French vat-number

Structure VAT number

In France, this consists of the FR code and 11 digits (a 2-digit control key and the 9-digit SIREN number of the company).

An example of a company with the company number (SIREN) 123456789 could be structured as follows. To convert a SIREN number into a valid French VAT number (TVA number), a so-called "control number" must be added. This control number is a two-digit code calculated based on the SIREN number.

In this example, the company's SIREN number is 123456789, and the corresponding control number, calculated according to French VAT rules (modulo 97), is 32. This results in the complete French VAT number: FR32123456789. Here, "FR" stands for France, followed by the control number "32" and then the SIREN number "123456789."

european-commission-vies-btw

checking validity vat number

Verifying whether a VAT number is active and valid can easily be done via the European Commission's website, the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System). This website allows verification not only of French VAT numbers but also of VAT numbers from all European Union member states, providing reliable validation of your business partners. When a VAT number is confirmed to be active, you can be certain that the company in question is registered and eligible for intra-community transactions.

In addition to the validity of the number, the system often allows verification of basic information about the registered business, such as the name and address.