tourist vat tax refund germany

Guide to VAT refund for visitors to the EU

If you are a visitor to the EU and are about to leave EU territory to go home or to some other place outside the EU, you may be able to buy goods free of VAT.

"Tax-free" shopping: who is a ‘visitor’?

What is vat.

Value added tax (VAT) is a multi-stage sales tax, the final burden of which is borne by the private consumer. VAT at the appropriate rate will be included in the price you pay for the goods you purchase. As a visitor to the EU who is returning home or going on to another non-EU country, you may be eligible to buy goods free of VAT in special shops.

Who is a ‘visitor’?

A ‘visitor’ is any person who permanently or habitually lives in a country outside the EU. Your address as shown in your passport or other identity document will be taken as the place where you permanently or habitually live.

Example: Eduardo lives and works in Brazil but spends three months every summer in Portugal, where he has a time-share in a villa. Eduardo’s permanent address is in Brazil, so he is a ‘visitor’ to the EU while in Portugal.

In some countries, you may also qualify as a ‘visitor’ if you are living in an EU country for a defined period of time for a specific purpose, but your permanent home is outside the EU and you are not intending to return to the EU in the immediate future. EU citizens permanently living in non-EU countries are also eligible for the VAT refund.

Example: Paul is a Belgian citizen but lives permanently in Canada. Once a year, he returns to Belgium to visit his parents. Paul is a ‘visitor’ and can apply for a refund on a basis of his Canadian residence card.

‘Tax-free’ shopping: how is the VAT refunded?

Can’t i just pay the vat-free price in the shop.

No. You must pay the full, VAT-inclusive price for the goods in the shop; you will get the VAT refunded once you have complied with the formalities and can show proof of export.

How do I go about this?

• When you are in the shop, ask the shop assistant in advance whether they provide this service.
• Ask the shop assistant what threshold applies to the purchase in order to be eligible for a refund.
• At the check-out, the shop assistant will ask you to provide proof that you are a visitor to the EU. You will need to show your passport or other identity document proving your residence outside the EU.
• The shop assistant will ask you to fill in a form with the necessary details. You may be asked to show your ticket as proof you are leaving the EU within the required time. The shop assistant will fill in the shop’s part of the form.
• Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do and how you receive the refund. In some cases, the shop itself will refund you. In other cases, the shop will use a third party to organise the refunds on its behalf.
• Make sure you understand whether the shop takes an administrative fee for this service (which will be later deducted from the refunded amount) and if so what is the fee.
• You will receive an invoice for the goods. You must show the invoice, the refund form, the goods and any other necessary documents to the customs officers of the last EU country you leave. The customs officers must stamp the form as proof of export. Without the stamp, you will not obtain the refund.
• You must then follow the steps explained at your refund document or by the shop assistant. You can claim your VAT refund in bigger airports immediately, otherwise you will have to send the refund form to the address given in the shop.

Attention! The precise details will depend on how that particular shop organises the refund procedure.

Example: John came from the US for a vacation in Europe. He bought a designer bag in Paris; some clothes and shoes in Milan and Budapest. In each shop, he got refund forms filed. Within a month, John leaves to US from Budapest. At the airport, he shows the purchased goods to the customs officer and gets the refund documents stamped. Some of the refund documents were provided by a refund intermediary- he finds their refund counter in the airport and gets the refund immediately. An administrative cost is deducted from the refund amount. The remaining stamped refund document he has to send back to the shop where he purchased the goods.

Will I get all the VAT refunded?

This is unlikely. In the great majority of cases, there will be an administrative charge for the service. Make sure you find out how much you will be charged when still in the shop.

Can someone else go to the shop for me?

No. You must be there in person in order to make a VAT-free purchase, although you do not have to pay for the goods yourself.

Will I have to wait until I am home to receive the refund?

Not necessarily. In some larger ports and airports, you may be able to obtain a refund straight away once the customs officers have stamped your form, provided the shop in which you bought the goods uses this facility.

Where can I complain if I did not receive the refund?

You can complain to the company in which you bought the goods because this company has a principal responsibility to give the refund. If however that company used an intermediary you may first apply to the intermediary. European Commission does not intervene in particular cases of VAT refund to foreign visitors. ‘Tax-free shopping’: tax-free shops and qualifying goods

Can I buy goods VAT-free from any shop?

No. Shops do not have to offer a VAT-free facility. Those that choose to do so must make the appropriate arrangements with the tax authorities.

How shall I know whether a shop is a VAT-free shop?

The shop will usually display a prominent sign in the window, advertising that it is a ‘tax-free’ or ‘VAT-free’ shop. This may of course be in the local language.

Can all goods be bought VAT-free?

No. There are some goods that do not qualify. The facility is intended for goods that could in principle be carried in personal luggage. Goods that have to be exported as freight, for example, and cars and yachts are excluded. Some countries may also exclude other categories of goods.

Is there a threshold on each purchase?

To avoid administrative burdens over small-value items, there is a minimum value of EUR 175 (or the equivalent in national currency outside the euro zone) for the total purchase, but EU countries may set lower thresholds. The threshold applies to the total amount of goods bought in a certain shop. Normally, you cannot cumulate purchases in different shops to reach the threshold. You will receive a separate form in each shop in which you buy goods. You can enquire national tax authorities on the thresholds applicable in a particular EU country. You will be able to find the contact addresses for all national tax administrations in the document " VAT in the European Union ".

How soon do the goods have to leave the EU?

The goods you buy VAT-free must leave the EU by the end of the third month after that in which you buy them.

Example Bruce, who lives in Canada, has been on holiday in Italy for two weeks. He buys a designer suit from a VAT-free shop on 10 September. The suit must leave EU territory no later than 31 December.

Do I need to take the goods with me when I leave the EU?

Yes. The goods must accompany you when you leave the EU. You cannot buy VAT-free goods if for any reason, you cannot or do not wish to take the goods with you when leaving the EU. Moreover, you have to be ready to demonstrate those goods to the customs officer who will stamp your VAT refund form.

Do I have to leave the EU straight away from the country where I purchased goods?

No. You can buy VAT-free goods even if you are going to be visiting other EU countries before you finally return home, as long as you actually leave the EU with the goods within the time limit. You have to get your documents stamped by a customs officer at the point of exit of the EU – not necessary in the same EU country where you bought it.

Be careful if you leave the EU by train!

You may be able to get the VAT refund documents stamped at certain train stations of the departure. However, you might as well need to get off the train at the last station within the EU to get this stamp. Other methods could also apply (e.g. a customs officer might be boarding the train) .

This depends on the trains’ route and the internal arrangements in each EU country.

We therefore strongly advise you to consult in advance the national authorities or your refund company on the arrangements applicable in our concrete route.

What if I did not get a stamp?

In principle, the stamped VAT refund document is obligatory for VAT refund. Contact the entity in which you bought goods for the information whether they would accept other documents as a proof that the goods were exported in a due time and give you a refund.

Whom should I contact for questions related to my refund?

Your primary contact is the supplier / VAT refund agent mentioned in your VAT refund documents. If you have questions on VAT refund rules applicable in a particular EU country, contact national tax authorities . For questions on customs arrangements at a particular border, contact national customs authorities . The European Commission does not provide advice on particular situations.

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How to get your maximum VAT refund when traveling abroad

While a European vacation is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, it can be expensive.

That's why savvy travelers have various strategies in place to save money on flights, hotels and rental cars (hopefully by reading some of TPG's great money-saving advice ).

One of the most overlooked ways travelers miss out on saving money is by forgetting to apply for a VAT refund.

VAT is a Value Added Tax . Let's say, for example, you just went on a shopping spree in Rome or splurged on gifts at the El Corte Ingles department store near Las Ramblas in Barcelona. You more than likely paid VAT on your purchases, but the good news is that visitors to the European Union can often get a refund on that tax. Think of it as the traveler's tax break.

Despite the obvious savings that can come with VAT refunds, the amount of money Americans leave on the table each year in unclaimed refunds is estimated to be in the billions. Don't be one of those travelers.

Getting your VAT refund is worth the time and effort it takes, especially if you're traveling within the EU .

The rules surrounding VAT refunds have somewhat changed in recent years, so it's important to read up on the latest rules (including the U.K.'s discontinuation of VAT refunds for international visitors since Brexit). Here's everything you need to know about getting your maximum VAT refund when traveling in Europe.

What is a VAT?

VATs and goods and services taxes (GSTs) are common worldwide; more than 160 countries have them.

In the EU, the VAT is similar to the sales taxes imposed in the U.S., but there are also some big differences. One of the biggest: VAT rates are much higher than those you pay in state and local sales taxes in the U.S.

The EU's minimum standard VAT rate is 15% — far more than the combined state and local sales tax rates you'll find anywhere in the U.S. However, the average standard VAT rate in the EU currently sits around 21%. All EU countries have standard VAT rates above the 15% threshold; Luxembourg has the lowest rate at 16%, and Hungary has the highest at 27%.

"The VAT is a major income revenue for the tax authorities in Europe," said Britta Eriksson, a VAT expert and CEO of Euro VAT Refund , a Los Angeles-based company that helps companies manage VAT in their overseas operations. "[VAT] represents almost as much as the income tax in terms of revenue for the government."

Many EU countries offer lower VAT rates on certain goods. Sweden, for example, has a standard VAT rate of 25%. However, for some food items, restaurant services and even hotels, a reduced VAT of 12% is offered.

France has reduced the VAT on certain agricultural products and even some cultural events to 5.5%. In other nations, items such as books, newspapers, and bike and shoe repairs receive a reduced VAT rate of only 6%.

As you can see, these "special rates" vary from country to country, so make sure you do your homework before your trip. The EU also exempts some goods and services from VAT; some exemptions include educational services, financial services and medical care.

What are the refund rules?

Prices in the EU always have the VAT included. If you're visiting an EU country, you'll generally have to pay the price of an item, VAT and all, and get your refund after the fact.

There are several requirements to follow to claim your refund. For instance, you must take your new item or items home within three months of the purchase. VAT refunds are not available for large items like cars. EU visitors also cannot get a VAT refund for services like hotel stays and meals.

Some countries require that your purchase exceeds a certain amount to be eligible for a VAT refund. Like the VAT rates, this minimum purchase amount varies from country to country.

For example, in France, the minimum amount is now 100.01 euros (about $107) for the total amount of purchases you buy on the same day in the same shop. In Belgium, the minimum is 50 euros (about $54); in Spain, there is no minimum purchase amount to claim a VAT refund.

One important thing to note is that you can only claim a VAT refund on new items. Your merchandise must be new and still in its packaging when you leave Europe. The goods can't be unpacked, consumed or worn. If you want to claim your refund, you should pack away whatever you purchase and wait until you get home to open it.

Getting your refund

Thousands of European stores do what they can to accommodate tourists seeking refunds and will usually have signs in the window reading "tax-free" or "VAT-free" shop.

As you pay for your item, inform the clerk that you're an EU visitor and intend to get a VAT refund. The store will have some paperwork for you to fill out. Have your passport ready to prove your visitor status. You may also need to show your airline ticket as proof you're leaving Europe in the allotted time in order to claim a VAT refund.

Some stores will refund your VAT, but in most cases, you'll likely have to take your refund forms and get your refund processed elsewhere.

Many stores work with third-party agencies, such as Global Blue or Planet , to process VAT refunds, and these agencies usually have facilities in major cities where you can take your completed forms and get your refund.

When purchasing your items, check to see if your merchant is partnered with these agencies.

On departure day, be sure to take your receipts, the refund forms the shops filled out, the items you bought and all your other travel documents with you to the airport so that you can present everything to customs.

If you're touring multiple EU countries during your trip, you'll complete this process at the last EU country you visit. That means if you visit France and Italy before ending your trip in Spain, you will apply for the VAT refund on your purchases in Spain.

Customs may inspect your purchases, so make sure they're available and not in your checked baggage. Also, make sure the goods are unused and unworn.

If all goes well, the customs office will stamp your refund forms. If either the store or one of the third-party refund agencies has already given you your refund, you'll have to mail this stamped form back to them to prove you left Europe within the mandated three-month period. Otherwise, you risk having your refund canceled and your credit card charged for the VAT you owe.

If you haven't done so already, you can also get your refund at the airport. The big refund agencies have facilities at all the major EU airports, sometimes at a currency exchange. Just show them your stamped customs forms and your passport to get your refund, minus a fee.

No VAT refund in the UK

Before we share some advice on getting your VAT refunds, we want to remind everyone that the U.K. no longer has VAT-free shopping for international tourists. In fact, Great Britain is now the only European country that doesn't offer the savings opportunity for international visitors.

The VAT retail export scheme was eliminated when the U.K. exited the EU in 2021. It resumed briefly before being axed, supposedly for good, in 2022.

Although there's some optimism that VAT refunds could return to Britain in the future — the U.K.'s tourism industry is lobbying for its return — it's not an option for now.

While VAT refunds are no longer available in England, Scotland and Wales, you can still claim refunds if you're visiting Northern Ireland. There are also several exceptions and rules to know; for example, it doesn't apply to services like hotel bills. You can find the list of restrictions here . You should also be aware that some merchants and refund companies in Northern Ireland charge a fee for using tax-free shopping. Still, if you're planning a visit, you could save some money on your shopping.

Tips for maximizing your savings with a VAT refund

Here are some do's and don'ts for getting your VAT refunds.

Research the country

Before your trip, look up the VAT rules for the country you're visiting and check the standard and reduced VAT rates, as well as the minimum purchase points.

As we mentioned earlier, the rates and rules of what qualifies for a VAT refund can vary depending on where you visit, so make sure you're aware before you get there.

Remember that many countries outside the EU also charge a VAT, and their refund policies can differ greatly from what you'll find in Europe.

Research the store

Stores aren't required to provide VAT refund assistance of any kind.

"If you have a store that doesn't have this program, then getting a refund is very complicated," Eriksson warned.

Keep an eye out for stores displaying "tax-free" or "VAT-free" signs. Ask the store employees which third-party agencies they partner with for refunds. Also, ask how they process refunds and what fees they charge. As we noted above, some retailers in some countries may charge a fee to visitors using tax-free shopping.

Allow extra airport time for your refunds

Don't expect to be the only traveler at the airport seeking a VAT refund before heading home. Expect to wait in line for a bit. Plan ahead and give yourself extra time at the airport, as the line can be long.

If you're strapped for time after leaving customs, some agencies will let you drop your stamped forms in one of their mailboxes, and they'll issue your refund later.

Consider shipping your purchases home to avoid VAT entirely

If you don't want to deal with any of this stuff, Eriksson suggests another option.

"You can also have the store ship [your items] to you directly," she said. "Then, they won't charge you VAT."

But there's a catch.

"You still have to pay for the freight," Erikkson added.

Shipping costs from Europe to anywhere in the U.S. can get wildly expensive. So, you have to weigh that shipping cost against the VAT and the time and effort it would take to get your refund to decide if it's worth it.

Make sure the refund is worth the trouble

"If you buy expensive clothing and china, then it's absolutely worth it," Eriksson said.

While many VAT countries have purchase minimums for refunds, in others, any purchase a visitor makes qualifies, no matter how small. So, you should ask yourself if it's worth applying for a VAT refund for that cheap tchotchke you bought as a souvenir.

Bottom line

All this talk of forms, looking for signs, standing in line and getting stamped can take the impulse out of your impulse buy. However, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

If you pay attention and budget your time wisely, you might get back enough money through VAT refunds to help pay for your next visit across the Atlantic.

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• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
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Foreign VAT Refunds Guide from Germany

The following information details the requirements needed to be eligible for a VAT refund in Germany. These include claimable expense types, the Germany VAT rates and deadlines, as well as claiming periods.

What Expenses are Claimable for VAT Refund in Germany?

What are the germany vat rates.

Germany divides VAT rates into four categories:

Standard Rate - 19%

The standard rate, applied to most goods and services., reduced rate - 7%, there is a reduced rate of 7% that applies to certain goods and services, such as specific food items, books, and public transportation., zero rate - 0%, some specific goods and services, like exports and intra-community supplies, are subject to a 0% vat rate., there are also certain goods and services that are completely exempt from vat, such as health services and financial services., how to get vat refunds from the germany for your business, vat refunds guide for eu companies.

• Check Eligibility: The company should be established in the EU, but not in Germany.
• Gather Documentation: Compile all necessary invoices and documentation relating to VAT.
• Submit Application for Refund: You need to file your electronic application through the online portal of your home country's tax authorities. Your respective national tax authority will transfer your application to the German Federal Central Tax Office.
• Await Processing: The German Federal Central Tax Office will handle the VAT refund process.

VAT Refunds Guide for Non-EU Companies

• Check Eligibility: Companies must be based outside the EU without VAT registration in Germany.
• Gather Documentation: Gather necessary original invoices and documentation to support your VAT claim.
• Submit Application for Refund: Submit a written application for refund to the German Federal Central Tax Office. The application must be in German and must include the required documentation.
• Await Processing: Wait for the German Federal Central Tax Office to process your VAT refund.

Frequently Asked Questions About Germany VAT Recovery

September 30 for all EU countries and Jun 30 for Non-EU countries.

All EU countries and Non EU-Countries such as  Andorra, Antigua, Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermudas, British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Canada, Cayman Islands, China(Taiwan), Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Korea (People?s Rep), Korea(ROK), Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Macao, Maldives, Marshal Islands, Macedonia, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, St Vincent, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City.

January-December of the previous year.

It can take up to 6 months for EU companies and 10 months for Non-EU companies depending on complexity of the VAT claim.

Need Help with Your VAT Refund from Germany?

We have helped companies reclaim €200+ M in VAT refunds over the last eight years. Our expertise and technology allow us to process your refund quickly and automatically.

What are you looking for?

General information on german vat refunds, certification by german diplomatic or consular mission (exception).

In Germany the amount paid for merchandise includes 19 % value added tax (VAT). The VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union. Please note that in order to qualify for tax-refund the merchandise has to be exported within three months of purchase.

Before you purchase any goods in Germany you should inform the retailer that you intend to export the goods to the United Kingdom. With your receipt you will receive a so-called “Ausfuhrbescheinigung” (export papers) or a Tax Free Shopping Check.

When leaving the European Union – on a non-stop flight to the UK – the export papers or the Tax Free Shopping Check plus

• the original receipt of the store
• the purchased goods (unused/unworn in its original packaging and with price tag)
• and your passport showing residence outside the EU

have to be presented to the Customs Service at the airport. The export papers will be stamped after the goods have been examined. As you do have to show the goods, please make sure that they are in your carry on luggage (your suitcases will already have been checked in!).

After having returned to the UK the stamped invoice should be sent back to the store in Germany where the merchandise was purchased. For the Tax Free Shopping Check you may be able to obtain a cash refund if they have an office at the airport. Otherwise the check should be sent to the address on the back of the Tax Free Shopping Check where you will find detailed instructions for the refund.

In very rare exceptional cases , you might get the export papers certified by a German diplomatic or consular mission. A plausible explanation has to be given in writing why it was not possible to receive the export stamp at the port of departure from Germany.

If you believe that such an exceptional case applies to you, please check here if you live in the London or the Edinburgh consular district.

Then, please contact the relevant German mission so that we can check your request:

Contact form For applicants living in the London consular district please select the following topic: Embassy London: Certifications For applicants living in the Edinburgh consular district please select the following topic: Consulate General Edinburgh: All other enquiries

Please do not book an appointment before you receive a confirmation message from us.

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A VAT refund guide to Germany

Which countries have reciprocity with Germany?

For a more detailed explanation on what reciprocity means within the scope of VAT, click here:

What expenses are claimable in Germany?

Entertainment, travel related, general expenses, additional information, how far back can your business claim vat from germany, what’s the foreign vat deadline in germany, how long does it take to receive a vat refund from germany, need help with your vat refund from germany.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve been helping companies reclaim foreign VAT refunds for over 20 years. We have the knowledge and technology to process your refunds quicker as well as attend to any unforeseen VAT authority queries that may arise.

Download the latest VAT Rates Country Guide

Start your journey by exploring what you can claim. Download the latest and full international VAT guide and never miss a deadline.

What are you looking for?

German customs and tax refund, german customs, tax refund from germany.

German Customs Infocenter (Zoll-Infocenter) Information and Knowledge Management Section of the German Customs Administration Central Information Unit Carusufer 3-5 01099 Dresden Inquiries in English: Tel.: 011 49 351/44834-530 Fax: 011 49 351/44834-590 [email protected] Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00 h (MEZ)

Website of the German Customs Infocenter (English Version)

Information for frequently asked questions can be found on the following websites:

Travelling with medicines Travelling with cash money

VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union.

How to get a tax refund from Germany

In Germany the amount paid for merchandise includes 19 % value added tax (VAT). The VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union. Please note that in order to qualify for tax-refund the merchandise has to be exported within three months of purchase.

Before you purchase any goods in Germany you should inform the retailer that you intend to export the goods. With your receipt you will receive a so-called “Ausfuhrbescheinigung” (export papers) or a Tax Free Shopping Check.

When leaving the European Union – through Germany only – the export papers or the Tax Free Shopping Check plus the following documents have to be presented to the Customs Service at the airport (you must leave Germany on a non-stop flight to a country outside the EU ):

customs online - tax free shopping

• the original receipt of the store
• the purchased goods (unused/unworn in its original packaging and with price tag)
• and your passport showing residence outside the EU

The export papers will be stamped after the goods have been examined. As you do have to show the goods please make sure that they are in your carry on (your suitcases will already have been checked in!). After having returned to your country of origin, the stamped invoice should be sent back to the store in Germany where the merchandise was purchased. For the Tax Free Shopping Check you may be able to obtain a cash refund if they have an office at the airport. Otherwise the check should be sent to the address on the back of the Tax Free Shopping Check where you will find detailed instructions for the refund.

Certification by German diplomatic or consular mission (exception)

In very rare exceptional cases a certification by a German diplomatic or consular mission is possible. A plausible explanation has to be given in writing why it was not possible to receive the export stamp at the port of departure from Germany.

The same procedure as at the customs service applies.

The following requirements must be met:

• You can prove that you live in Australia.
• The goods were bought in Germany.
• The goods were transported to Australia in your personal baggage.
• There is a maximum of 3 months between the purchase of the goods and your departure from Germany.
• Obtaining the export certificate from the competent customs office was not possible or unreasonable for reasons for which you were not responsible.
• Goods/goods are for personal, non-commercial use

If the above requirements are met, the responsible German mission abroad can issue the export certificate in exceptional cases. Please bring the following documents with you:

• The completed application form
• Your passport used to travel to Germany
• Flight ticket in your name / proof of the date of the return flight
• Proof of your place of residence in Australia (e.g. Australian driver's license)
• The goods purchased in Germany in their original packaging
• Original invoices with the associated forms filled out by the seller

There is a fee of 34,07 Euro for each individual export paper.

Please read our general information about fees and methods of payment

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Guide to Tax Free shopping in Germany

How to shop tax free in germany.

• Step 1: Go shopping
• Look for Planet logo and ask for Planet Tax Free form when making a purchase
• Step 2: Get Customs validation
• Step 3: Return your Tax Free form to Planet and receive your refund

Shopping in Germany

Go shopping and get your Tax Free form.

• 19% Standard VAT rate
• 7% Food, books and medicines
• per receipt
• Shoppers who are permanent residents in a non-EU country
• 3 months + the issuing month of the Tax Free Form
• 3 years from the issuing date of the Tax Free Form
• Pre-validation Cash: EUR 3000 Pre-validation Credit Card: EUR 3000 Post-validation Cash: EUR 3000

Get your Tax Free form approved by customs

Are you leaving via a country other than germany, refund requirements, required for refunding:.

• Fully completed Tax Free forms stamped by Customs
• Shop receipts
• Shop receipt must always contain VAT rate

Required for customs approval:

• Fully completed Tax Free form
• Unused purchased goods and receipts
• Passport and travel documents

Customs advice:

• Remember to validate your Tax Free forms at Customs at the last exit point before leaving EU.

How can I get my refund?

• Visit any Planet Refund Office
• Present the validated Tax Free Form together with shop receipts and get your refund
• Standard refund
• If you haven't received your refund at our Refund Point, provide your payment details on the Tax Free form, get Customs validation and return the Tax Free form together with shop receipts by post using Planet prepaid envelope. You can also leave your Tax Free form together with shop receipts in one of our Planet drop boxes.

What other refund options are available?

• Before leaving the EU from Germany you may get your refund prior to export validation
• To take advantage of this refund method the spend must be above 150 EUR per Tax Free form
• If you received the Tax Free refund before your departure, you must get your Tax Free Form Customs approved by the last EU Customs and return all stamped Tax-Free Forms to Planet Poland office within 21 days, otherwise your credit card used for guarantee will get charged as agreement confirmed.
• On your departure date, please allow enough time for Customs approval process before your flight, train, boat, or bus departs.
• Please make sure the purchased goods listed on the Tax Free Form are unused.

Search for refund locations in Germany

Contact our Planet support team.

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