EU VAT refunds are available to non-EU residents who buy goods in EU countries and take them out of the EU within a set timeframe

If you live outside the European Union and buy physical goods in an EU country, you can often reclaim the Value Added Tax (VAT) — a sales tax that ranges from 17% to 27% depending on the country and product. The refund process requires you to follow specific steps before you leave the EU, and the rules vary slightly by country.

The basic requirement is that you must be a non-EU resident, the goods must be unused, and you typically have between one month and three years (depending on the country) to submit your refund claim after purchase. Most refunds range from €25 to €500, though larger amounts are possible.

Key Takeaways

  • You must ask the shop for a VAT refund form (called a tax-free form or export form) at the time of purchase — you cannot go back later and request one.
  • The goods must be unused and in their original packaging when you leave the EU, and you may be asked to show them at customs.
  • You claim the refund at the airport or border before you leave the EU by presenting your form, receipt, and goods to the customs office.
  • Refund methods include cash, credit card refund, or bank transfer, depending on the refund company and your choice at the time of claim.
  • Processing times vary from when ready (cash at the airport) to several weeks (bank transfer), and some refund companies charge a small fee.

Which countries and purchases may have access to for VAT refunds

VAT refunds are available in all EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. The minimum purchase amount that triggers a refund varies by country — some start at €25, others at €50 or higher. Check the specific country's threshold before you shop, as a €30 purchase might may have access to in one country but not another.

Not all goods may have access to. Consumables like food, alcohol, and tobacco are usually excluded. Services (haircuts, restaurant meals, hotel stays) do not may have access to. Cars, fuel, and items you plan to use in the EU before leaving also do not may have access to. Clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and most retail goods do may have access to.

How to request a VAT refund form at the shop

Tell the shop assistant at the time of purchase that you are a non-EU resident and want to claim a VAT refund. Ask for a tax-free form (also called a VAT refund form, export form, or by brand names like Global Blue or Planet). The shop will fill in the form with the purchase details, your name, passport number, and address.

You must provide your passport number — a driver's license or other ID will not work. The shop keeps one copy, you keep one or two copies depending on the form type. Do not lose these forms; you cannot claim without them. If you forget to ask for the form at the shop, you cannot go back later and request one retroactively.

What to do at customs before you leave the EU

Before you check in for your flight or cross the border, go to the customs office (usually located in the airport departure area or at the border). Bring your VAT refund forms, receipts, passport, and the unused goods in their original packaging. A customs officer will inspect the goods and stamp your forms.

The goods must be unused and in resalable condition. If you have already opened packaging or used an item, the refund will be denied. Some customs offices are strict about this; others are more lenient. Once the customs officer stamps your forms, you are cleared to leave the EU with your refund claim.

How to receive your refund after customs

After customs stamps your form, you have three options for receiving your money. The first is cash refund at a refund desk in the airport — this is the fastest method and you get your money when ready, though the desk may charge a small fee (usually 2–5%). The second is a credit card refund, where the refund company processes the money back to the card you used for purchase within one to two weeks. The third is a bank transfer to your home country bank account, which takes two to four weeks.

If you choose cash or credit card refund, you handle it at the airport before you leave. If you choose bank transfer, you mail the stamped form to the refund company's address (printed on the form) after you arrive home. Some refund companies charge a processing fee for bank transfers; others do not. Read the form carefully to see which fees explore to your choice.

Common reasons refund claims are denied

The most common reason for denial is forgetting to get the form stamped by customs before leaving the EU. If you leave without the customs stamp, the refund company will not process your claim. Another reason is that the goods have been opened or used — even slightly. A third reason is that you did not provide your passport number on the form, or the number does not match your actual passport.

Refunds are also denied if you submit your claim after the important date. Most countries allow one to three years from the purchase date, but some have shorter windows. Check your specific country's rules and submit early. If your claim is denied, the refund company will send you a letter explaining why, but you cannot appeal or resubmit for the same purchase.

Refund companies and their fees

You do not choose the refund company — the shop does. The most common companies are Global Blue, Planet, and Innova. Each charges different fees depending on how you receive your refund. Cash refunds at the airport usually cost 2–5%. Credit card refunds may be free or charge 1–3%. Bank transfers often charge 3–5% or a flat fee.

The fee is deducted from your refund amount, so a €100 VAT refund might become €95 after a 5% fee. Some shops advertise "fee-free" refunds, but read the fine print — the fee may straightforward be absorbed by the shop rather than charged to you. Ask the shop which company they use and what the fees are before you complete your purchase if the refund amount is important to your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim a VAT refund if I am an EU citizen living outside the EU?

Yes, as long as you are a non-EU resident at the time of purchase. If you have a permanent address outside the EU, you may have access to. If you are an EU citizen temporarily living abroad, check your specific country's rules — some allow refunds, others do not.

What if I buy something in one EU country and leave from another?

You must claim your refund at the customs office in the country where you leave the EU, not where you made the purchase. Bring all your forms and goods with you. The customs office will stamp them, and you receive your refund there.

Can I mail my refund form after I get home instead of going to customs at the airport?

No. The customs stamp must be obtained before you leave the EU. If you leave without the stamp, the refund company will reject your claim. Plan to arrive at the airport early enough to visit the customs office.

What happens if the refund company goes out of business?

You lose the refund. Refund companies are not government-backed, and there is no insurance if they fail. This is rare but possible. Choosing cash refund at the airport eliminates this risk.

Do I have to claim the refund, or can I just keep the VAT as a discount?

You must actively claim it. The VAT is included in the price you pay at the shop. If you do not request the form and follow the refund process, you do not get the money back — the shop keeps it.