Netherlands (NL)
Dutch VAT Number Validation
Format, pattern, and MOD 11 checksum algorithm for NL VAT numbers
Dutch VAT numbers (BTW-identificatienummer) have a unique format with 9 digits, followed by the letter 'B', and 2 more digits indicating the tax unit.
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 | NL |
| Format | 9 digits + B + 2 digits |
| Length | 12 characters |
| Example | NL123456789B01 |
Regex Pattern
^NL[0-9]{9}B[0-9]{2}$
Structure
- Digits 1-9: Tax number with check digit
- B: Literal letter 'B' (stands for BTW)
- Digits 11-12: Tax unit identifier
01= Main registration02+= VAT group members
Validation
Note: The old MOD 11 checksum algorithm no longer fits all modern Dutch BTW-IDs, so only format validation is performed. Checksum validation is disabled.
def validate_nl_vat(number):
if number.startswith('NL'):
number = number[2:]
if len(number) != 12 or number[9] != 'B':
return False
digits = number[:9]
suffix = number[10:]
if not digits.isdigit() or not suffix.isdigit():
return False
# Format-only validation (checksum disabled)
return True
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Dutch VAT number (BTW nummer)?
Dutch VAT numbers have 9 digits + B + 2 digits. Note that checksum validation is no longer reliable for modern BTW-IDs. Use VatDB's API for official verification against EU and Dutch Belastingdienst databases.
What does a Dutch VAT number look like?
A Dutch VAT number has the format NL123456789B01 - 'NL' followed by 9 digits, the letter 'B', and 2 more digits. The B is always present and stands for BTW.
How many digits are in a Dutch VAT number?
A Dutch VAT number has 12 characters after the NL prefix: 9 digits, the letter B, and 2 more digits. Total length is 14 characters including the country code.
What does the B mean in a Dutch VAT number?
The 'B' in Dutch VAT numbers stands for 'BTW' (Belasting over de Toegevoegde Waarde), which is Dutch for VAT. It's always present between the main number and the suffix.
What do the last two digits (01, 02) mean in a Dutch VAT number?
The last two digits indicate the tax unit: '01' is the main VAT registration. Numbers '02' and above indicate members of a VAT group (fiscale eenheid) for businesses that share VAT reporting.
Where can I check a Dutch company's BTW number?
Verify VAT numbers using VatDB's API, which checks against official EU and national databases. Get instant validation with company details.
What's the difference between format validation and checking if a VAT number is active?
Format validation confirms a number looks structurally correct, but businesses deregister and VAT groups change. A valid format doesn't guarantee active registration. VatDB provides real-time status verification.