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How do I get a French VAT number?

Author

John Thompson

Published Apr 16, 2026

Foreign companies registering for a French VAT number must submit their application with the Service des Impôts des Entreprises. This must be done within two weeks of the start of trading, or passing the VAT registration threshold. There are no penalties for a delayed French VAT registration.

Also know, do I need to register for French VAT?

As a general rule, a foreign non-established business must register for VAT in France as soon as a taxable supply is made.

Similarly, how long does it take to get a French VAT number? Although the registration process is relatively straightforward, it can take up to 1-3 months for the French Tax Office to process your application from the point of submission.

Regarding this, is there a VAT number in France?

French VAT numbers have 13 characters [FR + 11 digits]. The last 2 digits constitute a control number.

How do you get a VAT number?

To register for VAT, you have to apply to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). If you choose to register yourself, you need to register for the VAT online service with HMRC . However, if you want, an accountant or an agent can do this for you. You should get a VAT registration certificate within 14 working days.

Related Question Answers

Who needs a VAT registration number?

You must register for VAT if your VAT taxable turnover goes over £85,000 (the 'threshold'), or you know that it will. Your VAT taxable turnover is the total of everything sold that is not VAT exempt. You can also register voluntarily.

Do French companies have registration numbers?

6.4.

As a new business you will be given a business registration number comprising 14 digits in total, known as your SIRET. The first 9 numbers are your SIREN, which is your registration number on the national business register.

What is EORI number in France?

In practice, the EORI number, Economic Operator Registration and Identification, is used to identify economic operators and other persons in their dealings with customs authorities. In France, the EORI number is mainly used in online services (electronic declarations) linked to the customs clearance of goods.

What is the VAT rate in France?

20%

What is a French Siret number?

The SIRET number (which stands for Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Établissements and can be translated as “Directory of Establishments Identification System”) corresponds to the 9 digits of the SIREN number followed by 5 additional digits (called "NIC" for Numéro Interne de Classement or "Internal Number of

What is the VAT registration threshold in France?

VAT registration thresholds
Country VAT threshold
Finland €15,000
France Goods €85,800; Services €34,400
Germany €22,000
Greece €10,000

What is the tax identification number in France?

The French SPI number is on income tax notices, property tax notices, and income tax declaration forms in France. It is a 13-digit number that starts with a 0, 1, 2, or 3. The French tax identification number for businesses and charities is the SIREN number.

What is my EU VAT identification number?

For example, for Great Britain (UK), the first two digits of the VAT code are GB. EU (European Union) VAT numbers consist of 15 digits-long alphanumeric characters, with the first two letters indicating the country of the registered business. For example, for Denmark, the first two digits of the VAT code are DK.

What means VAT number?

Value Added Tax Identification Number

Do I need to register for VAT in France after Brexit?

You will need to register for VAT in France if you meet any of the following critera; If you are Importing goods into France from outside the European Union.

What is EU VAT registration?

Sometimes also known as a VAT registration number, this is the unique number that identifies a taxable person (business) or non-taxable legal entity that is registered for VAT.

How can I find my VAT number online?

Your VAT number should be included on any documentation you send out, such as invoices. If you need to check if someone else's VAT number is genuine, you can either: Call HMRC's VAT helpline on 0300 200 3700. Check online using VIES, though newly registered VAT numbers don't always appear straight away.

Can you check if a company is VAT registered without a VAT number?

Checking a UK VAT Number is Correct

If you don't have a valid number, then your business can not re-claim the VAT.

Is a VAT number the same as an EIN number?

Both are the same but the name varies depending on where you are located. In the US, it is often referred to as tax ID, resellers ID, sales tax ID while in the UK and most of the Asian countries it is referred as VAT ID.

Is being VAT registered a good thing?

If you sell to VAT registered businesses they can reclaim the VAT from HMRC so your selling price is still competitive and you will be able to recover the VAT on your costs. Maintaining up to date records will provide better information for running your business.

Does everyone have a VAT number?

No, they are not. Some traders are not registered for VAT because their businesses have a low turnover (sales) and so they cannot charge VAT on their sales (unless they are voluntarily registered)– and some business activities do not attract VAT.

How long does it take to get VAT registration number?

Once you have registered for VAT, either online or using the paper form VAT1, HMRC states that you can expect to receive your VAT registration certificate, which contains your VAT number, in around one month from the date of submission. It expects to process 70% of applications within just 10 working days.

Why do I need a VAT number for only fans?

There will be a downloadable VAT statement supporting this amount which you can use to complete your VAT return and remit the VAT amount (which is paid to you by OnlyFans each month) directly to HMRC. This results in all required VAT being paid on Fan payments to HMRC whilst protecting the 80/20 earning model.

What percentage is VAT?

The standard rate of VAT increased to 20% on 4 January 2011 (from 17.5%). Some things are exempt from VAT , such as postage stamps, financial and property transactions. The VAT rate businesses charge depends on their goods and services. Check the rates of VAT on different goods and services.

Do I need a VAT number for OnlyFans?

You only need to register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £85,000 in a 12 month period. For the numbers your suggesting you don't appear to be anywhere near this limit. You will need to gross up your Only Fans income for the charge they take off you (20% I believe).