examples:
- DE123456789 - Standard German VAT ID
- DE999999999 - 9 digits after DE prefix
Note: These are format examples only, not real VAT numbers.
Understanding German Tax Numbers
🔢 USt-IdNr (VAT ID)
The Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer is Germany's EU VAT identification number. Required for all intra-community B2B transactions. Format: DE + 9 digits. Issued by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt).
Complete USt-IdNr Guide →📋 Steuernummer
The domestic tax number assigned by local tax offices (Finanzamt). Used for all German tax matters including income tax and domestic VAT. Format varies by federal state (10-13 digits).
Tax Number Comparison →🆔 Steuer-ID
The personal tax identification number (Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer). Assigned to every person in Germany at birth or registration. 11 digits, permanent for life.
Learn more →🏢 W-IdNr
The business identification number (Wirtschafts-Identifikationsnummer). New unified business ID being rolled out in Germany. Will eventually replace the Steuernummer for businesses.
Learn more →Why Verify German VAT Numbers?
Legal Compliance
EU law requires businesses to verify trading partner VAT IDs before applying zero-rated intra-community supplies. Failure to verify can result in liability for unpaid VAT plus penalties. Under Article 138 of the VAT Directive, the supplier must ensure the customer is a taxable person in another member state to apply the exemption.
Fraud Prevention
VAT fraud costs EU member states an estimated €50 billion annually. Verifying VAT numbers protects your business from carousel fraud schemes, missing trader fraud, and invalid invoices. The German tax authorities actively prosecute businesses involved in VAT fraud chains, even unwittingly.
Invoice Requirements
German invoices for B2B EU transactions must include valid VAT IDs for both parties. According to §14 UStG, missing or invalid VAT numbers can void input VAT deductions for your customers and trigger audit flags with tax authorities.
Need to Apply for a German VAT ID?
Complete guide to obtaining your USt-IdNr from the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt).
Application Guide →Quick Navigation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a German VAT ID?
The German VAT ID (USt-IdNr or Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer) is a unique identifier for VAT-registered businesses conducting intra-EU trade. It starts with "DE" followed by 9 digits and is required for zero-rated B2B supplies within the European Union.
How do I verify a German VAT number?
Use our verification tool above or the official EU VIES database at ec.europa.eu. For enhanced verification with name and address confirmation, use the German BZSt's qualified confirmation service (qualifizierte Bestätigung) at evatr.bff-online.de.
Is verification mandatory?
Yes, for zero-rated intra-EU supplies. EU VAT law requires suppliers to verify their customer's VAT ID is valid at the time of supply. Documentation of verification is strongly recommended and may be required during tax audits.
What's the difference between USt-IdNr and Steuernummer?
USt-IdNr is specifically for EU cross-border trade, while Steuernummer is for domestic German tax matters. Businesses trading across EU borders typically need both numbers. The USt-IdNr is issued by BZSt; the Steuernummer is issued by your local Finanzamt.