The basic steps to claim VAT back depend on where you bought the goods and which country you're visiting
VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds work differently in each country, but the core process is the same: you buy goods, you collect proof of purchase, you request the refund before you leave, and the money comes back either at the airport or by mail weeks later. The amount you get back is typically 10 to 20 percent of what you paid, depending on the country's VAT rate and the refund scheme's rules.
You cannot claim VAT back on goods you've already used or consumed. The item must be unused, in its original packaging, and you must still have the receipt. Most countries require you to be a non-resident (not living there) and to export the goods within a set time frame—usually 30 days from purchase.
The fastest refunds come at the airport on the day you leave. The slowest come by bank transfer or check, sometimes taking 8 to 12 weeks. Where you claim matters as much as when: claiming at the airport is immediate but involves a queue; claiming by mail is slower but you can do it from home.
Key Takeaways
- VAT refunds are only for goods you take out of the country unused, and you must have the original receipt with the seller's VAT number on it.
- Each country sets its own VAT rate and refund threshold—some countries refund on purchases over €25, others over €100—so check the rules for where you shopped.
- Airport refund desks process claims on the day you leave and give cash or card credit immediately, but you must show the goods and receipt to customs.
- Mail-in refunds take 8 to 12 weeks and require you to mail the receipt and a completed refund form to the merchant or a refund service, with no may provide of payment.
- Some retailers handle refunds in-store at the time of purchase if you show your passport; others use third-party refund companies that charge a fee.
What you need to collect at the time of purchase
Ask the retailer for a VAT refund form (also called a tax-free form, export form, or shopping check) at the moment you pay. Do not wait until you get to the airport. The form must be printed and signed by the retailer, and it must show the store's VAT registration number, the item description, the price, and the VAT amount.
Keep the receipt and the refund form together. Some countries require both; others accept the form alone. The receipt must show the date of purchase and the seller's name and address. If the receipt is a thermal paper receipt that fades, photograph it or ask for a printed copy before you leave the store.
If you're buying from a chain store or airport shop, ask whether they use an in-house refund system or a third-party service like Global Blue, Planet, or Innova Tax Free. The name of the service will be on the form, and it tells you where to claim the refund later.
Claiming at the airport on departure day
Go to the VAT refund desk before you check in your luggage. The desk is usually near the departure hall or at the airline counter. Have your passport, the unused goods in their original packaging, the receipt, and the refund form ready. The customs officer will inspect the items to confirm they are unused, stamp the form, and send you to the refund counter.
At the refund counter, you choose how to receive your money: cash, credit card, or bank transfer. Cash is instant but may be in the local currency. Credit card refunds appear in your account within a few days. Bank transfers take 5 to 10 business days and require you to provide your account details on the form.
If you check your luggage before going to the refund desk, you may not be able to show the goods to customs, and your claim will be rejected. Some airports allow you to retrieve checked bags at the refund desk; ask at check-in whether this is an option at your airport.
Claiming by mail if you miss the airport desk
If you leave without claiming at the airport, you can still request a refund by mail, but the process is slower and less certain. Mail the original refund form, a copy of your receipt, and a letter with your name, address, and bank details to the retailer or the refund service listed on the form. Include a self-addressed envelope or provide an email address for confirmation.
The retailer or refund company will verify the form and receipt, then send the refund to your bank account or by check. This takes 8 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer if the form is incomplete or the receipt is unclear. Some services charge a processing fee of 10 to 20 percent of the refund amount, which they deduct before sending the money.
Keep copies of everything you mail. If you don't receive the refund within 12 weeks, contact the refund service or retailer with your copies and ask for a status update. Many services have online tracking if you provide an email address at the time of claim.
Refund thresholds and VAT rates by country
| Country | VAT Rate | Minimum Purchase for Refund | Refund Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 20% | €100 | €16–20 |
| Italy | 22% | €155 | €25–35 |
| Spain | 21% | €90.16 | €15–19 |
| Germany | 19% | €50 | €9–12 |
| United Kingdom | 20% | £30 | £5–7 |
| Japan | 10% | ¥5,000 | ¥500–1,000 |
| South Korea | 10% | ₩30,000 | ₩3,000–5,000 |
The minimum purchase threshold varies widely. Some countries refund on any purchase over €25; others require €100 or more. If you're buying multiple items from the same store on the same day, most countries allow you to combine them on one refund form to reach the threshold. Check the rules for the specific country before you shop.
The VAT rate shown is the standard rate; some countries have reduced rates for certain goods like food or books. The refund you receive is usually 80 to 90 percent of the VAT amount, because refund services take a commission. A €100 purchase in France with 20% VAT gives you roughly €16 back, not €20.
What happens if the goods are damaged or you change your mind
If you open the packaging or use the item, the retailer can refuse the refund. Some retailers are strict about this; others allow minor damage if the item is still resalable. Ask the retailer's return policy at the time of purchase, because it affects whether you can claim VAT back later.
If you damage the goods after leaving the store but before claiming the refund, tell the customs officer at the airport. They may still stamp the form if the damage is minor, or they may reject it. There is no appeal process; the officer's decision is final. If you're claiming by mail, include a note explaining the damage and hope the refund service approves it anyway.
Some countries allow you to return goods to the retailer within 14 to 30 days and receive a full refund including VAT, without needing a VAT refund form. This is a consumer return, not a VAT refund, and it's faster. Ask the retailer whether they offer this option before you leave the store.
Common reasons refunds are denied or delayed
The refund form is incomplete or unsigned by the retailer. The customs officer did not stamp it. The receipt does not show the VAT amount or the seller's VAT number. The goods have been used or opened. You did not claim within the time limit (usually 30 days from purchase). You are a resident of the country where you bought the goods.
If your refund is denied at the airport, ask the officer to explain why in writing. If you believe the decision is wrong, contact the refund service or retailer with a copy of the form and receipt and ask them to review it. Some services have an appeal process, but it can take weeks and may not succeed.
If you claimed by mail and did not receive the refund after 12 weeks, the form may have been lost in the mail, the retailer may have rejected it, or the refund service may have closed. Contact the retailer first with your copies of the form and receipt. If they do not respond, contact your credit card company or bank and ask them to investigate the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim VAT back on food, alcohol, or services?
No. VAT refunds are for goods only—physical items you take with you. Food, drinks, restaurant meals, hotel stays, tours, and transportation are not refundable. Some countries have reduced VAT rates on certain goods like books or children's clothing, but the refund percentage is the same as for other goods.
What if I'm visiting on business and buying goods for my company?
You can still claim a VAT refund if you're a non-resident and the goods are exported. However, some countries require you to show a business registration or tax ID number on the refund form. Ask the retailer whether they need this information before you buy. If you're buying goods to resell or use in your business, the rules may be different; check with the country's tax authority.
Do I have to claim at the airport, or can I claim later?
You can claim by mail, but airport claims are faster and more reliable. If you claim by mail, you must do so within the time limit set by the country (usually 30 days from purchase). After that, the retailer or refund service is not required to process your claim. Claiming at the airport on the day you leave removes this risk.
What if I'm traveling to multiple countries?
Claim VAT refunds in each country where you bought goods, using that country's process and thresholds. If you're leaving the European Union, you can claim all your EU purchases at the last EU airport you depart from, as long as you have the goods and forms with you. If you're leaving a non-EU country, claim there before you go.
Can I claim VAT back on goods I bought online?
Only if the retailer ships the goods to you outside the country where they are based, and you have proof of export. Most online retailers do not offer VAT refunds for individual consumers; they are designed for in-store purchases. Contact the retailer's customer service to ask whether they process VAT refunds for online orders.