Check VAT code Romania: how to verify a Romanian company's VAT number
- Bogdan Nastase
- Apr 2, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Verifying a Romanian company’s VAT code is an essential step for international businesses operating in or trading with Romania. Whether you’re a multinational company or an investor, confirming the validity of your partner’s VAT identification number helps you avoid penalties, safeguard your VAT deductions, and comply with EU fiscal administration requirements. This article explains, step by step, how to check a Romanian firm’s VAT registration using the official ANAF registry and the EU’s VIES database, while clarifying the most important rules, rates, and compliance thresholds applicable in 2025.
What Is a VAT Identification Number?
A VAT identification number (VAT ID) is the unique registration code that identifies a taxable person carrying out economic activities within the European Union (EU). In Romania, the VAT ID starts with the prefix RO, followed by the company’s numerical code. It must appear on every invoice, contract, and VAT return.
Romania’s standard VAT rate is 21%, with a reduced rate of 11% for certain goods and services. Any business — local or foreign — must register for VAT once annual turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold of RON 395,000.
Checking a company’s VAT number helps you confirm that the partner is legally registered, compliant with EU fiscal administration standards, and trustworthy in financial transactions.
Why Verifying VAT Registration Matters
Verifying a Romanian partner’s VAT registration (=ro. verificare VAT number) helps you prevent:
Incorrect invoicing or non-deductible VAT returns;
Penalties or audits by the Romanian tax authorities (ANAF);
Reputation risks when working with multinational companies.
Even though EU law does not always make verification mandatory, it’s recommended for cross-border transactions and for cooperation with foreign companies.For multinationals, consistent VAT checks across countries simplify audits and reduce risk.
Legal Basis and EU Rulings
Under Directive 2006/112/EC (Article 273), EU Member States can require suppliers and buyers to verify VAT status to combat fraud. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) confirmed this in the Joined Cases C-80/11 and C-142/11 (21 June 2012), ruling that the buyer must ensure the issuer of invoices is legitimate and compliant.
Romania applies these rules through its National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) — the national tax authority that manages registrations, VAT returns, and compliance cases.When there is doubt about a supplier’s status, companies must use the official registry to confirm the partner’s validity before making a payment or booking expenses.
Step-by-Step — How to Check a VAT Code in Romania (ANAF Registry)
Go to the official registry: https://www.anaf.ro/RegistruTVA/
Enter the tax identification number (CUI). Just the numeric digits, with the prefix RO.
Solve the CAPTCHA to verify authenticity.
Submit and review the result — the page shows whether the company is active for VAT purposes.
Download or save the confirmation for your records in case of audit.
💡 Tip: Always keep a dated screenshot or PDF copy — it proves you checked the VAT number at the time of transaction. This evidence helps in the event of a tax inspection or legal case regarding invoice deductions.
Special Rules for Multinational Companies
Foreign or Cross-Border Suppliers
Non-EU companies trading in Romania must appoint a fiscal representative responsible for tax reporting and liaising with the Romanian fiscal administration. This rep acts as the official contact for filing VAT returns, corresponding with authorities, and managing payments.
Inactive, Suspended, or Revoked VAT Status
If a VAT number appears as “inactive,” do not issue or accept invoices from that supplier.Invoices from inactive companies are non-deductible, and the buyer can be held liable for additions to the VAT due amount or even interest charges.
Different VAT Regimes
Some businesses operate under flat-rate taxation or special schemes for certain goods and services.Such cases require extra care — always help your finance team verify documentation before approving any cross-border invoice.
Individuals and Self-Employed Entities
Independent professionals or individuals with economic activities may register voluntarily for VAT to reclaim input tax on purchases. For these entities, VAT returns are filed monthly or quarterly depending on turnover.
Key Facts — Romanian VAT System
Category | Information |
Standard VAT rate | 21% |
Reduced VAT rate | 11% |
Registration threshold | RON 395,000 per year |
Tax authority | ANAF (National Agency for Fiscal Administration) |
Fiscal representative | Mandatory for non-EU companies |
VAT returns | Monthly or quarterly depending on turnover |
VIES database check | Available for EU suppliers at https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies |
European Context — VIES and Cross-Border Checks
The EU’s VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) allows companies to check VAT numbers from any member state through a single database.When verifying a Romanian VAT number, you can also use VIES to confirm that the company is properly registered for intra-EU trade.Cross-checking both the Romanian registry and the EU VIES system provides maximum assurance against fraud or duplicate registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I verify a Romanian VAT identification number?
Visit the official registry at https://www.anaf.ro/RegistruTVA/, enter the company’s tax ID, solve the CAPTCHA, and check the status.
Q2: What does the prefix “RO” mean on a VAT number?
It marks Romanian VAT registrations within the European Union system and is recognized in the EU VIES database.
Q3: What if a company’s VAT status is inactive?
Avoid transactions until it is reactivated. Invoices from inactive entities cannot be deducted and may trigger tax additions during audits.
Q4: Can individuals register for VAT in Romania?
Yes. Self-employed individuals and freelancers can opt for VAT registration once they exceed the threshold or wish to claim input tax on expenses.
Q5: How can I get help if I’m unsure about Romanian VAT rules?
You can request support from the Piroi Tax & Compliance Team, which advises foreign companies on Romanian VAT registration, returns, and cross-border transactions.
Stay Compliant and Reduce Risk
If you work with Romanian suppliers or clients, verifying VAT registration is a simple yet critical step to protect your business. Our Piroi Tax & Compliance Team helps multinational companies with:
VAT registration and verification;
Fiscal representative setup for non-EU entities;
VAT returns and cross-border compliance reviews.
Contact us for a personalized consultation and keep your operations compliant in Romania and across the EU.
Actionable
Ensure your business complies with the new legal obligations. Schedule a personalised consultation with Piroi Experts and prevent risks. Schedule here.
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