EU VAT guide
Invalid VAT number in VIES
An invalid VIES result means VIES did not confirm the number as registered for intra-EU transactions at the time of the check.
Common reasons
The number may not exist, may not be activated for intra-EU transactions, or the registration may not yet be finalised in the national database.
Ask the customer to confirm the exact VAT ID and whether their local tax authority has activated it for cross-border EU transactions.
Validating VAT numbers at volume?
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Related VIES guides
- VIES VAT checkerCheck an EU VAT number in VIES and understand what the response means.
- EU VAT number validationValidate EU VAT IDs and learn when VAT checks matter for cross-border trade.
- VIES consultation numberLearn what a VIES consultation number is and when it can appear.
- VIES errors explainedUnderstand common VIES errors such as MS_UNAVAILABLE, TIMEOUT, and SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE.
- VIES service unavailableWhat to do when VIES or a national VAT registry is unavailable.
- Is VIES down?Check whether the VIES gateway appears reachable and learn what VIES downtime means.