How do I look up VAT numbers?

Every entrepreneur is required to register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. After registration, you will be given an 8-digit KVK number. KVK passes on your details to the Belastingdienst (Netherlands Tax Administration). The Belastingdienst  sends you your VAT number and your VAT tax number if they decide you are an entrepreneur for VAT purposes. 

How do I find my VAT  or VAT tax number?

If you lost your VAT number or VAT tax number, you can find it via Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk (in Dutch) with your DigiD or eHerkenning.
2. click on Btw (VAT)
3. click on Btw identificatie nummer (VAT number) at the bottom

You will see your VAT number and VAT tax number.

How do I find the VAT number of a customer or supplier?

You can often find your customer’s VAT number on their quotes or invoices. If not, contact the business and ask them. You can only request VAT numbers directly from your customers or suppliers.

There is no central VAT number database in the Netherlands or abroad. The Tax Administration and KVK do not give out information about VAT numbers of other entrepreneurs.

How do I check a VAT number?

Do you have a company’s VAT number, and do you want to check it? For example, because you supply goods or services abroad? You can check the VAT identifcation number of Dutch companies or the VAT tax number of European customers on the website of the European Commission through the online VIES (VAT Information Exchange System). You can also check the name and address information of business partners here.

How does VIES work?

Verifying VAT numbers with VIES can be complicated. Folllow the steps below to verify the VAT numbers and address details of your customers and suppliers. Please note that VIES is case-sensitive.

1. Select the EU member state where your customer is based (for example: BE (Belgium) or DE (Germany)).
2. Enter your customer's VAT identification number.
3. Select NL-Netherlands.
4. Enter your own VAT identification number.
5. Click on ‘Verify’. If all the information you entered is correct, you will see the message ‘Yes, valid VAT number’ in green.

Valid VAT number

If the number is valid, you will see the message ‘Yes, valid VAT number’ with your customer’s business name and address. Print the page and enclose it with your invoice. That way, you can prove to the Tax Administration that you applied the right VAT rate or reverse-charging scheme. You can enter your own number at the bottom of the screen, but this is not a required field.

Invalid VAT number

If the number is invalid, you will see the message ‘Invalid input’ or ‘Invalid VAT number for cross-border transactions in the EU.’ Tell your customer that you will have to charge Dutch VAT because their number prompts an error message. Your foreign customer can then contact its local tax authorities for further explanation.

Note: Use your VAT identification number on the VIES website. This is the number you share with customers and suppliers. Do not use your VAT tax number on the VIES website. You will get the result 'Invalid input' if you do.

How do I look up an RSIN number?

You can find a company's RSIN in the Business Register certificate (paid). RSIN stands for Rechtspersonen en Samenwerkingsverbanden Identificatie Nummer ((Legal Entities and Partnerships Identification Number). This number is used by government agencies like the Tax Administration to exchange data with other organisations and agencies.

Please note that eenmanszaken do not have an RSIN. All legal entities and partnerships, such as BVs, verenigingen (associations), stichtingen (foundations), VOFs (general partnerships), and maatschappen (partnerships) are given a RSIN number when they register with KVK, along with their KVK number.