You can reclaim the VAT (value-added tax) you paid on purchases in Paris, but only if you meet specific conditions and follow the correct process before you leave France.

France charges VAT at 20% on most goods and 5.5% on some items like books and food. If you are a non-EU resident and you buy goods to take home, you can reclaim that tax at the airport or port when you leave. The process is straightforward if you plan ahead, but it requires paperwork from the store, your passport, and the items themselves in unused condition.

The refund does not happen when ready. You will receive the money weeks or months later, either to a credit card or bank account you provide, or as cash at the airport (though cash refunds are less common now). The amount you receive is typically 12% to 15% of what you paid, because the refund company takes a processing fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a non-EU resident, make a single purchase of at least €100 in one store on the same day, and take the goods out of France unused to be may be able to access for a VAT refund.
  • Ask the store for a tax-free form (bordereau de détaxe) at the time of purchase; most large shops and department stores offer this, but small boutiques may not.
  • You must show your passport, the goods, and the form to customs at the airport or port before you check your bags or leave the country.
  • Refund companies like Global Blue and Planet process the paperwork and send money to your card or bank account within 4 to 12 weeks.
  • If you do not get the form stamped by customs before leaving France, the refund is void and the store cannot help you recover it.

Who can claim a VAT refund in Paris

You must be a resident of a country outside the European Union. This includes the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most other countries. If you live in any EU country—including the UK as of 2021—you cannot claim a refund, even if you are visiting Paris temporarily.

You must also have a valid passport showing your non-EU residency. The customs officer will check this before stamping your form. If you do not have your passport with you at the airport, you cannot complete the refund process.

The minimum purchase amount and store requirements

The purchase must total at least €100 in a single store on the same day. This means you cannot combine purchases from different shops to reach €100, and you cannot add up separate visits to the same store on different days. One receipt, one store, one day.

Large department stores like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Le Bon Marché all participate in VAT refund schemes. Luxury boutiques on the Champs-Élysées and in the Marais typically do as well. Small independent shops, vintage stores, and markets may not offer tax-free forms—ask at the register before you buy. If the store does not offer the service, you have no way to reclaim the tax.

How to request and complete the tax-free form

Tell the cashier at the time of purchase that you want a tax-free form. They will ask for your passport number and address. They will then print a bordereau de détaxe (tax-free form), which is usually a multi-part document. You will receive one or two copies, and the store keeps one. Do not leave the store without this form—you cannot get it later.

The form shows the store name, the items you bought, the price, and the VAT amount. It will also show which refund company is processing it (usually Global Blue, Planet, or Refund). Keep this form with your receipt and the items themselves.

The goods must be unused and in their original packaging or condition. If you open a box, wear shoes, or use a product before you leave France, the refund is forfeit. Pack these items separately so you can show them to customs if asked.

Getting your form stamped at the airport or port

Before you check your bags or pass through passport control, go to the customs desk (often labeled "Détaxe" or "Tax Refund"). This desk is usually in the departure hall, near the check-in counters or in a separate area. Bring your passport, the tax-free form, and the unused items. The customs officer will inspect the goods, check your passport, and stamp the form.

If you are leaving by train or ferry, the process is similar but the location varies. At Paris train stations like Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon, ask staff where the customs desk is. At ports, it is usually near the departure gates. Do this before you board—you cannot get the form stamped after you leave French territory.

The customs stamp is what makes the refund valid. Without it, the refund company will reject your claim and you will lose the money. This is the most critical step in the process.

How refund companies process your claim and send the money

After customs stamps your form, you have two options. You can mail the form to the refund company address printed on it (usually within 3 months of your purchase), or you can use a refund kiosk at the airport if one is available. Kiosks are faster but less common.

The refund company will process your claim and deduct a fee—typically 3% to 5% of the refund amount. So if you paid €100 in VAT, you might receive €85 to €90. They will then send the money to the credit card you used for the purchase, or to a bank account you provide. This takes 4 to 12 weeks depending on the company and your bank.

You can track your refund on the company's website using a reference number printed on your form. If you do not receive the money after 12 weeks, contact the refund company directly with your form number and passport details.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you forget to ask for the tax-free form at the store, you cannot go back and request one later. The refund is tied to the original receipt and the store's records at the time of sale. Once you leave the shop without the form, it is gone.

If you leave France without getting the form stamped by customs, the refund is void. The refund company will not process an unstamped form, and the store cannot override this. This is why the customs stamp is non-negotiable.

If the refund company never sends your money, check your spam folder for emails from them first. Then contact them directly using the reference number on your form. If they cannot locate your claim, you may need to file a dispute with your credit card company or bank, though this is rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I buy something and use it in Paris before I leave?

No. The goods must be unused and in original condition. If you open packaging, wear shoes, or use any product, the refund is forfeit. The customs officer may inspect items, and the refund company can deny claims if they suspect use.

What if I buy something for less than €100?

You cannot claim a refund. The minimum is €100 per store per day. Combining purchases from different stores or different days does not count toward the threshold.

Do I have to mail the form, or can I get cash at the airport?

Some airports have refund kiosks where you can exchange your stamped form for cash when ready, but this is not available at all locations. Mailing the form is more common and takes 4 to 12 weeks. Ask at the customs desk which option is available at your airport.

What if I lose the tax-free form after I buy it?

You cannot get a replacement. The form is your only proof of the purchase and the VAT amount. If you lose it before customs stamps it, the refund is lost. Keep it with your receipt and passport.

Can I claim a refund if I live in another EU country but I am not an EU citizen?

It depends on your residency status. If you are a non-EU citizen living in an EU country, you typically cannot claim a refund. The rule is based on residency, not citizenship. Check with the customs desk at the airport if you are unsure about your status.