How to find a business NUI in Kosovo

Do you need a supplier's NUI for an invoice, a client's for a contract or a business's so you can check it before paying? There are a few quick ways to find it, and a few mistakes worth avoiding.

A business's numbers in Kosovo#

A business can have several numbers, which are often confused:

Number	Issued by	Used for
NUI (Unique Identification Number)	ARBK	The main business identifier; for new businesses also the fiscal number
Fiscal number	ATK	Older businesses may have a fiscal number separate from the NUI
VAT number	ATK	Only for VAT-registered businesses
Business number	ARBK (old system)	The registration number from before the reform

ARBK NUIs usually have nine digits and start with 81. More on the differences in NUI, fiscal number and VAT.

1. On an invoice or receipt#

The fastest way. Every proper invoice must show the seller's NUI or fiscal number, and the VAT number if it's VAT-registered. A fiscal receipt also shows the fiscal number. See What an invoice must contain.

2. On Kerko#

On Kerko you can search for a business by:

• its legal name or trade name;
• its NUI, fiscal number, VAT number or business number;
• the name of an owner or authorised person;
• its address, email or website.

The profile shows the NUI, status (active or closed), legal form, registration date, activities, owners and authorised persons. If you only have a number and don't know which kind it is, search it as it is.

3. In the ARBK register#

ARBK has its own official business search. Official documents, such as the registration certificate or business extract needed for tenders or banks, are issued by ARBK.

4. Ask the business#

For contracts and payments, ask the partner for its registration certificate. Compare it with the public data: the name, NUI, address and the person signing should match.

Why you should check the NUI#

• Correct invoices. An invoice with the wrong NUI may not be accepted as an expense or for VAT deduction. See Tax-deductible expenses.
• Business status. A NUI may belong to a deregistered business. Payments to it can cause trouble in an ATK audit.
• Who signs. Check that the person signing is an owner or authorised person. See Authorised persons of a business.
• Fraud. Fake invoices and names imitating well-known businesses are quickly spotted when you check the NUI.

The full list of what to check before a deal is in How to verify a business in Kosovo.

If your own business details are wrong#

If you're an owner and see an old address, phone or activity, official changes are made at ARBK (see Changing business details in ARBK). You can update contacts, opening hours and the description on Kerko yourself once you verify your business.