European postcode formats by country

Europe does not use one common postcode format. Some countries use four or five digits, others add letters, spaces or hyphens, and Ireland uses the Eircode system. This reference helps you recognise and search the most common formats.

Country prefix versus part of the postcode

EuroPostcode displays a two-letter ISO country code, such as DE or FR, before a broad postcode zone. That country badge removes ambiguity when the same digits occur in several countries. It does not necessarily mean that the two letters are part of the locally written postal code.

Use complete codes for delivery

Broad prefixes are useful for orientation and logistics planning, but they may cover many towns or delivery areas. For final pricing, routing and dispatch, use the recipient’s complete postcode and street address and verify unusual or organisation-specific codes with the relevant postal operator.