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The Daily Insight

Is VAT charged between EU countries?

Author

David Craig

Updated on March 31, 2026

For EU-based companies, VAT is chargeable on most sales and purchases of goods within the EU. Likewise, VAT is charged on services at the time they are carried out in each EU country. VAT isn’t charged on exports of goods to countries outside the EU.

Do I have to charge VAT to EU customers?

If you provide services to customers outside the EU, you usually do not charge VAT. However, if the service is used in another EU country, that country can decide to charge the VAT. You may still deduct the VAT that you paid on related expenses, such as for goods or services purchased specifically to make those sales.

Do I need to register for VAT in another EU country?

For companies operating across the European Union (EU), there may be a requirement to register their business with a VAT number in another EU country. The requirements for this vary from country to country, but are based on the EU’s VAT Directive, which should be implemented into local legislation by each member state.

Do you charge VAT on international invoices?

VAT is a tax on goods used in the UK and you do not charge VAT if goods are exported from: Great Britain to a destination outside the UK. Northern Ireland to a destination outside the UK and EU .

Are sales to EU now zero rated?

Exporting goods to the EU VAT registered UK businesses continue to be able to zero-rate sales of goods to EU businesses. From 1 January 2021, this facility is no longer available, but all such sales are zero rated exports. GB VAT registered businesses no longer have to complete an EC Sales List.

What is the lowest VAT rate in Europe?

16%
The lowest standard rate of VAT throughout the EU is 16%, although member states can apply reduced rates of VAT to certain goods and services.

Do I have to charge VAT on services to overseas business customers?

If the place of supply is outside the UK, then no UK VAT is charged. B2B sales: the place of supply is the customer’s country; and. B2C sales: the place of supply is the supplier’s country.

How does VAT work in Europe?

The VAT is a consumption tax assessed on the value added to goods and services. The final VAT levied on a good or service is the sum of the VAT paid at each production stage. According to EU law, EU Member States are required to levy a standard VAT rate of at least 15 percent and a reduced rate of at least 5 percent.

Do I still charge VAT to EU customers after Brexit?

EU reverse charge after Brexit This simplified the VAT process for cross border sales and cancelled out the VAT due on the buyer’s accounts. After Brexit, businesses based in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) can no longer apply the reverse charge to EU sales.

What country has the lowest VAT rate in Europe?

Luxembourg levies the lowest standard VAT rate at 17 percent, followed by Malta (18 percent), and Cyprus, Germany, and Romania (all at 19 percent).