Netherlands VAT number format
9 digits, then the literal letter B, then 2 branch digits
| VIES prefix | NL |
|---|---|
| Structure | 9 digits, then the literal letter B, then 2 branch digits |
| Pattern | ^\d{9}B\d{2}$ |
| Company name via VIES | Yes |
| Address via VIES | Yes |
| Verified example | 004495445B01 — OPENJONGERENVERENIGING DE KOORNBEURS |
Check digit
The classic '11-proef' mod-11 check on the 9 digits is DELIBERATELY NOT enforced: it produces false negatives on real numbers issued after the 2020 privacy reform. Structure only, and we say so openly.
Vatline does not reject on this check. Only the structure is enforced, so a format-valid number can still turn out to be unregistered. Rejecting a genuine customer costs more than one extra lookup.
Watch out for
- The B + 2-digit branch suffix is mandatory since 2020: NL123456789 alone is invalid now. Several branch suffixes can share one 9-digit root.
Check a number
Known-good value: 004495445B01, which VIES returns as OPENJONGERENVERENIGING DE KOORNBEURS.