VIES consultation number: what it is and why to keep it
Updated 28 Oct 2026 · Legal references to the Portuguese VAT Code and RITI (unofficial English translation)
Short answer
A unique identifier issued by the European Commission for each qualified check — a VIES query in which you also give your own VAT number. It proves that you checked that VAT number on that date and time. Keep it with the invoice. Simple checks have no consultation number.
Simple or qualified
A simple check confirms whether the number is active and, where available, returns name and address. A qualified check is made on behalf of your business: you enter your VAT number (requester) and VIES returns, besides the result, a consultation number, and can confirm whether the name and address you hold match the registered data.
Why it matters
In an audit, the consultation number shows that you confirmed the customer's VAT number before invoicing an exempt intra-Community supply or a B2B service without VAT. Tax administrations can trace the query from it.
How to get it
- At iva.pt, choose Qualified check.
- Enter your customer's number and your own VAT number.
- Copy the consultation number, or request the PDF report, which shows it prominently together with a verifiable SHA-256 fingerprint.
Your own number must be active in VIES for the Commission to issue a consultation number. If it is not, iva.pt makes the check without requester and says so in the result and in the report.
Legal basis
Check now
Confirm your customer's VAT number in VIES and get a PDF report in English with the consultation number and SHA-256 proof. Free, no sign-up.
General information, not legal or tax advice. If in doubt, ask your tax adviser.