What is a VAT Registration in Germany?
In certain business setups, registering for VAT in Germany is mandatory. This typically applies when you are directly involved in the movement, storage, or sale of goods within the country.
You are required to obtain a German VAT number in the following situations:
You import goods into Germany
From outside the EU and sell them within Germany or across the EU
You store products in Germany
For example via Amazon FBA or a local warehouse
You move your own stock to Germany
From another EU country under your company name
You act as importer under DDP terms
Taking responsibility for customs and import VAT
You sell via Amazon or similar marketplaces
Especially when using FBA or Pan-EU setups
VAT number
VAT registration, handled from start to finish
We ensure your VAT registration in Germany is handled correctly, without delays or unnecessary complexity.
Why it matters
Getting your VAT registration right from the start prevents delays, compliance issues, and marketplace restrictions.
Avoid rejected or delayed applications
Stay compliant with German VAT regulations
Prevent issues with Amazon or other platforms
Reduce back-and-forth with tax authorities
Build a solid foundation for EU sales
How we support you
We manage the full process and make sure your setup aligns with your business model.
Prepare and submit your VAT registration
Ensure all documentation is complete and correct
Handle communication with German tax authorities
Support your Amazon FBA or e-commerce setup
Guide you on next steps like VAT filings or OSS
Get your German VAT number in four easy steps
1
Business details
Tell us about your company, sales channels, and logistics setup.
2
We prepare your VAT registration
We collect the required information and complete your VAT application.
3
Submission
We file your application and handle communication with the tax office.
4
VAT and tax number issued
You receive your German VAT and tax number and can start selling compliantly.
VAT registration typically takes around
8-10 weeks
Start
What we need from you
To complete your VAT registration in Germany, we require a few key details about your business and operations.
Company information
Company registration documents and official business details
Directors and shareholders
Basic information about company owners and management
Business activities
What you sell and how your sales flow works (e.g. Amazon, webshop, B2B)
Logistics setup
Where your goods are stored and how they are shipped (e.g. FBA, 3PL, DDP)
Authorization (power of attorney)
Required for us to submit the application on your behalf
Expected sales and start date
Estimated turnover and when you plan to start selling in Germany
Important to know:
If your business carries out taxable activities in Germany, VAT registration is mandatory, often from the first transaction, especially for foreign companies. This includes importing goods, storing stock in Germany, or selling directly to German customers.
Without a valid German VAT number, you cannot legally charge VAT, clear goods properly, or sell through marketplaces. This can lead to blocked shipments, account suspensions, or fines. Once registered, you must also comply with ongoing obligations such as invoicing, VAT filings, and record-keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this service.
You may need a German VAT number if your business stores goods in Germany, imports products into Germany, sells from German stock, or uses fulfilment services such as Amazon FBA in Germany.
Yes. If your products are stored in a German Amazon fulfilment centre, German VAT registration is usually required. This can apply even if your company is based outside Germany.
A Steuernummer is a local German tax number used by the German tax office. A German VAT ID, also called USt-IdNr., is mainly used for VAT identification in EU business transactions.
German VAT registration often takes several weeks. The exact timeline depends on the tax office, your company details and whether all documents are submitted correctly.
Yes. Storing goods in Germany usually creates a local VAT obligation. This applies whether you use your own warehouse, a logistics provider or a marketplace fulfilment centre.
No. OSS is used for reporting certain cross-border B2C sales in the EU. German VAT registration is separate and may still be required if you store, import or sell goods from Germany.
Yes. German VAT numbers can be checked through official VAT validation systems such as VIES. This helps confirm whether a VAT ID is valid for EU transactions.
A German VAT number can be used for certain cross-border EU transactions, but it does not automatically cover every VAT obligation in other EU countries. Your stock location and sales setup determine whether extra registrations are needed.
Yes, you may need German VAT registration if you import goods into Germany and then sell them in Germany or from Germany to customers in other EU countries.
Non-EU companies may need a German VAT number when they import goods into Germany, store products in Germany or sell through German fulfilment channels.
A German VAT ID starts with “DE” followed by nine digits, for example DE123456789. This is different from the local German Steuernummer.
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Phone
Office
Fellenoordstraat 52 Unit 2.38, 4811TJ Breda, Netherlands
VAT
NL865927534B01
Chamber of Commerce
NL 92195873