If you sell to customers across Europe — or just want to know how much of a receipt is tax — here are the VAT rates that apply in 2026, and the right way to work backwards from a shelf price. Use the VAT calculator to check any of them instantly.
What are the standard VAT rates across European countries?
| Country | Standard rate | Common reduced rate |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 20% | 5% (energy) |
| Ireland | 23% | 13.5% / 9% |
| Germany | 19% | 7% (food, books) |
| France | 20% | 10% / 5.5% |
| Netherlands | 21% | 9% |
| Spain | 21% | 10% / 4% |
| Italy | 22% | 10% / 5% |
How do you add or remove VAT from a total price?
Adding: multiply the net price by (1 + rate). A €100 net item in Germany costs €119 gross.
Removing: divide the gross price by (1 + rate). A €119 receipt in Germany contains €100 net and €19 VAT. Common mistake: multiplying by the rate and subtracting — that gives the wrong answer (never €19).
Why do European VAT rates differ by country?
Each country sets its own VAT within EU rules that only require a standard rate of at least 15%. That's why a Spotify subscription costs slightly different amounts across the Eurozone — and why cross-border sellers register per country. We maintain a dedicated calculator for each: Ireland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain and Italy.
How should freelancers display VAT on European invoices?
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard VAT rate in Germany?
The standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%, with a reduced rate of 7% for food and books.
What is the standard VAT rate in Ireland?
The standard VAT rate in Ireland is 23%, with common reduced rates at 13.5% and 9%.
What is the standard VAT rate in the UK?
The standard VAT rate in the United Kingdom is 20%, with a reduced rate of 5% for energy.
Which European countries listed have a 21% standard VAT rate?
Both the Netherlands and Spain have a standard VAT rate of 21%.
What is value added tax (VAT) in Europe?
Value added tax is the consumption tax EU and European countries add to most goods and services, collected at each stage of production but ultimately paid by the consumer. Standard rates run from 17% in Luxembourg to 27% in Hungary — see the full table above.
When invoicing, always show net, VAT rate and VAT amount separately — it's legally required in most of Europe and makes your own accounting painless. Our free invoice generator does exactly that.
Related tools
- German VAT calculator — 19% VAT added instantly
- Irish VAT calculator — 23% VAT added instantly
- UK VAT registration threshold — when registration becomes compulsory