Who can claim a VAT refund in France

You can claim a VAT refund on goods you buy in France if you are a non-EU resident and you take those goods out of the EU within three months of purchase. The goods must be for personal use, not for resale. You cannot claim a refund on services, meals, or accommodation — only on physical items you can carry or ship.

If you live in another EU country, you cannot claim a refund on purchases made in France. VAT refunds are only for visitors from outside the EU, plus residents of certain non-EU countries that have reciprocal agreements with France (including the UK, Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland).

The purchase must meet a minimum threshold. In France, you need to spend at least €100 (including VAT) in a single store on a single day to be may be able to access. Some stores have higher minimums, so ask at the register.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a non-EU resident (or from a country with a reciprocal agreement) and leave the EU within three months of purchase to claim a VAT refund.
  • The minimum purchase is €100 (including VAT) in one store on one day, though individual stores may set higher thresholds.
  • You need a Tax Free Form (also called a VAT refund form) completed by the store at the time of purchase — do not leave without it.
  • You must have the goods, receipts, and form with you when you leave France, and you must get them stamped by customs before you depart.
  • The refund is processed by the store or a refund company, and you receive it as cash, credit to your card, or a check, depending on the method you choose.

Getting a Tax Free Form at the point of sale

When you buy goods in France, tell the store staff that you are a non-EU visitor and want to claim a VAT refund. They will ask for your passport to confirm your residency. Do not wait until you are leaving France to ask — the form must be completed and signed by the store at the time of purchase.

The store will give you a Tax Free Form (Formulaire de Remboursement de TVA or a Global Blue/Premier Tax Free form, depending on the refund company the store uses). This form has multiple copies. Keep all of them together with your receipt. The form shows the amount of VAT you paid and the refund amount you are may have access to to claim.

Some large department stores and tourist-heavy shops have staff trained in this process and can complete the form in minutes. Smaller shops may take longer or may not offer VAT refunds at all — ask before you buy if you are unsure.

What happens at the airport or border

Before you leave France (or the EU, if you are traveling onward), you must have your goods and Tax Free Form stamped by customs. This is the critical step — without the customs stamp, the refund company will not process your claim.

At the airport, go to the customs desk in the departure area. Have your passport, the Tax Free Form, your receipt, and the goods themselves ready. Customs will inspect the goods to confirm they are unused and match the receipt. They will then stamp the form. If you are leaving by train or car, you may be able to get the form stamped at the border, but procedures vary — ask the store or your hotel in advance if you are not flying.

Do not pack the goods in checked luggage before getting them stamped. Customs needs to see them, so keep them in your carry-on or hand luggage until after the inspection.

Receiving your refund

After customs stamps your form, you have three options for how to receive the refund. The method depends on which refund company the store uses (usually Global Blue, Premier Tax Free, or Innova).

Cash refund at the airport: Most airports have refund company desks in the departure area. You can hand in your stamped form and receive cash on the spot. The amount will be slightly less than the full VAT because the refund company takes a commission (usually 2 to 4 percent). This is the fastest option if you want money when ready.

Credit to your card: You can ask the refund company to credit the amount back to the card you used for the purchase. This takes 5 to 30 days depending on your bank and the refund company. There is usually a small commission, but it is often lower than the cash option.

Check or bank transfer: Some refund companies will mail a check or arrange a bank transfer. This is slower (2 to 8 weeks) and is rarely the best choice unless you are unable to use the other methods.

If you do not process the refund at the airport, you can mail the stamped form to the refund company address printed on it. Include your bank details or card information depending on the method you choose. Processing by mail takes longer and you lose the option of cash refund.

Which stores participate and what items may have access to

Most large retailers, department stores, and tourist shops in France participate in VAT refund schemes. Luxury goods, fashion, electronics, and cosmetics are commonly refundable. Supermarkets and discount chains are less likely to offer refunds, though some do.

Items that do not may have access to include food and drink (except sealed, unopened goods in some cases), services, meals at restaurants, hotel stays, car rentals, and anything that has been used or altered. Wine and spirits can sometimes be refunded if they are sealed and unopened, but this varies by store.

The VAT rate in France is 20 percent on most goods, so a €100 purchase includes roughly €16.67 in VAT. The refund you receive will be slightly less than this because the refund company takes a commission.

Common reasons refunds are denied

The most common reason a refund is rejected is a missing or improperly stamped customs form. If customs does not stamp your form, the refund company has no proof you left the EU with the goods and will not process the claim. Always get the stamp before you leave.

A refund can also be denied if the goods show signs of use or wear. Customs inspectors look for opened packaging, worn soles on shoes, or scratches on electronics. Keep items in original condition and packaging until after the customs inspection.

If you do not leave the EU within three months of purchase, you are no longer may be able to access. The three-month window is strict. If you buy goods and then travel within Europe for an extended period before leaving, the refund may be denied.

Some stores set their own minimum purchase thresholds higher than the legal €100 minimum. If a store's threshold is €200 and you spend €150, you will not be able to claim a refund from that store, even though you meet the national minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim a VAT refund if I buy goods online and have them shipped to my home?

No. VAT refunds are only for goods you physically take out of France yourself. Online purchases shipped to your home country do not may have access to, even if the seller is in France. You must buy in a physical store and carry or hand-carry the goods out of the EU.

What if I forget to get the form stamped by customs?

You cannot claim the refund. The customs stamp is the only proof that you left the EU with the goods. Without it, the refund company will reject your claim. Always prioritize getting to the customs desk before you board your flight or cross the border.

Do I need to keep my receipt?

Yes. Keep the receipt, the Tax Free Form, and all copies together. The refund company will ask for the receipt number and may request a copy if there is a dispute. Losing the receipt makes it harder to process the refund, though the stamped form alone may be enough in some cases.

Can I claim a refund on behalf of someone else?

No. The person whose passport was used to complete the Tax Free Form is the only person who can claim the refund. The form is tied to that person's identity and residency status.

How long does it take to receive the refund if I choose a bank transfer?

Bank transfers typically take 2 to 8 weeks from the date the refund company processes your form. The exact timeline depends on your bank and the refund company's processing speed. Cash refunds at the airport are when ready, so if you need the money quickly, choose that option.