Greece (EL)
Greek VAT Number Validation
Format, pattern, and checksum algorithm for EL VAT numbers
Greek VAT numbers (Arithmós Forologikoú Mētrṓou or ΑΦΜ) consist of 9 digits. Important: Greece uses EL (not GR) as the country code for VAT purposes.
Format vs. Active Validation
This checks format only, not if a VAT number is really registered. Use VatDB's API to verify is a number is really registered and active. VatDB checks official EU and national datasources.
Format Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Country Code | EL (not GR!) |
| Format | 9 digits |
| Length | 9 digits |
| Example | EL123456789 |
Regex Pattern
^EL[0-9]{9}$
Checksum Algorithm
Greek VAT numbers use weighted powers of 2, MOD 11:
def validate_el_vat(number):
if number.startswith('EL'):
number = number[2:]
if len(number) != 9 or not number.isdigit():
return False
weights = [256, 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2]
total = sum(int(d) * w for d, w in zip(number[:8], weights))
check = (total % 11) % 10
return check == int(number[8])
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Greek VAT number (ΑΦΜ)?
Greek VAT numbers use weighted powers of 2 with MOD 11. Apply weights [256,128,64,32,16,8,4,2] to the first 8 digits. Check digit = (sum mod 11) mod 10. Use VatDB's API for official verification against EU and national databases.
What does a Greek VAT number look like?
A Greek VAT number has the format EL123456789 - 'EL' (not GR!) followed by exactly 9 digits. Note: Greece uses EL as the country code for VAT purposes, not the ISO code GR.
How many digits are in a Greek VAT number?
A Greek VAT number contains exactly 9 digits after the EL country code. The complete number is 11 characters: EL + 9 digits.
Why does Greece use EL instead of GR for VAT numbers?
Greece uses EL (from 'Elláda', the Greek name for Greece) for VAT purposes rather than the ISO code GR. Always use EL when formatting or validating Greek VAT numbers.
What is a Greek ΑΦΜ number?
ΑΦΜ (Arithmós Forologikoú Mētrṓou) is the Greek Tax Registration Number. It's the 9-digit number used as the VAT ID, always prefixed with EL for EU purposes.
Where can I verify a Greek company's VAT number?
VatDB's API validates VAT numbers against official EU and national databases (remember to use EL not GR for Greece). Get instant verification with company details.
What's the difference between format validation and checking if a VAT number is active?
Format validation verifies mathematical correctness, not actual registration. Many valid-looking numbers were never issued. Use VatDB's API to confirm a number is genuinely assigned and currently active.