What a VAT refund is and who can claim one
A VAT refund is money back on the value-added tax you paid when you bought goods or services in a country where you don't live or work. Most countries in Europe, plus several others, charge VAT (or a similar tax called GST or sales tax) on purchases. If you're a visitor from outside that country, or a business registered outside it, you may be able to reclaim that tax when you leave.
The rules depend on which country you bought from and which country you're from. A visitor to France can usually claim back French VAT. A UK business selling goods to a customer in Germany may claim back German VAT on those goods. The process is not automatic — you have to request it, keep your receipts, and follow the country's specific steps.
Not all purchases may have access to. Typically, goods matter more than services, and you usually have to spend above a minimum amount per receipt (often €25 to €100, depending on the country). Food, fuel, and some other items are often excluded. You also usually have to export the goods out of the country within a set time — usually 30 days from purchase.
Key Takeaways
- VAT refunds are available to visitors and non-resident businesses in most European countries, but the minimum spend per receipt and the refund rate vary by country.
- You must keep your original receipts and have goods unused and in their original packaging when you leave the country.
- The refund process usually involves getting a form stamped at the airport or border, then submitting it to the retailer or a refund company within a set deadline.
- Refunds take weeks to months to arrive, depending on the method you choose and the country's processing speed.
- Some retailers handle refunds themselves; others use third-party refund companies that charge a commission.
How to claim a VAT refund at the airport or border
The most common way to claim is to have your purchases stamped before you leave the country. When you're at the airport or border, find the customs or tax refund desk — it's usually near the departure gates or at the border crossing. Have your receipts, passport, and the goods themselves ready. Customs will check that the items are unused and match the receipts, then stamp a form (usually called a Tax Free Form or VAT refund form).
The exact name and location of this desk varies. In France it's called "Détaxe" or "Tax Free"; in Germany it's "Zollamt" or a tax-free counter run by companies like Global Blue or Planet. In the UK (for visitors from outside the UK), it's handled by customs at the airport. Ask at the information desk or the retailer where you bought the goods — they can tell you where to go.
You must do this before you leave the country. Once you've passed through customs and left the country, you cannot go back to claim. If you're driving across a land border, the customs desk may be at the border itself, not at a town or city. Plan to arrive at the airport or border with extra time.
What to bring and what happens after stamping
Bring your original receipts (photocopies don't work), your passport, and the goods themselves in unused condition and original packaging. Some countries require the goods to still have price tags attached. The customs officer will inspect the items to confirm they match the receipts and haven't been used.
After the form is stamped, you have two options. You can mail it back to the retailer or refund company (the address is on the form), or you can use a refund kiosk at the airport if one is available. Kiosks are common in major European airports and process the refund on the spot, usually onto a credit card or as cash. If you mail the form, you must do so within the deadline stated on the form — usually 30 days from the date of purchase.
If you use a refund company (Global Blue, Planet, Innova, or others), they charge a commission — typically 10% to 20% of the refund amount. This is deducted before you receive your money. Retailers handle this differently: some absorb the commission, some pass it to you. Ask the retailer before you buy whether they use a refund company and what the fee is.
Timelines for receiving your refund
If you use an airport kiosk, you get cash or a card credit within minutes. If you mail the form, the timeline depends on the country and the refund company. Most refunds arrive within 4 to 12 weeks. Some take longer — up to 6 months in slower cases. The refund company or retailer should give you a tracking number when you submit the form; use it to check status on their website.
Credit card refunds usually arrive faster than bank transfers. If you choose a bank transfer, make sure you provide your correct account details on the form, including the IBAN if you're in Europe. A wrong account number can delay the refund by weeks while the bank tries to return the money.
If you don't receive your refund within the stated timeline, contact the refund company or retailer using the tracking number. Keep copies of the stamped form and your receipt. If the refund company is unresponsive, contact the retailer — they are responsible for ensuring the refund reaches you.
Refunds for online purchases and goods shipped abroad
If you bought goods online from a retailer in another country and had them shipped to your home address outside that country, you may be able to claim VAT refund without visiting the country. The process is different from the airport method.
Contact the retailer and ask whether they offer VAT refunds for non-resident customers. Some do; many don't. If they do, they will usually remove the VAT from your invoice or process the refund directly — you don't need to visit customs. The retailer handles the paperwork with their tax authority. Ask for confirmation in writing that the VAT has been removed or refunded.
This method is less common than the airport process and depends entirely on the retailer's policy. It's worth asking, but don't expect it. If the retailer refuses, your only option is to visit the country, buy the goods in person, and claim at the airport.
VAT refunds for businesses and resellers
If you're a business registered outside the country where you made purchases, the rules are different from visitor refunds. You can claim back VAT on goods and services you bought for business use, but you must be registered for VAT (or the equivalent tax) in your own country.
The process usually involves submitting invoices and a VAT refund form to the country's tax authority, not to customs at the airport. You'll need invoices that show the VAT amount, proof that you're a registered business, and often a certificate of tax residence from your own country's tax authority. Timelines are longer — often 2 to 6 months — and the rules vary significantly by country.
Contact the tax authority in the country where you made the purchase. In the EU, this is usually the national tax office (in France: DGFIP; in Germany: Bundeszentralamt für Steuern). They can tell you the exact documents you need and where to submit them. Some countries use online portals; others require paper forms mailed in.
What to do if your refund doesn't arrive
If you submitted your form within the deadline and your refund hasn't arrived after the stated timeline, start by checking the tracking status on the refund company's website. If there's no tracking number, contact the retailer for one.
If the refund company is unresponsive or says the form was lost, ask the retailer to resubmit or provide a copy. Keep your original receipt and a photo of the stamped form if you have one. If the retailer refuses to help, you can file a complaint with the consumer protection authority in that country, though this is slow and may not recover the money.
For bank transfer refunds, check with your bank to see if the money arrived under a different date or name. Sometimes refunds appear as transfers from the refund company, not the retailer, and the name on the transfer may not match what you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim a VAT refund if I'm a resident of the country where I bought the goods?
No. VAT refunds are only for visitors and non-residents. If you live or work in the country, you cannot claim a refund, even if you're not a citizen. Your residency status is what matters, not your citizenship.
What if I bought goods but didn't use them until after I left the country?
The goods must be unused and in original packaging when you leave the country. If you've opened or used them, customs will refuse to stamp the form. This rule is enforced at the airport or border, so plan accordingly.
Do I have to claim the refund at the airport, or can I do it later?
You must have the form stamped at the airport or border before you leave the country. You cannot claim after you've left. However, you can mail the stamped form to the retailer or refund company after you leave — you don't have to do everything at the airport.
What's the difference between a refund company and claiming directly from the retailer?
Some retailers process refunds themselves; others use third-party companies like Global Blue or Planet. Refund companies charge a commission (10–20%), which is deducted from your refund. Retailers sometimes absorb this cost. Ask the retailer before you buy which method they use and what the fee is.
Can I claim a VAT refund on services, like hotel stays or restaurant meals?
Rarely. Most countries only refund VAT on goods, not services. Some countries make exceptions for specific services like car rentals, but this varies. Ask the retailer or service provider whether VAT refunds are available — most will tell you no.