Do I need a German VAT number to sell in Germany if I already have a VAT in another EU country?
👉 Yes, in most cases. Even if you already have a VAT number in another EU country, you must register in Germany if you store stock there or exceed certain sales thresholds.

What is the VAT rate in Germany?
👉 The standard VAT rate is 19%, and a reduced rate of 7% applies to certain goods (basic foodstuffs, books, etc.).

What is the distance sales threshold for VAT registration in Germany?
👉 Since July 2021, there is no national threshold anymore: once you exceed €10,000 in total intra-EU sales, you must charge VAT in the customer’s country (Germany).

What if I sell on Amazon and use FBA with stock in Germany?
👉 You are required to register for German VAT, regardless of turnover, because you are storing goods in Germany.

How often do I need to file VAT returns in Germany?
👉 Initially, VAT returns are filed monthly for the first two years. After that, depending on turnover, it may switch to quarterly.

What are the penalties for not registering or filing VAT in Germany?
👉 Significant financial penalties, and in serious cases, your selling account on platforms like Amazon can be suspended.

Can I use the OSS (One-Stop-Shop) scheme instead of registering for German VAT?
👉 Yes, if you only sell cross-border to German consumers and do not store goods there. But if you use warehouses (e.g., Amazon FBA), OSS does not replace German VAT registration.

Do I need to submit VAT returns even if I have no sales in a given period?
👉 Yes, Germany requires “nil” returns as long as your VAT number is active.

How long does it take to get a German VAT number?
👉 Usually 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the workload of the Finanzamt (tax office).

What documents are required for German VAT registration?
👉 A copy of the company’s registration certificate, articles of association, EU VAT ID, legal representative details, and sometimes previous sales invoices.