When does a company have to register for VAT abroad?

Registration is typically required for warehousing goods abroad, importing into another EU country, selling locally, using FBA or 3PL, certain local services, and B2C sales above the €10,000 threshold if the company does not use OSS.

Does VAT OSS replace VAT registration abroad?

Not always. OSS helps settle B2C sales to other EU countries when goods are shipped from the country of establishment. It does not replace local registration if the company stores goods abroad, uses FBA, imports goods, or conducts local transactions.

Can I use OSS and a local VAT number at the same time?

Yes. This is a common practice where a company stores goods in one or two countries but sells to consumers in multiple EU countries.

When does a company have to register for VAT abroad?

Registration is typically required for warehousing goods abroad, importing into another EU country, selling locally, using FBA or 3PL, certain local services, and B2C sales above the €10,000 threshold if the company does not use OSS.

Does VAT OSS replace VAT registration abroad?

Not always. OSS helps settle B2C sales to other EU countries when goods are shipped from the country of establishment. It does not replace local registration if the company stores goods abroad, uses FBA, imports goods, or conducts local transactions.

Can I use OSS and a local VAT number at the same time?

Yes. This is a common practice where a company stores goods in one or two countries but sells to consumers in multiple EU countries.

VAT compliance service

VAT registration abroad in 30 European countries

If you sell, store, import or provide services outside of Poland, we can take over the entire process of obtaining a foreign VAT number.

Book a free consultation Contact us

30countries served +500registered VAT numbers <24hon first response

VAT obligation analysis We check whether you need a local VAT number or whether OSS will suffice.

Documents and translations You receive a clear list of documents for a specific country.

Contact with the office We take over communication and monitor the status of the case.

Marketplace and FBA We help before starting sales and warehousing abroad.

After assigning a VAT number, we can also take over VAT declarations and further communication with the office.

Foreign VAT number

VAT registration abroad – when do you need a VAT number?

Below are the most common scenarios in which VAT registration abroad ceases to be an option and becomes mandatory. Each country has its own procedures, so it's worth checking the specific transaction model before starting sales.

B2C mail order sales

You exceed the total EU sales threshold of EUR 10,000 and do not settle sales through VAT OSS.

Deliveries and movements of goods

You move goods between EU countries, participate in a supply chain or declare non-transactional IDT/ICT.

Importing goods abroad

You import goods from third countries into the EU and are the importer responsible for VAT in a specific country.

Warehousing and FBA

You have goods in a foreign warehouse, you use Amazon FBA, 3PL, call-off stock or consignment warehouse.

Marketplace

The sales platform requires a local VAT number before starting sales or before the first shipment to the warehouse.

Services provided abroad

You provide services that are taxed at the place of performance, e.g. events, assembly projects, construction or other local services.

OSS or local VAT

Not all sales abroad require local VAT registration.

First, we check whether your sales can be settled via OSS, or whether the obligation arises locally. This is important because warehousing, importing, or FBA typically changes the entire settlement logic.

VAT OSS

It works for B2C sales to consumers in the EU when you ship the goods from your home country and do not store them locally in the recipient country.

Check OSS VAT returns

Local VAT number

It is typically needed for warehousing, FBA, imports, local sales, and transactions that OSS does not cover.

Scope of service

What exactly are we taking over?

Registering for VAT abroad isn't just about completing a form. It also includes documents, translations, justification for your business model, and subsequent instructions on how to settle VAT once the number has been assigned.

AND

Sales model analysis

We check countries of operation, warehouses, imports, marketplace, B2B/B2C and sales thresholds.

Documents and instructions

We prepare a checklist of documents, powers of attorney, bank details and confirmations required in the country of registration.

Forms and office

We complete forms, submit applications, and handle communications with the foreign tax office.

30 European countries

How long does it take to register VAT abroad?

Deadlines are approximate and depend on the completeness of your documents and any questions from the office. Search for a country to quickly check the timeframe and key post-registration obligations.

Search for a country or 30-country code in the table

Country	VAT registration time	VAT declarations	Payment and declaration deadline	Guides
AustriaAT	7-8 weeks	monthly, quarterly, annual	15th day of the month following the billing period	Compendium Registration Declarations
BelgiumBE	3-6 weeks	monthly, quarterly, Listing Clients	20th day of the month following the billing period	Compendium Registration Declarations
BulgariaBG	4-6 weeks	monthly	14th day of the month following the billing period	upon request
CroatiaHR	4-5 weeks	monthly, quarterly	20th day of the month after the period	upon request
CyprusCY	3-4 weeks	monthly, quarterly	10th day of the month after the period	upon request
Czech RepublicCZ	1-3 weeks	monthly, quarterly	25th day of the month after the period	upon request
DenmarkDK	2-3 weeks	monthly, quarterly, half-yearly	depending on the settlement rhythm	upon request
EstoniaEE	2-3 weeks	monthly; possible quarterly and annual	20th day of the month after the period	upon request
FinlandFI	3-4 weeks	monthly, quarterly, annual	12th day of the month after the period	upon request
FranceFR	10-20 weeks	monthly; possible quarterly	19th day of the month after the period	Compendium Registration Declarations
GreeceEL	2-3 weeks	quarterly; possible monthly	30th day of the month after the period	upon request
SpainES	4-7 weeks	quarterly; monthly and annual possible	20th day of the month after the period	upon request
NetherlandsNL	4-9 weeks	quarterly; possible monthly	the last business day of the second month after the period	upon request
IrelandIE	6-9 weeks	two-month-old	19th day of the month after the period	upon request
LithuaniaLT	2-3 weeks	monthly	25th business day of the month following the period	upon request
LuxembourgLU	3-4 weeks	monthly, quarterly, annual	15th day of the second month after the period	upon request
LatviaLV	3-4 weeks	monthly	20th day of the month after the period	upon request
MaltaMT	4-6 weeks	depending on the decisions of the authorities	52nd day after the billing period	upon request
GermanyDE	10-20 weeks	monthly, quarterly, annual	10th day of the month after the period	Compendium Registration Declarations
NorwayNO	5-6 weeks	two-month-old	10th day of the second month after the period	outside the EU
PolandPL	1-4 weeks	monthly	25th day of the month after the period	upon request
PortugalPT	8-10 weeks	monthly, quarterly, annual	depending on the rhythm	upon request
RomaniaRO	2-3 weeks	monthly	25th day of the month after the period	upon request
SlovakiaSK	1-3 weeks	monthly	25th day of the month after the period	upon request
SloveniaSI	4-6 weeks	monthly	the last working day of the month after the period	upon request
SwitzerlandCH	2-3 weeks	quarterly	60th day after the billing period	outside the EU
SwedenSE	4-6 weeks	monthly, quarterly, annual	depending on the rhythm	upon request
HungaryHU	2-3 weeks	monthly, quarterly, annual	depending on the rhythm	upon request
Great BritainGB	4-10 weeks	quarterly	7th day of the second month after the period	outside the EU
ItalyIT	4-6 weeks	monthly	17th day of the month after the period	upon request

Collaboration process

From analysis to assigning a VAT number

We structure the process so that it's clear to you what to prepare, where we are, and when you can plan to start selling.

Free VAT analysis

We get to know your business model and check which countries trigger VAT obligations.

Documents and guidelines

You receive a list of documents, instructions, and information about translations or certifications.

Registration application

We check the complete data, prepare forms and submit the application to the appropriate authority.

Status monitoring

We answer the office's questions and inform you about the progress of the procedure.

Assigning a VAT number

We provide you with a VAT number and instructions on how to issue invoices and report transactions.

Further VAT returns

If you wish, we also take over your current VAT declarations abroad.

Why Taxenlight

VAT abroad under the company's control

We combine VAT compliance practice with experience in e-commerce, marketplaces, imports, and cross-border sales. This allows us to look beyond just the form itself and consider the entire operating model.

+8 years of experience in VAT compliance

30 European countries served

+500 registered VAT numbers

<12h to the team's first response

Adrian Andrzejewski
CEO Taxenlight

Free consultation

Not sure if you need VAT abroad?

Tell us about your sales, warehousing, import, or planned marketplace. We'll check whether OSS is sufficient or whether local VAT registration is required.

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FAQ

VAT registration abroad – frequently asked questions

How much does VAT registration abroad cost?

The cost depends on the country, the scope of documents, and the local authority's requirements. At Taxenlight prices start at €400, with a one-time registration fee.

How long does VAT registration take?

The waiting time depends on the country and the completeness of the documents. In some countries, the number can be obtained in 1-3 weeks, while in more demanding procedures, the process can take several weeks.

What documents are needed to submit an application?

These most often include: an extract from the National Court Register (KRS) or Central Registration and Information on Business (CEIDG), registration applications, a power of attorney, documents confirming the planned business activity, bank details, identity documents, and the company agreement. Many countries require translations or certifications.

Are VAT registration and VAT OSS the same?

No. OSS simplifies the settlement of B2C sales to other EU countries, but does not replace a local VAT number for warehousing, FBA, import or local sales.

How to check if an EU VAT number is valid?

You can check your EU VAT number in the EU's VIES. It's worth doing this before issuing an invoice, as the number's validity affects how the transaction is taxed.