You can claim VAT back on hotel stays in most EU countries and the UK, but only if you're a non-resident and meet specific conditions
Whether you get money back depends on three things: where the hotel is located, whether you live outside that country, and whether the hotel participates in the refund scheme. Most European hotels do participate, but the process and the amount you recover varies by country. Some countries refund the full VAT on your room rate; others refund only a portion or exclude certain services like meals and parking.
The key difference between hotel VAT and other purchases is timing. With clothes or souvenirs, you claim the refund at the airport when you leave. With hotels, you usually claim it after you return home by mailing documents to the hotel or a refund processor, or sometimes you can claim it at the airport if you have your paperwork ready before checkout.
Key Takeaways
- Hotel VAT refunds are available in most EU countries and the UK, but only for visitors who are not residents of that country.
- You must request a VAT invoice from the hotel at the time of booking or at checkout—hotels will not issue one automatically.
- The refund amount and process differ by country; some refund 15–20% of the room rate, while others refund less or exclude certain charges.
- Most refunds are processed by mail after you return home, taking four to twelve weeks, though some hotels and airports offer on-the-spot refunds.
- You must leave the country with your hotel invoice and receipts unused—using the hotel services and then claiming a refund is not permitted.
Which countries allow hotel VAT refunds
The EU countries that participate in VAT refund schemes for hotel stays include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. The UK also allows VAT refunds on hotel stays for non-UK residents. However, not every hotel in these countries participates—participation is voluntary, and smaller or independent hotels may not offer the scheme.
Some countries have restrictions on what counts as a refundable hotel charge. France, for example, refunds VAT on the room rate but not on meals, minibar, or spa services. Germany refunds VAT on the room but excludes restaurant bills and parking. Always ask the hotel directly whether they participate and what charges are covered before you book or at check-in.
How to request a VAT invoice from your hotel
You must ask for a VAT invoice (also called a tax invoice or receipt) at the time of booking or no later than checkout. Do not assume the hotel will issue one—most standard receipts do not include the VAT breakdown you need for a refund claim. Contact the hotel by email or phone before arrival and ask them to prepare a VAT invoice for your stay. If you forget to request it in advance, ask the front desk at checkout before you leave the property.
The invoice must show your full name, passport number or ID number, the hotel name and address, the dates of stay, the room rate, the VAT amount charged, and the total. Some hotels will email this to you after checkout; others will print it at the desk. Keep the original or a certified copy—photocopies are often rejected by refund processors.
VAT refund amounts by country
The refund you receive is not the full VAT amount—most countries deduct a processing fee of 15–25% before sending you the money. If a hotel room costs €100 with €10 VAT in Austria, you might receive €7.50 to €8.50 after the processor takes their cut. Always factor in this fee when deciding whether the refund is worth the paperwork.
| Country | VAT Rate on Hotels | Refund Percentage | What's Excluded |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 20% | 20% of room rate | Meals, minibar, parking, services |
| Germany | 19% | 19% of room rate | Restaurant, parking, phone calls |
| Italy | 10% | 10% of room rate | Meals, minibar, parking |
| Spain | 10% | 10% of room rate | Meals, minibar, parking |
| Austria | 10% | 10% of room rate | Meals, minibar, parking |
| UK | 20% | 20% of room rate | Meals, minibar, parking, services |
The table shows the standard VAT rates and what most hotels exclude from refunds. However, individual hotels may have different policies, so confirm with your specific hotel what portion of your bill is refundable. Some luxury hotels may include additional services in the refundable amount, while budget chains may be more restrictive.
Claiming your refund by mail after you return home
The most common method is to mail your documents to the hotel or to a third-party refund processor after you leave the country. Collect your VAT invoice, your original hotel receipt, and your passport copy (showing the date you left the country). Some hotels provide a prepaid envelope or direct you to a refund company's website where you can upload documents.
Processing takes four to twelve weeks depending on the country and the processor. You will receive the refund by bank transfer, check, or credit card, depending on what you selected when you submitted your claim. Keep copies of everything you send and note the date you mailed it. If you do not receive the refund within twelve weeks, contact the hotel or processor with your tracking information.
Airport refund desks and on-the-spot claims
Some airports in major cities—particularly Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, and Madrid—have VAT refund desks where you can claim your hotel refund before you board your flight. This is faster than mailing, but it requires you to have your invoice, receipt, and passport ready before you reach the desk. Not all airports offer this service, and desk hours are limited, so do not rely on it as your only option.
If you use an airport desk, the processor will inspect your documents on the spot and may ask you to show the hotel room key or other proof that you stayed there. They will then issue a refund by check, card credit, or bank transfer. This method typically takes one to two weeks for the money to reach your account, compared to four to twelve weeks by mail.
What disqualifies you from a hotel VAT refund
You cannot claim a refund if you are a resident of the country where the hotel is located. Residency is usually defined as living there for more than 183 days in a calendar year, though some countries use different thresholds. If you live in France and stay at a French hotel, you are not may be able to access, even if you are a citizen of another EU country.
You also cannot claim a refund if you use the hotel services after you have left the country. The hotel must be used during your visit, and you must leave the country with the invoice and receipt unused. Some refund processors will reject claims if they suspect the invoice was issued after departure or if the dates do not match your passport stamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to show my passport at the hotel to get a VAT invoice?
Yes, most hotels require your passport number to issue a VAT invoice. Have your passport ready when you check in or when you request the invoice. If you do not have it with you, provide your national ID number or travel document number instead.
Can I claim a VAT refund on a hotel stay booked through a booking website?
Yes, but you must request the VAT invoice directly from the hotel, not from the booking website. The website's receipt does not include the VAT breakdown. Contact the hotel after booking and ask them to issue a VAT invoice in your name for your stay.
What if the hotel says they do not participate in VAT refunds?
Some hotels do not participate in the scheme. If the hotel declines, you cannot claim a refund through them. You can ask whether they will issue a standard invoice showing VAT separately, which you could potentially claim through a general VAT refund service, but this is uncommon and often rejected.
How much money will I actually receive after processing fees?
Most processors deduct 15–25% of the VAT amount as their fee. On a €100 room with €10 VAT in Austria, expect to receive €7.50 to €8.50. Check the processor's fee schedule before you submit your claim so you know what to expect.
Can I claim a hotel VAT refund if I stayed for work, not tourism?
Yes, the reason for your stay does not matter. As long as you are a non-resident and the hotel participates in the scheme, you can claim a refund whether you were there for business, tourism, or any other purpose.