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. The 9-digit body is the Greek tax registry number (ΑΦΜ); for VAT it is used as ΑΦΜ/ΦΠΑ. Important: Greece uses EL (not GR) as the country code for EU VAT purposes.
Format vs. Active Validation
This checks format and checksum only. It does not prove the VAT number is registered, active, or VIES-enabled. Use VatDB's API to verify real registration status.
Format Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Country Code | EL (not GR!) |
| Format | 9 digits |
| Length | 9 digits (11 characters with EL country prefix) |
| Underlying ID | Greek tax registry number (ΑΦΜ), used as ΑΦΜ/ΦΠΑ for VAT |
| Examples | EL094468339 EL800563867 EL094316669 |
| Note | The first digit of the VAT number indicates the type of entity. 1-4 is mainly for individuals and 7-9 mainly for companies, but older 0 and 5 numbers exist. |
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)?
For a simple offline checksum check, apply weights [256,128,64,32,16,8,4,2] to the first 8 digits, then calculate check digit = (sum mod 11) mod 10. This only catches format or typo errors. Use VatDB's API to check if the number is really registered and active.
What does a Greek VAT number look like?
Greece uses EL as the country code for VAT purposes, not the ISO code GR. A Greek VAT number looks like EL800563867: EL followed by exactly 9 digits.
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. For intra-EU commerce, prefix the 9-digit ΑΦΜ with EL.
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?
Offline format and checksum validation verifies structure and mathematical correctness, not actual registration or VIES activation. Many valid-looking numbers were never issued or are not activated for intra-EU transactions. Use VatDB's API to confirm a number is genuinely assigned and currently active.
What real-world Greek (EL) VAT numbers exist?
Here are three currently registered Greek VAT numbers: EL094468339, EL800563867, EL094316669.