diff --git a/addons/website_portal/controllers/main.py b/addons/website_portal/controllers/main.py
index a39a7ed6114..117e0f7dba7 100644
--- a/addons/website_portal/controllers/main.py
+++ b/addons/website_portal/controllers/main.py
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ class website_account(http.Controller):
 
         # vat validation
         if data.get("vat") and hasattr(request.env["res.partner"], "check_vat"):
-            if request.website.company_id.vat_check_vies:
+            if request.website.company_id.sudo().vat_check_vies:
                 # force full VIES online check
                 check_func = request.env["res.partner"].vies_vat_check
             else: