VAT Registration
Germany
Everything about VAT registration and things to know before you start your activities in Germany.
VAT registration in Germany ?
VAT registration in Germany requires special attention before starting any commercial activity in the country. Most of the transactions done by a non German established company have to be declared to the German Tax Administration and require as a result a VAT registration in Germany.
The necessity of applying for a VAT registration number in Germany will depend on many factors such as the terms of delivery agreed with your clients and on the quality of your clients, if they are private consumers or companies. We therefore strongly recommend to start investigating your need of a possible VAT registration in Germany by RMB before you start selling.
A few facts & key figures about Germany
Economic Growth
Germany experienced an economic growth of 2.7% in 2022, although challenges remain due to the impact of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
Population
Germany has a population of approximately 83 million people, providing a large and attractive consumer market within the European Union.
International Trade
Germany is one of the world's leading economic powers and a leader in exports, with many multinational companies operating in various sectors, including automotive, engineering, and chemicals.
OECD Ranking
Germany is often ranked among the top economies for foreign investment attractiveness, thanks to its economic stability, developed infrastructure, and favorable business environment.
VAT rates applicable in Germany
Standard VAT in Germany
Reduced VAT rate
Do you need a VAT number in
Germany?
You sell goods to companies on the German territory
You sell and ship goods from Germany to companies based within the EU (Intracommunity supplies).
You ship goods from Germany outside the EU (exports from Germany).
You sell goods to German private individuals (B to C domestic sales)
You provide refurbishment or construction services on the German territory for private clients
If you have or plan to have one of these business transactions, applying for a VAT registration number in Germany is compulsory.
RMB can assist you
RMB can take care of your VAT registration in Germany. This will make you save time and energy and your German VAT number can be granted within weeks. RMB’s experts will analyze the kind of operations you will have or plan to have in Germany and confirm whether a VAT registration in Germany is compulsory or not.
Besides your VAT registration in Germany, RMB can also handle your VAT obligations and fill your German VAT returns.
VAT registration process
If your company needs to register for VAT in Germany, RMB’s experts will provide you with the list documents needed to proceed with your VAT registration. We will prepare and file all the necessary information requested by the German Tax Administration.
The VAT registration process usually takes a month in Germany before the VAT identification number is granted.