How Long Does It Take to Get an EORI Number in the Netherlands?

Obtaining an EORI number is typically one of the first steps for companies looking to begin importing or exporting within the EU. On paper, it appears simple: apply, get your number, and begin trading. However, many founders actually get stuck at this point.

A non-EU eCommerce business that is getting ready to ship goods into Europe recently chatted with us. The supplier, warehouse, and logistics partner had completed their preparations. The EORI number delay prevented operations from proceeding according to schedule. Their products were prepared for transportation, but nothing could go through customs without an EORI.

And this situation is more common than most businesses expect. The confusion usually starts with one simple question:
“How long does it actually take to get an EORI number?”

Some sources say it’s instant. Others say a few days. In practice, the answer depends on multiple factors, and if those are not handled correctly, delays can easily stretch longer than expected. This is where planning becomes important.

This guide discusses how long it takes to receive an EORI number in the Netherlands, what causes delays, and what businesses may do to speed the process without jeopardizing compliance.

What Is an EORI Number and Why Do You Need It for EU Trade?

The EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identity) serves as your company's official business identity number for customs operations across the European Union. The number allows customs authorities to confirm your company's identity during international goods movement between European countries. The EU requires your business to obtain this document before it can conduct any legal import or export activities through its borders.

This is where a lot of founders undervalue its significance. It appears to be just another registration on paper. But in practice, it’s directly linked to whether your shipments move or get stuck.

Who Needs an EORI Number?

You need an EORI number if your business is involved in:

• Importing goods into the EU
• Exporting goods outside the EU
• Acting as a customs declarant
• Working with logistics providers or freight forwarders

It applies to:

• EU-based companies
• Non-EU businesses entering the European market
• Even individuals if they are trading goods commercially

What Happens If You Don’t Have an EORI Number?

This is where the real impact shows.

• Goods get stopped at customs
• Shipments are delayed or returned
• Storage charges start adding up
• Delivery timelines break

For example, we worked with a US-based brand that was already selling in multiple markets and decided to expand into Europe. They had their first bulk shipment planned and even secured a logistics partner. However, they discovered they lacked an EU-registered EORI number throughout the customs procedure.

The entire shipment experienced delays until the registration process reached completion. Despite its appearance as a trivial operation, the EORI number is required for the start of EU trade.

Also Checkout: How to Avoid Wage Tax on Severance Netherlands

How Long Does It Take to Get an EORI Number in the Netherlands?

This is the part most businesses care about — and also where most confusion starts. You’ll often hear different answers. Some say it’s instant. Others say a few days. Both are technically correct, but they don’t tell the full story.

In actuality, the timeline depends on how well-prepared your business is before submitting an application.

Typical EORI Processing Time in the Netherlands

EU vs Non-EU Business Timelines

The biggest difference comes from where your business is based.

For EU-based companies:

• Faster processing
• Fewer verification steps
• Often linked directly with VAT registration

For non-EU businesses:

• More verification checks
• Additional documentation required
• Higher chances of delays

What Most Businesses Don’t Realize

On paper, getting an EORI number looks quick. But in practice, delays usually don’t come from the application itself — they come from things around it. In many cases, businesses apply before completing key requirements.

For example, VAT registration may not be active yet, business details might not match official records, or the application may be submitted in the wrong EU country. At FirmNL, we’ve seen situations where companies expected the process to take just 1–2 days, but it stretched to over a week simply because one of these requirements was not ready in advance.

So the real answer is: EORI registration is fast — but only if everything around it is already in place.

Can You Get an EORI Number Urgently? 

Many businesses look for fast EORI approval, especially when shipments are already planned. In reality, how quickly you get it depends on how prepared your setup is.

The key thing to understand is simple — urgency only works when everything is already in place. If not, the process will follow its normal timeline regardless of how urgent the requirement is.

What Do You Need Before Applying for an EORI Number?

The most crucial step before requesting an EORI number is preparation. In many cases, the delay does not come from the application itself, but from missing or incomplete requirements before applying.

Having an active VAT registration is one of the main requirements. The application may not proceed if VAT is not in place because the EORI number in the Netherlands is typically tied to your VAT number. Additionally, your company's name, address, and organizational structure must match government documents. Delays or extra checks may result from even minor differences.

For non-EU businesses, additional documents may also be required for verification. At FirmNL, we’ve seen that when these elements are prepared in advance, the EORI process becomes much faster and smoother, without unnecessary delays.

For a detailed step-by-step guide on how to apply for an EORI number in the Netherlands, you can refer to this blog: How to Get an EORI Number in the Netherlands? EORI Number Registration Process

Why Your EORI Application Gets Delayed (Real Reasons Explained)

Most businesses assume delays happen because the process is slow. In reality, EORI registration itself is usually quick  delays that come from issues around the application, not the system.

Common Reasons Behind EORI Delays

• VAT registration not active
  If your VAT number is still under process, the EORI application cannot move forward
• Incorrect or mismatched business details
  Differences in company name, address, or structure can trigger verification checks
• Non-EU business verification
  Additional checks are required for companies outside the EU, which takes extra time
• Applying in the wrong EU country
  Submitting the application in the wrong jurisdiction can lead to delays or reapplication
• Incomplete or missing documents
  Missing information slows down the review process
• Last-minute application planning
  Applying just before shipments often leads to unexpected delays

At FirmNL, we’ve seen that most delays are avoidable when these factors are handled early. When everything is aligned before applying, the process becomes much smoother and significantly faster.

How FirmNL Helps You Get an EORI Number Faster in the Netherlands

In most cases, delays don’t happen because the EORI process is complicated — they happen because key requirements are not properly aligned before applying. Usually, we interfere at this point. Rather than merely filing the application, we concentrate on getting everything ready ahead of time, such as the VAT status, business information, and other paperwork, to ensure a seamless procedure.

For international businesses, especially non-EU companies, there are additional checks and requirements that can slow things down if not handled correctly. We make sure the application is set up in the right way, submitted in the correct jurisdiction, and aligned with Dutch compliance requirements. In practice, this approach helps avoid common delays and allows businesses to get their EORI number faster, without unnecessary back-and-forth or compliance risks.

Conclusion: How to Avoid Delays and Start Trading Faster

Getting an EORI number is a simple process on paper, but in practice, the timeline depends on how well your business is prepared. Most delays don’t come from the application itself — they come from missing requirements, incorrect details, or poor timing.

The key is to plan ahead. When VAT registration, business details, and documentation are properly aligned, EORI registration can be completed quickly and without issues. At FirmNL, we’ve seen that businesses who handle this step early are able to start trading smoothly without disruptions.

For companies entering the EU market, taking the right approach from the beginning helps avoid delays and ensures operations run without unnecessary setbacks.

FAQs About EORI Number Processing Time

How long does it take to get an EORI number in the Netherlands?

For full applications that satisfy all standards, the Netherlands grants EORI numbers in one to three working days. Non-EU companies and incomplete applications take three to seven days or longer to process.

Do I need a VAT number before applying for an EORI number?

Your VAT number and an EORI number are usually linked in the Netherlands. You must have a current VAT registration to apply for an EORI number.

Can non-EU companies get an EORI number in the Netherlands?

Yes. In the Netherlands, non-EU businesses are able to obtain an EORI number. However, because more documentation and verification procedures must be fulfilled, it can take longer.

What happens if I don’t have an EORI number?

Without an EORI number, your goods cannot clear customs in the EU. The situation results in shipment delays, which create storage costs and disrupt your entire supply chain.

Is getting an EORI number free?

Yes, businesses can apply for EORI numbers without any charge through official government agencies. Businesses opt to partner with service providers because they want to prevent delays and achieve correct business establishment.

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