VAT rules and rates




VAT rules and rates

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax that is applied to nearly all goods and services
that are bought and sold for use or consumption in the EU.

VAT rules and rates

The EU has standard rules on VAT, but these rules may be applied differently in each EU country. In most cases, you have to pay VAT on all goods and services at all stages of the supply chain including the sale to the final consumer. This includes from the beginning to the end of a production process, e.g. buying components, transport, assembly, provisions, packaging, insurance and shipping to the final consumer.




When is VAT charged?

For EU-based companies and for private persons VAT is chargeable on most sales and purchases of goods within the EU. In such cases, VAT is charged and due in the EU country where the goods are consumed by the final consumer. 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.

In these cases, VAT is charged and due in the country of import and you don't need to declare any VAT as an exporter. However, when exporting goods you will need to provide documentation as proof that the goods were transported outside the EU. Such proof could be provided by presenting a copy of an invoice, a transportation document or an import customs record to your tax authorities.

You will need to provide this proof to be able to fully deduct any receivable VAT that you have paid in a previous related transaction leading up to the export.
Insufficient documentation may mean you won't have the right to a VAT reimbursement when exporting goods.




VAT rates

There are various types of VAT rates that are applied in EU countries. The rate depends on the product or service involved in the transaction. There are also special rates which were set according to VAT rates implemented in EU countries before they joined the EU.




VAT rates applied in EU countries

Although VAT is charged throughout the EU, each EU country is responsible for setting its own rates. You can consult the rates that currently apply in the table below. You should check the latest rates with the VAT authority of your country.

VAT rates applied in EU member countries
Member State Country code Standard rate (%)
AustriaAT20
BelgiumBE21
BulgariaBG20
CyprusCY19
CzechiaCZ21
GermanyDE19
DenmarkDK25
EstoniaEE20
GreeceEL24
SpainES21
FinlandFI24
FranceFR20
CroatiaHR25
HungaryHU27
IrelandIE23
ItalyIT22
LithuaniaLT21
LuxembourgLU17
LatviaLV21
MaltaMT18
NetherlandsNL21
PolandPL23
PortugalPT23
RomaniaRO19
SwedenSE25
SloveniaSI22
SlovakiaSK20

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