Validate a VAT Number (NIF) in Europe with VIES
Free EU VAT number (Portuguese NIF) validation against the official VIES registries. Confirm validity and look up the company name and address.
Pick the country, enter the tax identification number and validate it directly against the official EU VAT registries. No sign-up, no cost. For Portugal, a company's NIF is the same as its VAT number.
What does validating a VAT number (NIF) mean?
Validating a VAT number, in Portugal the NIF (tax identification number), means confirming against official sources that the number exists, is registered and is active for tax purposes. In Portugal, a company's NIF is also its VAT number, used on invoices and transactions.
This tool queries the official VAT registries of EU member states. For numbers registered for intra-EU transactions, the company's name and address are usually returned, although some countries (such as Germany or Spain) do not disclose those details for privacy reasons.
Checking a customer's, supplier's or partner's VAT number before invoicing or signing a contract is a simple due-diligence step that helps prevent fraud, invalid invoices and intra-EU VAT problems.
Frequently asked questions
Is validating the NIF the same as validating the VAT number?
In Portugal, yes: a company's NIF is the same as its VAT number. Just select Portugal (PT) and enter the 9 digits.
Why is a number sometimes valid but the company name doesn't appear?
It depends on what each country exposes. Several member states confirm the number is valid but do not disclose the name or address for data-protection reasons.
What does an invalid number mean?
It means the number is not registered as a valid VAT number for the chosen country. It may be incorrect, not VAT-liable, or not registered for intra-EU transactions.
Is the data stored?
We do not link the lookup to your identity. The validation is public, requires no sign-up and is intended for one-off checks.
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