Germany VAT number: format and validation

By Remco from Avatcado

Format

DE followed by 9 digits. The local term is Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer (USt-IdNr., German).

Pattern: /^\d{9}$/

  • Distinct from the domestic Steuernummer issued by the local Finanzamt; only the USt-IdNr. is used for intra-EU trade
  • Issued numbers do not start with 0

Example of a registered number: DE129274202

Check digit

Germany VAT numbers carry a check digit (ISO 7064 MOD 11,10): The final digit is an ISO 7064 MOD 11,10 product check computed over the first eight digits.

Check a Germany VAT number

Validated live against the Bundeszentralamt fuer Steuern (BZSt) (official register).

Enter a VAT number to see the live API response

Validate via API

The same validation as an API call, with the example number above:

curl "https://api.avatcado.com/v1/validate?vat_number=DE129274202" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer avat_live_your_api_key"
import Avatcado from "@avatcado/node";

const avatcado = new Avatcado("avat_live_your_api_key");
const { data, error } = await avatcado.vat.validate({
  vatNumber: "DE129274202",
});

if (data?.data.valid) {
  console.log(`Registered: ${data.data.company?.name}`);
}

Free tier includes 500 validations per month. Get an API key or read the API documentation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Steuernummer and the USt-IdNr.?

The Steuernummer is a domestic tax number assigned by the local Finanzamt, while the USt-IdNr. is issued by the BZSt specifically for intra-EU transactions. German invoices may carry either domestically, but only the USt-IdNr. works in VIES.

What is the German small business threshold?

Since 1 January 2025 the Kleinunternehmer rules exempt businesses with prior-year turnover up to EUR 25,000 and current-year turnover up to EUR 100,000 (section 19 UStG).

Related guides

VAT rate in Germany

The standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%. Reduced rates: 7%. See all Germany VAT rates.

Sources