What is the VAT number or Um­satz­steu­er­num­mer?

The VAT number (Umsatzsteuernummer, Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer or USt-IdNr.) is for businesses that charge VAT. In Germany, the VAT number has this format: DE123456789.

You can request a VAT number when you register your business with the Finanzamt. You can also request a VAT number here.

The VAT number is not the same as the tax number (Steuernummer).

How to get a VAT number