What is Fiscal Representation?
Some EU countries require a non-EU based business to use a Fiscal Representative. A Fiscal Representative is a locally established business that is jointly liable for any VAT owed by a non-EU taxpayer. Depending on the country, they may require bank guarantees and increased fees.
Below you can find a list of EU countries and whether they require non-EU based businesses to use a Fiscal Representative.
Country | Is Fiscal Representation Required? | Notes |
---|---|---|
Austria | Yes | |
Belgium | Yes | A bank guarantee must be put in place with the tax authorities. |
Bulgaria | Yes | |
Croatia | ||
Cyprus | Yes | |
Czech Republic | No | |
Denmark | Yes | |
Estonia | Yes | |
Finland | Yes | |
France | Yes/ No | UK businesses will not require fiscal representation in France after 1st January 2021. Other non-EU businesses will require fiscal representation. |
Germany | No | |
Greece | Yes | |
Hungary | Yes | |
Ireland | No | |
Italy | Yes | A bank guarantee may be required if VAT liability is over EUR 5000 |
Latvia | No | |
Lithuania | Yes | |
Netherlands | Yes / No | If using the Article 23 deferred imports, a fiscal representative is required. |
Norway | Yes | Unless using the VOEC system |
Poland | Yes | |
Portugal | Yes | |
Romania | Yes | |
Slovakia | No | |
Slovenia | Yes | |
Spain | Yes | |
Sweden | Yes | |
Switzerland | Yes | |
United Kingdom | No |