Navigating VAT in France

This guide provides an overview of VAT in France, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within France.

Last Updated: May 2025

1954

is the year France introduced modern VAT, paving the way for global adoption.

France at a glance.

Standard rate

20% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 20%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Zero-rated items

N/A

VAT format

FR followed by 11 digits

Fiscal representation

Yes (in many cases) For non‑EU businesses liable for VAT in France, a fiscal representative must typically be appointed.

Reclaiming VAT in France.

Foreign businesses incurring expenses in France? You might be eligible for a VAT refund.

Who can reclaim?
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
20%
Accommodation
0%
Food, drink & restaurant services
0%
Hiring means of transport
0%
Fuel
20%
Public Transport
0%
Taxis
0%
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
20%
Training courses & seminars
20%
Goods
20%
Inter-company charges
20%
Office expenses
20%
Marketing costs
20%
Professional fees & AP invoices
20%
VAT compliance in France.

Doing business in France? You’ll need to play by the CGI rules.

Who needs to register?

Registration is required only once your business exceeds the threshold in France. 

VAT registration in France
VAT filing deadlines in France

Monthly

19th of the following month

Quarterly

15th of the month following the quarter

Annual

April 30 of the following year

VAT payment deadlines in France

Monthly

19th of the following month

Quarterly

15th of the month following the quarter

Annual

April 30 of the following year

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Exemption: Access to electronic newspapers and periodicals may be VAT-exempt if they serve educational or public interest purposes.

e-invoicing in France.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

No

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

From 1 September 2026

B2B e-Invoicing model

5-Corner Reporting Model

Name of exchange infrastructure

Chorus Pro (central public e-invoicing platform) for B2G; multiple PDP platforms for B2B

Format(s) used

Factur-X (hybrid PDF+XML EN16931 format) or pure XML (UBL/CII). B2G uses Chorus Pro (CIUS EN16931)

FAQs

International events may incur local VAT in France on venue hire, accommodation, and supplier costs. Foreign businesses can apply for a VAT refund in France, provided proper invoices and documentation are submitted. Use a VAT refund calculator to estimate recoverable amounts.

Foreign businesses in the tourism sector may recover VAT on eligible expenses such as accommodation, transport, and event-related services through a VAT reclaim in France. Claims must be supported by compliant invoices and proper documentation. A VAT refund calculator can help estimate recoverable amounts.

Foreign businesses have until June 30 of the following year to submit a VAT refund claim in France under the 8th or 13th Directive. Late submissions are not accepted. Using a VAT refund calculator can help estimate reclaimable amounts.

Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

Spain
Belgium
Switzerland

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