Global Blue processes VAT refunds for shoppers in Europe and other countries where you can reclaim sales tax on purchases
Global Blue is a refund company that handles VAT (value-added tax) claims for tourists and visitors who shop in participating stores across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. When you buy goods in a country with VAT, you typically pay the tax at the register. Global Blue lets you reclaim that tax when you leave the country, either at the airport, online, or through their mobile app. The amount you get back depends on the store's minimum purchase threshold, the VAT rate in that country, and which refund method you choose.
Global Blue operates in over 80 countries and works with more than 500,000 retail locations. You don't need to sign up in advance — the refund process starts when you shop at a participating store and ask for a tax refund form at checkout.
Key Takeaways
- Global Blue refunds are available only if you're a non-resident visitor leaving the country, and most stores have a minimum purchase amount (typically €25 to €50) before you can claim.
- You must request a tax refund form at the register when you buy the goods — you cannot go back later and ask for one.
- The fastest refund method is a credit card refund processed at the airport or border, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days after you leave.
- If you process your refund by mail, expect 6 to 8 weeks for the money to reach your bank account or credit card.
- You must show your unopened purchases and passport to a customs officer or Global Blue representative before you leave the country, or your refund will be denied.
What makes you may be able to access for a Global Blue refund
You must be a non-resident visitor — meaning you don't live in the country where you're shopping. Most countries require you to be leaving the country within a set timeframe (usually 30 days of purchase). You also need a valid passport to prove your residency status.
The store must be a Global Blue partner and the purchase must meet the store's minimum threshold. This minimum varies by country and retailer, but typically ranges from €25 to €50. Some luxury stores have higher minimums. If you buy multiple items from the same store on the same day, you can combine them to reach the minimum.
The goods must be new and unused when you leave the country. You cannot claim a refund on services, meals, or items you've already consumed or worn. Some countries exclude certain categories like cars, fuel, or alcohol from refunds.
How to request a tax refund form at the store
Ask the cashier for a Global Blue tax refund form (also called a tax-free form or VAT refund form) before you pay. The cashier will fill in the form with your name, passport number, purchase details, and the VAT amount. You must provide your passport number — they will not process the form without it.
Keep the form and your receipt together. The cashier will usually give you a copy and keep one for the store's records. Do not lose this form — you cannot get a refund without it. Some stores may ask you to sign the form at the register; others will ask you to sign it later at the airport or border.
If you forget to ask for the form at checkout, you cannot go back to the store later and request one. The refund process must start at the point of sale.
Processing your refund at the airport or border
Before you check in your luggage or pass through security, find the Global Blue refund desk or tax refund counter in the airport terminal. Most major European airports have one. If you're traveling by train or car, look for a customs office at the border.
Bring your tax refund forms, receipts, passport, and the goods you purchased (still in their original packaging and unused). The customs officer or Global Blue representative will inspect your items and stamp your forms. This step is mandatory — without the stamp, your refund will be rejected.
Once your forms are stamped, you can choose your refund method. Most airports offer credit card refund (the fastest option) or cash refund in the airport currency. If you choose credit card, the money typically appears in your account within 5 to 10 business days. Cash refunds are immediate but may include a small processing fee.
Refund methods and how long each takes
| Refund Method | How It Works | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card refund at airport | Global Blue processes the refund to your card on the spot | 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account |
| Cash refund at airport | You receive cash in the airport currency immediately | Instant, but may include a 2–3% processing fee |
| Mail-in refund | You mail the stamped form to Global Blue; they process it and send money to your bank or card | 6 to 8 weeks from the date Global Blue receives the form |
| Global Blue mobile app refund | You upload photos of your stamped forms in the app; Global Blue verifies and processes | 5 to 10 business days after approval |
Credit card refund is the most common choice because it's fast and avoids currency conversion fees. If you don't have access to a Global Blue desk at your departure point, you can mail your stamped forms to Global Blue's processing center, but this adds 6 to 8 weeks to the timeline.
The Global Blue mobile app lets you photograph your stamped forms and upload them for processing. This works if you missed the airport desk or are leaving by car or train. The app will tell you the status of your refund as it moves through their system.
What to do if your refund is delayed or rejected
If you don't see your refund within the expected timeframe, check the Global Blue website or app using your refund reference number (printed on your tax refund form). You can also contact Global Blue customer service directly — they have phone lines and email support in multiple languages.
Refunds are commonly rejected because the customs stamp is missing, the form is incomplete, or the goods were not shown to customs. If this happens, Global Blue will send you a notice explaining why. You cannot resubmit a rejected form — the refund is lost.
If you mailed your forms and they never arrived, Global Blue cannot process a refund without proof of delivery. Always use tracked mail when sending forms by post. Some travelers photograph their stamped forms before mailing them as backup documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Global Blue, or can I use another refund company?
The store chooses which refund company to use, not you. When you ask for a tax refund form, the cashier will give you a Global Blue form if that's the company the store partners with. Some stores work with other companies like Premier Tax Free or Innova. You must use whichever company the store uses.
Can I get a refund if I'm a resident of the country where I'm shopping?
No. Global Blue refunds are only for non-residents leaving the country. If you live in France and buy something in France, you cannot claim a VAT refund, even if you're leaving temporarily. Your passport residency status determines this.
What if I bought something but didn't ask for a refund form at the store?
You cannot get a refund. The form must be requested and filled out at the point of sale. Stores will not issue forms retroactively, and Global Blue cannot process a refund without the original form.
Can I claim a refund on clothes or shoes I wore during my trip?
No. The goods must be unused and in original condition when you leave the country. If you've worn or used the items, customs will reject your refund claim. This applies even if you wore something once.
What happens if I lose my tax refund form before I leave the country?
You cannot get a refund without the original form. If you lose it, contact the store where you bought the goods as soon as possible — some stores may issue a replacement, but this is not may provide. It's best to keep your forms in a safe place until you process them at the airport or border.