What is a French VAT Number?
A French VAT number is a VAT identification number issued by the French tax authority. It allows your business to charge French VAT, reclaim eligible VAT, import goods and file VAT returns in France.
You may need a VAT number for France if your business sells, stores or imports goods in France. This is common for UK companies, non-EU sellers, Amazon FBA businesses and e-commerce brands using France as a sales market or logistics location in the EU.
You typically need a French VAT number if you:
Import goods into France
From outside the EU and sell them in France or across Europe. A French VAT number may be needed to declare VAT, reclaim eligible import VAT and stay compliant with French VAT rules.
Store products in French warehouses
For example via Amazon FBA France, 3PL warehouses or local fulfilment centres. Holding stock in France can create a French VAT registration obligation.
Sell to customers in France
From another EU or non-EU country under your company name. A VAT number France may be required when you sell directly to French customers.
Exceed EU distance selling thresholds
Especially when your stock is stored, moved or distributed through France. This can apply to Amazon, Cdiscount, Shopify, Etsy and other marketplace sellers.
Use France as your EU entry point
For importing goods, reclaiming import VAT and distributing stock to French or EU customers. This is common for UK and non-EU companies expanding into Europe.
For some cross-border e-commerce sales, you may be able to use the One Stop Shop, or OSS, to report EU VAT in one country. However, OSS does not replace a French VAT number if you store goods, import goods or have local VAT obligations in France.
VAT Number France
VAT Number Registration in France, handled from start to finish
We help UK companies, non-EU sellers, Amazon FBA businesses and e-commerce brands apply for a French VAT number without unnecessary delays or complexity.
Why it matters
Getting your French VAT number right from the beginning helps prevent delays, compliance issues and marketplace restrictions.
Avoid rejected or delayed VAT applications
Stay compliant with French VAT regulations
Prevent issues with Amazon FBA France or other marketplaces
Reduce back-and-forth with French tax authorities
Build a strong foundation for EU e-commerce sales
How we support you
We manage the complete French VAT registration process and ensure your setup aligns with your business model.
Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate
Handle communication with French tax authorities (DGFiP)
Support your Amazon FBA France or e-commerce setup
Guide you on next steps like French VAT filings or OSS registration
Get your French 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 number issued
You receive your French VAT and tax number and can start selling compliantly.
VAT registration in France typically takes around
8-12 weeks
Start
What we need from you
To complete your VAT registration in France, we require a few important 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 (Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce, B2B, etc.).
Logistics setup
Tell us where your goods are stored and how they are shipped (FBA, 3PL, dropshipping, 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 France.
Important to know:
Registering for VAT in France (numéro de TVA) is not just a one-time step. After registration, businesses are generally required to submit French VAT returns regularly (monthly or quarterly depending on turnover and tax obligations).
French tax authorities may also require additional reporting for intra-EU trade, imports, or marketplace sales.
Even if you have no sales during a reporting period, you may still need to file a nil VAT return. Late or incorrect filings can lead to penalties and compliance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this service.
A French VAT number is a VAT identification number issued to businesses with VAT obligations in France. It allows your company to charge French VAT, reclaim eligible VAT, import goods and file VAT returns in France.
A VAT number in French is commonly called a numéro de TVA or numéro de TVA intracommunautaire. VAT itself is called TVA, which stands for Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée.
Yes. “French VAT number”, “France VAT number” and “VAT number France” usually refer to the same thing. They are all used to describe a VAT identification number for businesses with VAT obligations in France.
A French VAT number usually starts with FR, followed by 2 characters and 9 digits. A common French VAT number format is FRXX123456789.
You can check a French VAT number through the EU VIES VAT validation system. Select France as the member state, enter the VAT number and verify whether it is valid.
You can get a VAT number in France by applying for French VAT registration with the French tax authority. The application usually requires company documents, business activity details and information about your sales, imports or stock movements in France.
You may need a VAT number in France if you import goods into France, store products in a French warehouse, sell to French customers, use Amazon FBA, transfer your own stock to France or have other taxable activity in France.
UK companies may need a French VAT number if they sell, store, import or distribute goods in France. Since Brexit, UK businesses are treated as non-EU businesses for VAT purposes.
Non-EU companies may need VAT registration in France if they import goods into France, store stock in French warehouses, sell goods to French customers or use France as part of their EU logistics setup.
You may need a French VAT number if your Amazon FBA stock is stored, moved or distributed through France. Holding stock in France can create a local VAT obligation, even if your business is based outside France.
You may need a French VAT number if you sell on Amazon.fr, Cdiscount or another marketplace and your goods are stored, imported or sold in France under your company name.
OSS can simplify VAT reporting for certain cross-border B2C sales in the EU. However, OSS does not replace a French VAT number if you store goods, import goods, transfer stock or have local VAT obligations in France.
A French VAT number may allow your business to reclaim eligible French import VAT through VAT returns, provided the correct registration, documentation and reporting requirements are met.
A French VAT number is used for VAT purposes. A SIREN number identifies a French business, while a SIRET number identifies a specific establishment or business location. Foreign companies may need a French VAT number without having the same setup as a French company.
Commonly required documents include company registration details, director information, business activity details, proof of taxable activity in France, warehouse or logistics details and authorisation forms.
The time needed to get a French VAT number depends on your company structure, the documents provided and the workload of the French tax authority. Complete and correct documents help reduce delays.
Yes. Once your business has a French VAT number, you usually need to file French VAT returns, even if there are no sales in a reporting period.
If you do not register for French VAT when required, your business may face penalties, interest, delayed import VAT recovery, marketplace issues and problems with French tax compliance.
Yes. Westwood Sourcing helps UK companies, non-EU sellers, Amazon FBA businesses, marketplace sellers and e-commerce brands apply for a French VAT number and manage the registration process.
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Fellenoordstraat 52 Unit 2.38, 4811TJ Breda, Netherlands
VAT
NL865927534B01
Chamber of Commerce
NL 92195873