How to Check if a Company is VAT Registered in the UK & EU? | VAT Checker, HMRC & VIES

If you’re wondering how to check if a company is VAT registered, the process is simpler than you might think.

This blog post shows you the simple steps and tools you need to check if a company is VAT registered.

1. What is a VAT number?

A VAT number is a unique identification number issued by HMRC to a VAT-registered business, used to charge VAT on sales and reclaim VAT on eligible business expenses.

Although the VAT number looks just like a string of digits, it’s more important than that. The VAT number shows a business is playing by the rules.

Check it to avoid costly mistakes:

• Reclaiming VAT – You can only reclaim VAT from invoices that show a valid VAT number.
• Avoiding fraud – Fake or copied VAT numbers are a red flag. A quick check protects you.
• Making sure invoices are valid – An invoice without a correct VAT number isn’t compliant.
• Confirming legitimacy – A valid VAT number signals recognition by HMRC or an EU tax authority.
• Staying compliant yourself – If you reclaim VAT you weren’t entitled to, you carry the risk and potential penalties.
• Cross‑border business – In the EU, VAT numbers determine if VAT should be charged on international sales.

2. Why is VAT number important?

A VAT number is important because it proves a business is VAT-registered: it allows to legally charge VAT to clients, reclaim VAT on costs, and stay compliant with HMRC.

VAT registration means a business meets the rules for charging VAT and has told HMRC.

In the UK, any business with a taxable turnover above the threshold (currently £90,000) must register. Some smaller businesses register voluntarily to reclaim VAT on costs or to look more professional. You can learn more about voluntary VAT registration on our blog ←

Once registered, HMRC issues a unique VAT number. This goes on invoices and proves the business can charge VAT.

Across the EU, the process is similar. Each country issues its own VAT numbers, which you can validate centrally through the VIES system.

3. How to find VAT number on invoice?

When a VAT-registered company sends you an invoice, their VAT number is usually clearly shown near the top or bottom of the invoice.

It’s commonly accompanied by the company name, registered address, or Companies House number.

It will be labelled “VAT number”, “VAT registration number” or “VAT No.” and typically starts with GB followed by 9 digits. If you can’t see it, that’s a red flag for UK compliance, as a valid VAT invoice must include the supplier’s VAT number for the VAT to be reclaimable.

4. How to check if a company is VAT registered in the UK & EU?

Use these official tools to confirm VAT status:

• UK VAT number checker (GOV.UK)
• EU VAT number checker (VIES)

Enter the VAT number and you’ll get an instant result. Use the GOV.UK checker for UK businesses and VIES for EU suppliers. Let’s check it step-by-step now!

How to check if a company is VAT registered in the UK? | UK VAT number checker

Start with the UK VAT number checker:

1. Enter the VAT number – Type the 9-digit VAT number into the box. It may also start with “GB” (e.g., GB123456789).
2. Optional: Request proof – If you need proof of your check (useful for UK VAT-registered businesses), tick the box below the input field.
3. Click “Search” – Press the green Search button.
4. Review the result – The system will confirm whether the VAT number is valid and belongs to a UK-registered business.
5. Download proof (if selected) – If you ticked the proof box, you’ll be able to download confirmation of your VAT check.

How to check if a company is VAT registered in the UK by calling the HMRC hotline

You can also check if a company has a VAT number by calling the HMRC VAT Helpline and asking them to confirm the business’s VAT registration status.

Main HMRC helpline: 0300 200 3700. It’s open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm (closed bank holidays).

You’ll usually need the company name and, if possible, their registered address or Companies House number.

This is useful if a supplier claims to be VAT-registered but hasn’t shown a VAT number on their invoice, helping you stay compliant before reclaiming VAT.

How to check if a company is VAT registered in the EU? | EU VAT number checker

Start with EU VAT number checker:

1. Select the country – From the dropdown next to “Member State / Northern Ireland”, choose the country where the business is registered.
2. Enter the VAT number – Type the business’s VAT number in the “VAT Number” field.
3. (Optional) Add requester details – If you want proof of the check, you need to fill out the “Requester Member State / Northern Ireland” and enter your own VAT number below it.
4. Click “Verify” – Hit the blue Verify button.
5. Check the result – The system will confirm whether the VAT number is valid and belongs to a registered EU business.
6. Download proof (if requester details were added) – You’ll get an official confirmation of your check.

5. What to do if you can’t find a VAT number?

What happens if you don’t have a VAT number to hand?

You can get it by:

• Check the invoice – VAT‑registered businesses must show their VAT number on invoices.
• Ask the business directly – A legitimate supplier will provide it without hesitation.
• Check their website or paperwork – Many list VAT numbers in the footer, terms, or contracts.
• Use Companies House (UK) – It won’t show VAT numbers, but it confirms incorporation details.
• Don’t assume – Charging VAT doesn’t prove registration. Always ask and verify.

If you can’t get a valid VAT number, be cautious. Paying VAT to an unregistered business is a risk that usually falls back on you.

Don’t know what you’re dealing with? No problem! Make sure to find an accountant near you who can explain and help you.

6. FAQ about VAT registration numbers 

7. WallsMan Creative guide to VAT compliance and checking UK or EU VAT numbers

Checking VAT status takes a minute and protects you from tax errors and compliance issues. With the GOV.UK checker for UK businesses and the VIES tool for EU suppliers, you can confirm VAT numbers quickly and for free.

WallsMan Creative helps creative businesses in the UK keep VAT and compliance simple. If you want expert support, we’re here to help.