Greece VAT number: format and validation

By Remco from Avatcado

Format

EL followed by 9 digits. The local term is Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou (tax registry number) (AFM, Greek).

Pattern: /^\d{9}$/

  • The prefix is EL (from Ellada/Hellas), not the ISO code GR; GR-prefixed numbers fail VIES
  • The 9 digits are the holder's AFM, Greece's general-purpose tax ID; domestic documents print the bare AFM and EL is added for intra-EU use

Example of a registered number: EL094019245

Check digit

Greece VAT numbers carry a check digit (MOD 11 (powers of 2)): The first 8 digits weighted by descending powers of 2 are summed, and the sum mod 11 (then mod 10) must equal the 9th digit.

Check a Greece VAT number

Validated live against the AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue) (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=EL094019245" \
  -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: "EL094019245",
});

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

Why do Greek VAT numbers start with EL instead of GR?

The EU's official VAT prefix for Greece is EL, derived from the country's own name (Ellada/Hellas), even though its ISO 3166 code is GR. VIES and intra-EU invoices must use the EL form; GR-prefixed numbers fail validation.

When does a small Greek business need to register for VAT?

Greece's domestic small-business exemption covers annual turnover up to EUR 10,000 in both the current and previous year, retained under the EU SME scheme transposed by Law 5222/2025. The cross-border SME scheme (EUR 100,000 EU-wide cap) applies from April 2026.

Related guides

VAT rate in Greece

The standard VAT rate in Greece is 24%. Reduced rates: 13%, 6%. See all Greece VAT rates.

Sources