What an EU tax refund is and who can get one

An EU tax refund, also called VAT refund or value-added tax refund, is money back on goods you bought in an EU country but did not consume there. If you live outside the EU and buy something in France, Germany, Spain, or another EU member state, you can reclaim the VAT (the sales tax built into the price) when you leave. The refund amount is typically 15 to 25 percent of what you paid, depending on the country and the item.

You must be a non-EU resident to claim. If you live in the EU, you cannot reclaim VAT on purchases within the EU, even if you buy in a different member state. The purchase must also meet a minimum spending threshold — usually between €25 and €175 depending on the country — and you must export the goods out of the EU within a set timeframe, normally three months.

Refunds cover most goods: clothing, electronics, souvenirs, luggage. They do not cover services, meals eaten in restaurants, or hotel stays in most cases. Goods you use or consume before leaving the EU do not may have access to.

Key Takeaways

  • EU tax refunds are available to non-EU residents who buy goods above a minimum threshold and take them out of the EU within three months.
  • The refund percentage varies by country and item type, ranging from roughly 15 to 25 percent of the purchase price.
  • You must get a tax refund form from the retailer at the time of purchase, not after you leave the country.
  • Customs officials at the airport or border must stamp your form before you leave the EU, and you claim the refund at a refund desk or by mail after that.
  • Processing takes four to twelve weeks by bank transfer, or you can receive cash immediately at airport refund desks, though with a service fee.

How to start a refund at the point of sale

Ask for a tax refund form the moment you pay. Do not wait until you are at the airport. The retailer must provide the form — it is called a tax refund form, VAT refund form, or détaxe form depending on the country. Some stores call it a "tax-free form" or "shopping refund form." The form has spaces for your name, passport number, address, and the item details.

The retailer fills in the purchase price and the VAT amount. You sign the form. Keep your receipt and the original form together. Some retailers use a digital system where they scan your passport and email the form to you instead of printing it; ask if this is an option, as it reduces the risk of losing the paper.

Not all retailers participate in tax refund schemes. Department stores and tourist shops usually do. Small local shops, markets, and restaurants often do not. If a store does not offer refunds, you cannot claim one for that purchase, so ask before you buy if the amount is large.

Getting your form stamped at the border or airport

Before you leave the EU, you must have a customs official stamp your tax refund form. This proves you are taking the goods out of the EU. You cannot claim a refund without this stamp — it is the critical step that many people miss.

If you are flying, go to the airport at least three hours early. Find the customs desk or tax refund office, usually located in the departure hall before check-in or after security. Show the official your form, receipt, and the goods (in their original packaging if possible, unworn and unused). The official stamps the form. If you have already checked your bags, you may need to retrieve them for inspection, so plan extra time.

If you are driving or taking a train across a land border, stop at the customs post before you cross. Have your form, receipt, and goods ready. The process is the same: show, inspect, stamp. Some borders have dedicated tax refund booths; others use the main customs desk.

If you forget to get the form stamped before leaving the EU, you cannot claim the refund. There is no way to go back and get it stamped later.

Claiming your refund after you leave

Once your form is stamped, you have two main options: claim at a refund desk in the airport or port, or mail the form to the refund company and wait for a bank transfer.

Immediate cash or card refund at the airport: Most major airports and ports have refund desks run by companies like Global Blue, Planet, or Innova. After you pass through security and customs, look for the refund desk. Hand over your stamped form and receipt. They process it on the spot and give you cash or credit your card. The downside is a service fee — typically 10 to 20 percent of the refund amount — so you receive less than the full VAT back.

Bank transfer by mail: Mail your stamped form and receipt to the address printed on the form, usually within 30 days of leaving the EU. The refund company processes it and transfers the full amount to your bank account within four to twelve weeks. You receive more money this way because there is no service fee, but you wait longer and must trust the mail system.

Some refund companies offer a third option: a prepaid card that you load at the airport desk and use anywhere. This avoids the cash-handling step but still charges a fee.

Refund amounts and timelines by country

The VAT rate and minimum purchase threshold vary across the EU. France has a 20 percent VAT rate with a €100 minimum. Germany has 19 percent VAT and a €50 minimum. Spain has 21 percent VAT and a €90.16 minimum. Italy has 22 percent VAT and a €155 minimum. These figures change, so confirm with the retailer or the customs office when you shop.

The refund you receive is not the full VAT percentage. The refund company deducts a processing fee if you claim at the airport, so a 20 percent VAT might net you 15 to 18 percent back. If you mail the form, you typically get the full VAT minus a small administrative fee, often 1 to 2 percent.

Processing time depends on your method. Airport refunds are instant. Mail refunds take four to twelve weeks, depending on the refund company and your bank. Some companies are faster than others; Global Blue and Planet are among the largest and tend to process within six to eight weeks.

What to do if your refund does not arrive

If you claimed by mail and your refund has not arrived after twelve weeks, contact the refund company. The form has a company name and reference number. Email or call them with your name, passport number, and the reference number. They can track the status and resend the refund if it was lost.

Keep your receipt and a copy of the form for at least six months. If the refund company cannot locate your claim, you may need to file a dispute with your bank or credit card company, and the receipt is your proof.

If you claimed at an airport desk and received cash, there is no recourse if you lose it. If you received a card credit, check your account within a few days to confirm the deposit. If it does not appear, contact the refund company immediately with your receipt.

Special cases and restrictions

Some goods cannot be refunded even if you meet all other requirements. Vehicles, fuel, and services (haircuts, hotel stays, restaurant meals) are excluded in most countries. Goods you use or partially consume before leaving the EU do not may have access to — a pair of shoes you wear counts as consumed.

If you are an EU resident but traveling to another EU country, you cannot claim a refund on purchases there. The rule is based on residency, not citizenship. A German living in France cannot claim VAT back on purchases in Germany.

If you buy goods in one EU country and take them to another EU country before leaving the EU, you still need the customs stamp from the country where you exit the EU. The stamp proves you are leaving the entire EU zone, not just moving between member states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim a refund if I buy online from an EU store and have it shipped to my home outside the EU?

No. Tax refunds apply only to goods you physically take out of the EU yourself. Online purchases shipped abroad are handled differently — the retailer should charge you no VAT if you provide a non-EU address at checkout. If they charged VAT, contact them to request a refund directly; this is a retailer issue, not a customs refund.

What if I lose my tax refund form before I get to the airport?

You cannot claim a refund without the form. If you lose it before the customs stamp, you have no proof of the purchase or your intent to export. If you lose it after the stamp but before mailing, contact the retailer immediately — they may have a copy or be able to issue a replacement, though this is not may provide.

Do I need to keep the goods in their original packaging?

Not always, but it helps. Customs officials want to see that goods are unused and in resalable condition. Clothing with tags still attached, electronics in boxes, and sealed items are easiest to verify. Worn or opened items may be refused. Ask the customs official if you are unsure whether your goods will pass inspection.

Can I claim a refund for multiple purchases from different stores?

Yes. Each store gives you a separate form. You get each one stamped at customs and can either claim all of them at the airport refund desk at once or mail them together. The total refund is the sum of all individual refunds.

How long do I have to leave the EU after I buy something?

Typically three months from the purchase date. Some countries allow up to six months. Check the form or ask the retailer. You must have the goods physically out of the EU and the form stamped within this window, or the refund is void.