How Long Does It Take to Get an EORI Number?

If you're planning your first cross-border shipment, one question matters more than almost any other: how long does it take to get an EORI number? The answer depends heavily on which country you apply in. Some customs authorities issue numbers instantly, while others take up to two weeks. This guide compares EORI processing times across the main EU countries and the UK, and shows you how to avoid the delays that leave goods stuck at the border.

Why EORI processing time varies so much

An EORI number is issued by the customs authority of the country where your business is established. Each authority runs its own registration system, so the EORI number processing time is not standardised across the EU. Some run fully automated systems that validate your VAT or tax details in seconds; others still involve manual checks by a caseworker.

If you're new to the topic, start with our explainer on what an EORI number is before you apply. Knowing what the number does helps you fill in the application correctly the first time — which is the single biggest factor in getting it quickly.

EORI processing times compared by country

Here's a practical overview of how long the EORI application time tends to be in the main trading countries. Treat these as typical ranges, not guarantees — peak periods and incomplete applications can extend them.

Sweden – the fastest option

Sweden's Tullverket runs one of the quickest systems in Europe. Many applicants receive their EORI number instantly or within a single working day. If your Swedish business details are already registered and correct, the process is largely automated.

Netherlands – same day to a few days

The Dutch Douane also processes applications very quickly. Straightforward registrations are often approved the same day, with most others completed within three working days. This speed is one reason many e-commerce sellers route EU imports through the Netherlands.

Belgium and Austria – days rather than weeks

Belgium typically issues EORI numbers within one to three working days. Austria is similar, usually taking a few days. In both countries a clean application with matching VAT and company data moves through fastest.

Germany – plan for up to two weeks

Germany is the outlier among major trading nations. The Generalzolldirektion often involves a manual review, so while some applicants are processed in a few days, it can take up to two weeks. If you import into Germany, apply well ahead of your first shipment.

United Kingdom – around a week

Since Brexit, UK traders need a GB EORI number from HMRC. Processing usually takes up to a week, though many applications are completed within a couple of days. For the full picture, see our guide to EORI numbers in the UK, including the separate XI number for Northern Ireland.

What slows an EORI application down

Most delays are caused by the applicant, not the authority. The most common issues are:

• Mismatched data – the company name or address on your application doesn't exactly match your VAT or tax registration.
• Missing VAT details – some countries require an active VAT number before they'll issue an EORI.
• Applying in the wrong country – you must register where your business is established, not where the goods arrive.
• Peak periods – applications spike before major deadlines and after regulatory changes, lengthening queues.
• Incomplete forms – any blank mandatory field usually sends the application into a manual review.

Tips to get your EORI number faster

1. Apply early. Don't wait until goods are in transit. If you're importing into Germany, start at least two weeks ahead.
2. Match your details exactly. Copy your legal name and address straight from your VAT or company registration.
3. Have your VAT number ready. In many countries the EORI is linked directly to it.
4. Apply through the correct national portal. Use the official authority for the country where your business is based.
5. Check before you assume you need a new one. If you're unsure whether you already have a valid number, run it through our EORI number checker first.

What if your goods arrive before the EORI number?

This is a common panic. If a shipment reaches customs before your number is active, you have a few options:

• Ask your customs broker or freight forwarder. They can sometimes hold goods in temporary storage until the number is issued — though storage fees may apply.
• Chase the authority. In fast countries like Sweden or the Netherlands, a number issued the same day may resolve the problem before it costs you anything.
• Avoid the situation entirely. Because the number is usually reusable across all your future shipments, applying early costs nothing and removes the risk.

Remember that an EORI number is a one-time registration. Once issued, you use the same number for every subsequent import and export, so the waiting time only ever applies to your very first application.

Next step: apply in good time

The clearest takeaway is simple: how long an EORI number takes depends on where you apply — from minutes in Sweden to two weeks in Germany. Build that timeline into your import plan so goods never arrive before your paperwork is ready. Start with our main EORI number guide to find the right application route for your country, and validate any existing number before you commit to a fresh application.