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How long does VAT registration take?

Short answer

HMRC asks you not to contact it about a VAT registration for 40 working days, which is about eight weeks. Many applications are processed sooner, but it takes longer if HMRC needs more information. In our experience, applications from overseas businesses are more often delayed by follow-up questions.

Don’t chase HMRC before
40 working days
Roughly
8 weeks
Reissue VAT invoices within
30 days of your number

How long does it take to get a VAT number?

HMRC checks every application before issuing a number. It says that if you haven’t heard after 40 working days, you should contact its VAT Registration Service to make sure your application arrived. Contacting HMRC earlier may delay processing.

How long does the whole process take with an accountant?

StageTypical time
Onboarding: engagement letter and identity (KYC) checks2 to 5 working days
HMRC processing the applicationUp to 40 working days

Onboarding time depends mostly on how quickly you sign the engagement letter and send your identity documents. HMRC’s guideline is up to 40 working days from submission, longer if it asks for more information.

From signing up to VAT number, in working days

Overseas directors with no UK VAT history

2–5HMRC: about 40

UK directors with a previous UK VAT history

2–5HMRC: 4 to 6 weeks
0153045 working days
  • Onboarding with us
  • HMRC processing
Our own cases as at 27 September 2026. Onboarding depends on how quickly you sign the engagement letter and send identity documents.

How long is HMRC taking at the moment?

From our own recent cases, as at 27 September 2026:

Who the directors areTypical time to a VAT number
Overseas directors with no history in a UK VAT-registered businessAbout 40 working days
UK directors previously involved in a UK VAT-registered business4 to 6 weeks

This is our practice experience, not an HMRC figure. HMRC appears to check new overseas applicants more closely, because it has no UK VAT history for the people behind the business.

Why is my VAT registration taking so long?

  • HMRC has asked for more information, such as evidence of trading or who runs the business.
  • The business description was too vague to assess.
  • The registration date or turnover estimate looks inconsistent.
  • For overseas businesses, the address is a third-party address, or an overseas director’s details weren’t accepted.
  • The application was sent on paper, which takes longer.

What can I do while I wait?

  • Keep trading. You are already liable from your registration date.
  • Charge VAT-inclusive prices and note on invoices that a VAT number has been applied for. Don’t show VAT as a separate amount yet.
  • Keep full records of sales and purchases from your registration date.
  • Tell VAT-registered customers that VAT invoices will follow, then issue them within 30 days of getting your number.
  • Set up Making Tax Digital software.

Can I speed up VAT registration?

There’s no paid fast track. The best way to avoid delay is a complete, consistent application: a specific business description, a registration date that matches your figures, and evidence of trading ready if HMRC asks.

Common scenarios

“How long is HMRC taking to issue VAT numbers at the moment?”

HMRC’s guideline is up to 40 working days from submission. In our recent cases, overseas directors with no UK VAT history typically wait the full 40 working days, and UK directors with a previous UK VAT history 4 to 6 weeks.

“A marketplace needs my VAT number by next week.”

Tell the marketplace your application is in progress and when it was submitted. HMRC won’t prioritise it for a marketplace deadline, so apply as early as possible.

Waiting on HMRC?

We handle HMRC’s follow-up questions for you and chase at the right time, not before.

Get in touchSee fixed fees

Frequently asked questions

Does it take longer to register an overseas business?

In our experience, yes. Where the directors are overseas with no history in a UK VAT-registered business, HMRC typically takes about 40 working days. UK directors with a previous UK VAT history usually see a number in 4 to 6 weeks. This is practice experience, not an HMRC figure.

Can I trade before I get my VAT number?

Yes. You must keep trading records and account for VAT from your registration date, and can charge VAT-inclusive prices. Don’t show VAT as a separate amount until the number arrives, then send proper VAT invoices within 30 days.

Will HMRC tell me if something is wrong?

Yes. HMRC contacts you either with your VAT number or to say there will be a delay because it needs more information.

Is the VAT certificate sent separately?

Your certificate is available in your VAT online account once you are registered. If you use an agent, they can see it too.

How to register, step by stepThe HMRC application and a documents checklist.UK VAT for overseas businesses (NETP)No threshold. Register within 30 days of your first UK sale.Late registration penaltiesUp to 30% of the VAT due, or 0% if you tell HMRC first.Do I need to register? Free checkerFour questions, one answer, with your deadline.VAT registration pricingFixed fees, published.

Sources

General information based on HMRC guidance as at 27 September 2026, not advice for your situation. Rules change and depend on your facts. Talk to us before acting.