European Union VAT

Last updated: June 18, 2026

The European Union requires Lifted to collect value-added tax (VAT) and remit the tax to your country's government unless we have a valid VAT ID on file for you.

VAT applies to services provided to you under applicable EU tax regulations.

Examples of Services That VAT Applies to in the European Union

  • Contract Initiation Fee

  • Conversion Fee

  • Recruiter Fee

  • Service Fees

When we charge tax, it's because your government requires us to. This tax may change or apply to additional services in the future.

Tax Rate

The tax rate varies by country, which means your tax percentage will depend on your country's VAT rate.

Find the current VAT rate for your country here.

When VAT applies, it will be included in your charges in accordance with applicable EU tax regulations.

VAT ID

If you provide a valid VAT ID to Lifted, we will not be required to collect VAT from you.

Lifted may verify the VAT ID you provide to ensure it is valid.

If you need to update your VAT ID or have questions about its status, contact your account team or Lifted Support.

EU VAT ID format

Your VAT ID number is different from your tax identification number. It is a unique ID that you may request from your government by registering for VAT in your country. VAT ID formats vary by country and typically begin with your country’s code.

Country specific formats:

  • Austria (AT): Nine alpha-numeric characters, for example U12345678

  • Belgium (BE): Ten characters, starts with an 0 or 1, for example 0999999999 or 1999999999

  • Bulgaria (BG): Nine or ten characters, for example, 123456789 or 1234567890

  • Croatia (HR): Eleven numeric characters, for example, 12345678912

  • Cyprus (CY): Nine alph-numeric characters, last character is a letter, for example, 12345678X

  • Czech Republic (CZ): Eight to ten numeric characters, for example, 12345678, or 123456789, or 1234567890

  • Denmark (DK): Eight numeric characters, for example, 12345678

  • Estonia (EE): Nine numeric characters, for example, 123456789

  • Finland (FI): Eight numeric characters, for example: 12345678

  • France (FR) Eleven alpha-numeric characters, for example, XX123456789

  • Germany (DE): Nine numeric characters, for example, 123456789

  • Greece (EL): Nine numeric characters, for example, 123456789

  • Hungary (HU): Eight numeric characters, for example, 12345678

  • Ireland (IE): Eight or nine alpha-numeric characters, often with a letter in the last one or two spaces, for example, 12345678X or 1234567XX

  • Italy (IT): Eleven numeric characters, for example, 12345678912

  • Latvia (LV): Eleven numeric characters, for example, 12345678912

  • Lithuania (LT): Nine or twelve numeric characters, for example, 123456789 or 123456789012

  • Luxembourg (LU): Eight numeric characters, for example, 12345678

  • Malta (MT): Eight numeric characters, for example, 12345678

  • Netherlands (NL): Twelve alpha-numeric characters, and the tenth character is always a B, for example, 123456789B11

  • Poland (PL): Ten numeric characters, for example, 1234567890

  • Portugal (PT), Nine numeric characters, for example, 123456789

  • Romania (RO): Between two and ten numeric characters, for example 12, or 12345, or 1234567890

  • Slovakia (SK): Ten numeric characters, for example, 1234567890

  • Slovenia (SI): Eight numeric characters, for example, 12345678

  • Spain (ES): Nine alpha-numeric characters, for example, 123456789

  • Sweden (SE): Twelve numeric characters, for example, 123456789012

To learn more, visit the European Commission website or your country’s tax authority website.

Exemptions

Certain EU territories are exempt from VAT based on applicable tax regulations. Learn more on the official EU website.

Location and information changes

If your tax residence changes, applicable VAT requirements may change based on your new location.

If you update your legal or tax details, ensure the information provided is accurate and current. Contact your account team or Lifted Support if you need assistance.

FAQ's

Who has to pay VAT?

VAT applies to services provided to freelancers and clients who reside, have a permanent address, or are established in an EU country and have not provided a valid VAT ID.

Why are you collecting VAT?

We’re required to comply with the tax laws of the countries where we operate. EU regulations require that we collect VAT and remit it to your government unless we have a valid VAT ID on file for you.

Do you still collect VAT if I provide a valid VAT ID?

No. If you provide a valid VAT ID, we will not be required to collect and remit VAT for you.

To provide your VAT ID, contact your account team or Lifted Support.

Do I have to provide a VAT ID?

No. However, if you do not provide a valid VAT ID, we are required to charge VAT and remit it to your government.

What if I'm only residing in this country temporarily?

We are required to collect VAT if you reside in an EU country, even temporarily.

If your tax residence changes, VAT requirements may change based on your new location. Contact your account team or Lifted Support if you need assistance updating your tax details.

If I pay VAT before I enter a valid VAT ID, will you refund that money once I enter it?

No. We remit that money directly to your government and cannot refund it. You may be able to claim a credit with your tax authority for the VAT paid. Consult your tax authority or tax advisor for more information.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and should not be considered tax advice. It may not reflect recent regulatory changes. Consult your country’s tax authority or a tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.