{"id":70687,"date":"2023-03-31T20:40:40","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T18:40:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.hellotax.com\/blog\/?p=70687"},"modified":"2026-01-30T11:45:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T10:45:44","slug":"vat-registration-in-germany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/vat-registration-in-germany\/","title":{"rendered":"VAT Registration in Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>For a complete guide on VAT in Germany check <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/amazon-vat-germany\">here.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Are you storing goods and wares in Germany?<\/li>\r\n<li>Are you selling goods to German customers?<\/li>\r\n<li>Are you part of an FBA program, like the PAN-EU program?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" class=\"wp-image-70679\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PHOTO-2023-03-31-14-47-35-1-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PHOTO-2023-03-31-14-47-35-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PHOTO-2023-03-31-14-47-35-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PHOTO-2023-03-31-14-47-35-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PHOTO-2023-03-31-14-47-35-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you answered \u201cYes!\u201d to one or more of these questions, a VAT registration in Germany might be necessary.\u00a0 Our team at <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\">hellotax <\/a>can help you with your VAT registration, Returns, or the communication with local authorities &#8211; we assist with all VAT duties that might arise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-do-i-need-to-register-for-vat-in-germany\">When do I need a VAT registration in Germany?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you meet any of the following requirements, you must register for VAT in Germany:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-8171\">You are storing goods in Germany<\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>As soon as you start storing goods in Germany or any other European country, you are subject to VAT.<\/li>\r\n<li>This includes both independent storage and storage as part of a fulfillment program or by a fulfillment provider with warehouses in Germany.<\/li>\r\n<li>In all of these cases, you need to register for VAT and also start filing VAT Returns.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-69759\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"642\" height=\"336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 642px) 100vw, 642px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-8172\">You sell goods to Germany and cross the EU-wide delivery threshold<\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>If you sell goods and services in several European countries, including Germany, and exceed the EU-wide delivery threshold of \u20ac 10,000, you have to register for VAT.<\/li>\r\n<li>This is because crossing the threshold makes you subject to VAT in all European countries in which you are selling goods. VAT registration, the filing of VAT returns, and regular payments of VAT are then mandatory.<\/li>\r\n<li>This does not apply if you participate in the OSS program and only sell goods in Germany, but do not store them (see below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-69788\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE-1-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"606\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE-1-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE-1-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE-1-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_DE-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"elementor-tab-title-8173\">You are participating in an FBA (Fulfilled-by-Amazon) program<\/h6>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>When you participate in an FBA program, you authorize Amazon to store your goods in a variety of countries, depending on the program.<\/li>\r\n<li>For example, under the PAN-EU program, goods are stored in many Western European countries, including Spain, France, and Germany.<\/li>\r\n<li>As Germany participates in a program, you have to register for VAT there, as the goods may be stored in Germany.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-69733\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_01-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_01-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_01-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_01-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Storage_01.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 633px) 100vw, 633px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Are you distance selling more than \u20ac 10,000 EU-wide or storing goods in Germany?<\/strong>\u00a0 That means you have to first register for VAT in Germany and then start filing VAT Returns there. But no need to worry! If you contact us, we can support you in managing VAT duties, such as registration and filings. You can keep focusing on expanding your business in Germany. Check out all our <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/pricing?button=blog\">services.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What information is required for the VAT registration in Germany?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>By reaching or overstepping the VAT\u00a0 threshold or storing goods within the German borders, a German VAT ID becomes mandatory. To avoid trouble with the German tax system, you should take care of this matter as early as possible and apply for a VAT registration in Germany.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For the application of a VAT ID in Germany, you have to contact your local office of the \u201cFinanzamt\u201d, that is what the German tax office is called. Simply find your local Finanzamt online and apply either online or by mail, or simply in the <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\">hellotax VAT software<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Additionally, the following documents need to be submitted:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Home VAT certificate of the sole trader (dated not more than 6 months)<\/li>\r\n<li>Official Company registration certificate (must be issued within the last 6 months)<\/li>\r\n<li>Official Company certificate confirming the current company directors (must be issued within the last 6 months)<\/li>\r\n<li>An extract from the company\u2019s national trade register<\/li>\r\n<li>Proof of the planned business (e.g., contracts or bills)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>Please note: Some of the documents must be translated into German by a sworn translator and certified by a sworn notary! Once you have completed your registration, you will receive a German VAT number.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the format of the VAT registration number in Germany?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto;\"><table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Name<\/td>\r\n<td>Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer (USt.-IdNr.) \/ Umsatzsteuernummer<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Country Code<\/td>\r\n<td>DE<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Format<\/td>\r\n<td>DE + 9 digits<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Example<\/td>\r\n<td>DE123456789<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table><\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Register in time<\/strong>\u00a0to avoid problems with the German tax authorities or fines. You can make your VAT registration in Germany easier by using our hellotax VAT automation tool. Further, you can automate VAT payments, VAT returns, and correspondence with the authorities. <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\">Check it out now!<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"cta-shortcode cta-shortcode-normal \"><div class=\"cta-image\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Samer.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"cta-content\"><h3 class=\"font600\">Book a free consultation<\/h3><p>Our VAT experts are happy to help you. Book a free consultation today!<\/p>\n<div class=\"button-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\" class=\"button button-secondary uppercase\">Free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Distance Selling to Germany and the EU-wide threshold<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>From 1 January 2025, the EU also introduced a new SME special scheme that can allow small EU-established businesses to apply a VAT exemption across several Member States, as long as strict turnover limits are respected. However, for most online sellers using cross-border B2C distance selling and Amazon FBA, the key practical rule remains the same: once you exceed the \u20ac10,000 EU-wide threshold (and\/or store goods locally in Germany), German VAT registration and returns become mandatory.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the net value of distance sales exceeds this number, a seller is subject to VAT in all European countries in which they sell. Each additional euro is then taxed at the corresponding VAT rates, VAT registrations are due, and the submission of VAT returns in each country is mandatory. If the net turnover remains below the threshold, B2C deliveries and services are taxed at the rate of the company\u2019s home country, and VAT is paid there.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<p><em><strong>Attention:<\/strong>\u00a0Reaching individual country-specific thresholds is no longer the decisive factor for VAT liability. The new VAT threshold of \u20ac 10,000 also applies across the EU. As soon as this threshold is reached across the board, for example through sales to France, Spain, and Germany combined, VAT registration is due in all of these countries at the same time.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Example:\u00a0<\/strong>You are an Italian distance seller with an annual net turnover of \u20ac 11,000. \u20ac 6,000 of those net sales are made in France, \u20ac 3,000 in Spain, and \u20ac 2,000 in Germany. Since the net turnover exceeds the EU-wide threshold of \u20ac 10,000, you are subject to VAT and need to register for VAT in all three countries. While the first \u20ac 10,000 is taxed at the Italian VAT rate, the additional \u20ac 1,000 needs to be taxed at country-specific VAT rates. If all sales in France and Spain were made first, and the sales to Germany tipped the scale, then \u20ac 1,000 of those sales need to be taxed with the German VAT rate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens if I participate in the OSS Program?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The EU-wide delivery threshold of \u20ac 10,000 does not apply if you register for the One-Stop Shop. On the one hand, individual VAT registrations are no longer required in all the countries you sell to. Instead, the VAT is declared and paid to the tax office in your home country. From there, the money is distributed to the countries to which the VAT is owed. However, all distance sales from the first euro onwards must be taxed at the corresponding country-specific VAT rates, in Germany regularly 19%.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<p><em><strong>Attention:<\/strong>\u00a0While pure distance sellers don\u2019t need to register for VAT if they use OSS, the situation changes once products are stored. Then, a VAT registration is necessary again. If goods stored are then sold to customers in the country of storage, e.g. Germany, the sales need to be declared in an additional VAT declaration in Germany and VAT needs to be paid directly to the German authorities.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\">Example:\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\">If the Italian distance seller active in France, Spain, and Germany uses OSS, each sale starting from the first needs to be taxed with the French, Spanish, and German VAT rate, respectively.<\/span> However, VAT registrations in those three countries are not obligatory. The VAT debt is paid to the Italian tax authorities, and those distribute the correct amounts to the French, Spanish, and German authorities.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>Note: As part of the \u2018VAT in the Digital Age\u2019 (ViDA) package, the EU is phasing in new VAT rules and digital reporting obligations between 2025 and 2028. These changes mainly affect platforms, cross-border reporting and real-time data requirements, but they will gradually influence how online sellers report VAT in Germany and other EU countries. Even if you are a small or medium seller, it\u2019s important to stay informed so your VAT processes, tools and advisors remain aligned with the new standards.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Want to stay VAT compliant?<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/\">hellotax<\/a> can help you with all kinds of VAT questions. We can take care of your registration for VAT in Germany or OSS, with regular VAT returns, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\">Contact us<\/a> today, choose the best option for your business, and avoid fines.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"cta-shortcode cta-shortcode-normal \"><div class=\"cta-image\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/OSS_CTA_800x800_01.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"cta-content\"><h3 class=\"font600\">Hellotax One-Stop-Shop Solution<\/h3><ul>\n<li><b>Automated<\/b> identification of B2C sales<\/li>\n<li><b style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\">Automated<\/b><span style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\"> determination of your tax rates<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\">Handling<\/b><span style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\"> of OSS registrations and reports<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\">Quality control<\/b><span style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\"> for your transactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"button-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\" class=\"button button-secondary uppercase\">Free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h3 data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1813\">New German e-cash register\/e-invoicing rules<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1984\">From <strong data-start=\"1819\" data-end=\"1835\">July 1, 2025<\/strong>, <em style=\"letter-spacing: -0.2px;\" data-start=\"2385\" data-end=\"2675\">if you operate a local shop or point-of-sale in Germany alongside your online sales, be aware that electronic cash registers must be registered via the German tax portal MyElster. This is part of Germany\u2019s ongoing push towards full digital VAT compliance.<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1984\">If you wish to find out more directly from the official source, check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bzst.de\/EN\/Businesses\/businesses_node.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a> for access to the Federal tax office.<\/p>\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq\">FAQ \u2013 VAT Registration in Germany<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-681ba60261474\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Which VAT rates are there in Germany?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>In Germany, the standard VAT rate is 19% and it applies for most goods and services sold in Germany. There is also a reduced rate of 7% which applies for example for books or water supplies. Under certain conditions, a zero VAT rate can also apply (0%).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-681ba60261476\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When and how often do I need to file VAT returns in Germany?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>When and how often you need to file VAT returns in Germany depends on your annual turnover. The filing periods can be monthly, quarterly or annually. Clarify with your tax advisor which filing scheme applies to you<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-681ba60261477\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long does it take to get a German VAT number?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>After all the documents are submitted to the authorities and the registration process is completed, it takes about 11 weeks until you receive your German VAT number. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For a complete guide on VAT in Germany check here. Are you storing goods and wares in Germany? Are you selling goods to German customers? Are you part of an FBA program, like the PAN-EU program? If you answered \u201cYes!\u201d to one or more of these questions, a VAT registration in Germany might be necessary.\u00a0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":70677,"parent":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5584],"tags":[5636],"class_list":{"0":"post-70687","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-vat-registration","8":"tag-vat-in-germany","9":"entry"},"acf":[],"modified_by":"Brenda Varela","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70687"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70687\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70677"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70687"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70687"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}