If you’re an international seller planning to launch your eCommerce business in Germany—whether via Amazon FBA or your own online store—you’ve probably asked yourself this crucial question: Do I need a 3PL before registering for VAT in Germany? The short answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explain exactly why, what the legal requirements are, and how we at Lagera Logistics support our clients every step of the way.
Understanding VAT in Germany & Registration for eCommerce Seller
Value Added Tax (VAT) registration in Germany is a mandatory step for non-EU and EU-based companies that plan to store goods in Germany and sell to German or EU customers. This applies particularly to:
- Amazon FBA sellers who want to store inventory in Amazon’s German fulfillment centers
- Shopify or other eCommerce platform users storing goods in Germany
- Businesses planning to use German warehouses or fulfillment services
To complete your VAT registration, the German tax authorities require you to provide documentation proving that you will be storing inventory within Germany. This is not optional, t is a standard requirement, especially for sellers requesting a German VAT number (Ust..Steuernummer).
Why a 3PL Agreement Is Required Before VAT Registration
As part of the VAT registration process, one of the mandatory supporting documents is a legally binding storage contract with a warehouse located in Germany. This contract must demonstrate that:
- Your goods will be stored in Germany
- The storage facility is a registered and legal warehouse operation
- You have a formal, active agreement with the warehouse provider
This requirement ensures that your intention to trade from Germany is genuine, and it allows the tax authorities to verify the physical location of your inventory.
For eCommerce businesses, especially Amazon FBA sellers, this usually means working with a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) company that can receive, store, and dispatch your goods within Germany.
What Should Be Included in the Warehouse Agreement?
The warehouse agreement must be comprehensive, official, and bilingual (preferably in both English and German), and it should include:
- Legal names and addresses of both parties
- Confirmation that goods will be stored at a specific address in Germany
- Start date and duration of the contract
- Signature of both parties
- Services offered (receiving, storage, fulfillment, etc.)
- Warehouse registration and VAT number (if applicable)
This agreement will be submitted along with your VAT registration forms to the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (Federal Central Tax Office) or your local Finanzamt, depending on your setup.
How Lagera Logistics Supports You in This Process
At Lagera Logistics, we specialize in helping international eCommerce sellers establish a legal presence in Germany by offering tailored 3PL solutions, and most importantly: we support you during the entire VAT registration process.
Here’s what we do to make your VAT registration easier:
✅ Legally Valid Storage Contract in English and German
Once you sign up with Lagera Logistics, we immediately provide a bilingual storage agreement that meets the legal standards required by German tax authorities. You can confidently submit this document as part of your VAT application.
✅ Personal Support Through the VAT Application
We don’t just send you the contract and leave you on your own. Our team personally assists you in preparing all the necessary documents required for VAT registration. We understand the legal requirements and help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
✅ Fast Setup for Amazon Sellers
We work with many Amazon FBA sellers who are part of the PAN-EU program or storing goods in Germany. Our systems are already familiar with Amazon workflows, and we ensure seamless integration between your FBA setup and our warehouse.
✅ Flexible Storage & Fulfillment Plans
Whether you are shipping pallets, cartons, or individual products, we offer scalable warehousing solutions. From receiving your goods from China or other EU hubs to handling order fulfillment and returns, we are your reliable 3PL partner in Germany.
Why It’s Smart to Choose Your 3PL Before Starting VAT Registration
By choosing your 3PL partner early, you eliminate one of the biggest bottlenecks in the VAT registration process. Many businesses delay their entry into the German or European market because they haven’t secured a warehouse contract yet, which can waste weeks or even months.
With Lagera Logistics:
- You get a fast-start VAT support package
- You receive a ready-to-submit warehouse contract
- You ensure compliance with tax and customs authorities
- You avoid unnecessary delays and legal risks
Start Selling in Germany the Right Way
If you’re ready to expand your eCommerce business into Germany and the EU, don’t wait until after your VAT number is approved to find a 3PL. You need a warehouse agreement to even start the process.
At Lagera Logistics, we’re here to make it easy for you. With our reliable 3PL services, multilingual support, and experience working with tax advisors and international sellers, you can launch your business in Germany with a reliable partner by your side.