The VAT refund desk is in Terminal 3, past security, in the duty-free shopping area near the gates

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) has a Global Blue refund office located in Terminal 3, after you pass through security screening. The desk sits in the duty-free zone, typically near the departure gates. This is where you process VAT refunds on goods you bought in Denmark before you leave the country.

If you are flying from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, you will need to move to Terminal 3 to reach the refund desk. The terminals are connected by a common security area, so you can walk between them without leaving the secure zone. Allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport layout.

The desk handles refunds for purchases made at Danish shops that participate in the VAT refund scheme. You must have your receipts, the goods themselves (unused and in original packaging), and your passport. Global Blue staff will verify your documents, process the refund, and either give you cash on the spot or arrange a credit to your card.

Key Takeaways

  • The VAT refund desk is operated by Global Blue and located in Terminal 3's duty-free area after security.
  • You need your original receipts, unused goods in original packaging, and your passport to process a refund.
  • If you are departing from Terminal 1 or 2, walk through the connected secure zone to reach Terminal 3.
  • Processing typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, so arrive at the desk at least one hour before your flight departs.
  • Global Blue offers cash refunds on the spot or credit to your card, depending on the amount and your preference.

What documents you need to bring to the desk

Bring your original receipts from the shops where you made your purchases. The receipt must show the shop name, the date, the items, the price, and the VAT amount. If the receipt does not clearly show VAT, the refund desk may not be able to process it.

You also need the goods themselves. They must be unused, in their original packaging, and in the same condition as when you bought them. The staff will inspect the items to confirm they have not been opened or worn. If you have already used or opened something, the refund will be denied.

Your passport is required to verify your identity and confirm you are a non-EU resident. The refund scheme only applies to visitors from outside the European Union. If you are an EU citizen, you cannot receive a VAT refund, even if you live outside Denmark.

How long the refund process takes at the airport

The actual processing at the desk usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how many customers are ahead of you and how many items you are refunding. During peak travel times (early morning, late afternoon), the queue can be longer.

You should arrive at the refund desk at least one hour before your flight departs. This gives you time to stand in line, have your documents checked, and receive your refund without rushing. If your flight leaves in less than an hour, the desk staff may refuse to process your refund because there is not enough time to complete the transaction before you board.

If you are flying during a busy period or have a large number of items to refund, plan for 30 to 45 minutes total, including waiting time. Arriving earlier than one hour is safer if you are uncertain about the queue length.

Cash versus card refunds and what to expect

Global Blue offers two ways to receive your refund: cash in Danish kroner (DKK) or a credit to your debit or credit card. Cash refunds are instant — you receive the money at the desk and can use it immediately. Card refunds are processed within 5 to 10 business days after you leave Denmark, depending on your bank.

If you choose cash, you will receive Danish kroner. There is no option to receive euros or other currencies at the desk. If you need a different currency, use the airport's currency exchange services after you receive your refund, though exchange rates at the airport are typically less favorable than at banks.

Card refunds may show a small processing fee deducted by Global Blue, usually 1 to 2 percent of the refund amount. Cash refunds do not have this fee. If your refund is very small (under 50 DKK), Global Blue may decline to process it and suggest you keep the amount as a donation.

If the refund desk is closed or has a long queue

The Global Blue desk in Terminal 3 operates during most flight hours, but it may close during very early morning or very late night periods when few flights depart. Check the airport website or call ahead if you are flying at an unusual time.

If the desk is closed when you arrive, you have limited options. Some credit card companies and banks offer VAT refund services through their own programs, but these are slower and less reliable than the airport desk. Your best option is to contact Global Blue before your trip and ask about mail-in refund processing, though this takes several weeks.

If the queue is very long and you are running short on time, speak to a staff member at the desk. They can sometimes prioritize travelers with imminent departures, though this is not may provide. If you miss the refund window, you will need to pursue the refund by mail after you return home, which takes significantly longer.

What to do if you bought goods in multiple shops

You can refund purchases from different shops in a single transaction at the desk. Bring all your receipts and goods together, organized by shop if possible. The staff will process them as one refund request and give you a single payment.

Each shop must have been part of the VAT refund scheme at the time of purchase. Not all Danish retailers participate. If you are unsure whether a shop is included, ask for a refund form when you buy the item — the shop will provide one if they are part of the scheme.

The minimum purchase amount to receive a refund varies by shop but is typically around 300 DKK per receipt. If your individual purchases are below this threshold, some shops will not issue a refund form, and the desk will not process them. Combining purchases from different shops does not lower this minimum — each receipt must meet the threshold on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I process a VAT refund if I am flying out of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2?

Yes. Walk through the connected secure zone to Terminal 3 where the Global Blue desk is located. You do not need to leave the secure area or go back through security. Allow extra time to navigate between terminals, especially if you are unfamiliar with the airport.

What if I opened the packaging but did not use the item?

The refund will likely be denied. Global Blue requires goods to be in original, unopened packaging. Once packaging is opened, the item is considered used, even if you have not actually worn or used it. Check the refund policy before you open anything you plan to refund.

Can I get a refund in euros instead of Danish kroner?

No. The desk only issues cash refunds in Danish kroner. After you receive your refund, you can exchange it for euros at the airport's currency exchange desk, but the exchange rate will be less favorable than a bank rate.

What happens if I miss the refund desk before boarding?

You can still pursue a refund by mail after you return home, but the process takes several weeks and requires you to mail your receipts and goods back to Global Blue or the original shops. This is slower and less reliable than processing at the airport desk.

Do I need to show the goods in their original bags from the shop?

No, but the goods must be in their original product packaging and unused. You do not need to keep the shop bag. The staff will inspect the item's packaging to confirm it has not been opened.