{"id":68125,"date":"2021-02-15T12:44:05","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T11:44:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.hellotax.com\/blog\/?page_id=68125"},"modified":"2026-05-27T11:05:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T09:05:57","slug":"vat-id-number-in-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/vat-id-number-in-france\/","title":{"rendered":"VAT ID Number in France: Format, Registration and Threshold Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

If you sell goods in France, store stock there, or make taxable supplies in the country, you may need a VAT ID number in France. This guide explains when a French VAT number is required, what format it has, which threshold rules matter, and how foreign businesses can register in 2026.<\/p>\r\n

Need help getting a VAT ID number in France? hellotax can support you with French VAT registration, returns, and communication with the tax authorities. Contact our VAT experts<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"VAT<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What is a French VAT ID Number?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A French VAT ID number is used to identify a business for VAT purposes in France and for intra-EU trade. If your business creates a French VAT obligation, for example because you store goods there or make taxable local supplies, you generally need to complete VAT registration in France before you can operate compliantly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why you need a VAT ID Number in France<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You may need a VAT ID number in France if you store goods there, make taxable domestic supplies there, or sell to French customers in a way that creates a local VAT obligation.<\/p>\r\n

For intra-EU B2C distance sales, the old French threshold was replaced by the EU-wide \u20ac10,000 threshold from 1 July 2021.<\/p>\r\n

If you do not use OSS for eligible distance sales, local VAT registration in France may still be required.<\/p>\r\n

If you want to understand when OSS can simplify cross-border B2C reporting, read our One Stop Shop (OSS) guide<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Storing goods in France<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Storing goods in France usually creates a local VAT registration obligation. This is why online sellers using local warehouses, 3PL providers, or Amazon FBA stock in France often need a French VAT number even if they already have VAT registrations elsewhere in the EU.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Intra-community shipments are taxed in the origin EU country. If you have a French VAT ID, you pay VAT on French sales in France, not the origin country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n

How hellotax can help you with a French VAT ID Number<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If storing goods in France, register for VAT and obtain a French VAT number. Hellotax can handle applications in several European countries’ national languages and notify you once you receive your VAT ID. We also manage VAT returns and other related tasks. Contact us<\/a> for individual advice and automation options.<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

VAT ID Number in France: Name and Format<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In France, the intra-EU VAT number is generally referred to as the num\u00e9ro de TVA intracommunautaire. It starts with the country code FR, followed by a 2-character key and the 9-digit SIREN number. In practice, the format is usually shown as FRXX123456789.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Format of the French VAT ID:<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Name<\/td>\r\nTVA intracommunautaire<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Country Code<\/td>\r\nFR<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Format<\/td>\r\nFR + 2 characters + 9 digits<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Example<\/td>\r\nFRXX123456789<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>

Book a free consultation<\/h3>

Our VAT experts are happy to help you. Book a free consultation today!<\/p>\n

Free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n

How to apply for your VAT ID Number in France<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To apply for a VAT ID number in France, foreign businesses usually need to contact the Service des Imp\u00f4ts des Entreprises (SIE) or file through the relevant tax process for non-resident businesses. Depending on the business setup, a French-speaking representative or fiscal representative may be needed, especially for businesses not established in the EU.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Required Documents:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n