How to Claim a VAT Refund as a Foreigner in Europe ?
Here’s a simple guide to getting a VAT refund in Europe as a foreigner. The VAT Tax imposed by the European Union is only for the residents of the UK, and any foreigner who purchases specific goods here is eligible for a VAT refund.
How to claim a VAT tax refund at the airport?
To get a VAT tax refund, whenever you purchase anything from a store, make sure it’s purchased with your passport. Companies like Global Blue offer services at the airport. You can find the Global Blue app in the Google Store, through which you can easily view your refund status as well.
Once you reach the airport, simply go to the section with Global Blue services available and scan your passport in the ATM-like machine. Once it’s successfully done, it will show which products purchased on your passport are eligible for a refund.
Then simply click for a refund and choose a preferred payment method (card or cash). Then go to the customs and show the product for which you are demanding a tax refund. Once it is customs cleared, go to any exchange that is affiliated with Global Blue or any other service you are using and simply cash your refund.
This method is to easily get a refund at the time of your departure; however, you can also get a VAT tax refund online.
Read More About VAT:
Calculate your VAT Tax at our free Reverse VAT Calculator for the UK.
How to claim VAT Tax Refund online?
Besides getting your VAT refund at the airport, many European countries and tax refund companies also let you complete the process online or through an app after shopping.
Here’s how the online method usually works:
- Get a Tax-Free Form or Digital Receipt
When you buy items in an EU country, ask the shop to give you a tax-free shopping form. Some stores send it electronically through refund companies like Global Blue, Planet, or Innova Tax Free. These forms link your purchase to your passport number. - Customs Validation Before You Leave
Before you fly out of the EU, you must show your goods and tax-free form to customs so they can stamp or electronically validate it. This step proves that you are taking the items out of the European Union.
Note : You will only be eligible for a VAT Tax refund if the product is customs cleared within 3 months of purchase. - Submit the Refund Request Online
Once your form is validated, you can upload the details (such as receipts, passport information, and flight or boarding pass) on the refund operator’s website or app. Each company has its own online submission portal. - Receive Your Refund
After the refund company reviews and confirms your claim, the VAT refund is sent to your credit card, bank account, or paid in cash later, depending on which method you selected.
Important: You can’t get a VAT refund by only buying online and applying later. The goods must physically leave the EU, and your purchase must be validated by customs.
Tips for an Easy VAT Refund Process
- Check if the Store Offers Tax-Free Shopping
Always ask the shop if they are part of the tax-free shopping system before buying. Not all stores offer VAT refunds, and only approved ones can give you the refund form. - Keep the Goods Unused Until You Leave
Make sure the items you buy stay unused and in your luggage when leaving the EU. Customs officers may want to see them before they approve your refund. - Meet the Minimum Purchase Amount
Each country in Europe sets its own minimum spending limit to qualify for a VAT refund. Some may ask for a purchase above a certain amount, so check this when you shop. - Keep All Documents Safe
Hold on to every receipt, refund form, passport copy, and boarding pass until your refund is fully processed. These documents are needed if any problem occurs later. - Check App or Service Fees
If you’re using an app or refund company, check how much they charge and how long the process takes. Most companies take a small fee for handling the refund. - Be Patient for the Refund
Some travellers get their refund right away at the airport, while others receive it a few weeks later on their credit card or bank account. The time depends on the company and the method you choose.
🧾 Minimum VAT-Refund Purchase Limits by Country
| Country | Minimum Purchase Required for VAT Refund | Notes |
| France | €100.01 (in the same store on the same day) | Applies only if the store participates in the tax-free scheme. |
| Italy | €70.00 (total in one receipt) | Refund can be requested for goods taken out within 3 months of purchase. |
| Germany | No fixed minimum (usually around €25) | The amount varies by shop, but most require a small minimum total. |
| Spain | €90.16 (including VAT, per invoice) | The shop must provide a DIVA electronic tax-free form for customs validation. |
| Netherlands | €50.00 (per shop, per day) | Purchases must be exported within 3 months. |
| Austria | €75.00 (per store per day) | Refunds are available for goods exported within 3 months. |
| Portugal | €50.00 (including VAT, per invoice) | Some stores use automatic digital validation at exit points. |
| Greece | €50.00 (minimum per shop) | Applies only to non-EU residents. |
Items Eligible for VAT Refund
Not everything you buy in Europe qualifies for a VAT refund. The refund system is designed mainly for tourists who are taking goods out of the European Union, not for services or items used within the EU.
Here’s what generally does and doesn’t qualify:
✅ Eligible Items for VAT Refund
- Personal Goods or Souvenirs
Most items you buy for your personal use, such as clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, and other accessories, are eligible. These are the most common tax-free purchases for travelers. - Electronics and Gadgets
Items like phones, cameras, laptops, and smartwatches qualify if they’re taken out of the EU in your luggage. Make sure they remain unused until you clear customs. - Luxury Goods and Fashion Items
Designer clothes, perfumes, cosmetics, and watches are included, as long as they are exported in their original packaging. - Home or Art Decor (for Personal Use)
Small artworks, collectibles, or household decorations that you carry with you when leaving the EU can also be eligible. - Gifts and Personal Purchases
Items you buy to give as gifts are accepted for refund, provided they’re leaving the EU with you in your luggage.
🚫 Items Not Eligible for VAT Refund
- Services
Expenses like hotel stays, restaurant meals, public transport, and tours are not eligible, since they are used within the EU. - Consumable Goods Used Before Departure
Items such as food, drinks, or cosmetics that you open or use before leaving the EU do not qualify for a refund. - Goods Installed or Delivered to an EU Address
Anything that’s shipped to an EU location or delivered to your hotel for use inside the EU is excluded.
Business Purchases
VAT refunds for companies are handled under a separate business refund system and not through tourist tax-free shopping.
Last Words
At last, you don’t have to pay a lot for anything just because of VAT, as you just need some tips and tricks. These small tips can help you save your time and money. So, whenever you need a tip, come here and check our site; it is full of these easy guides.