How do I get a French VAT number?
John Thompson
Published Apr 16, 2026
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 ofWhat 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 NumberDo 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 CorrectIf you don't have a valid number, then your business can not re-claim the VAT.