Are you planning a trip to France and wondering how to claim a VAT refund on your purchases? As a visitor to France, you may be eligible to buy goods tax-free and get a refund on the Value Added Tax (VAT) you paid during your stay. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a VAT refund step by step, making your shopping experience in France even more enjoyable (cheaper).
Country VAT rates
20% Standard VAT rate
10% Medicines and pharmaceutical
5.5% Food and books
2.1% Reduced rate for certain products and services
Minimum spend 100,01 euro. (or combined invoices, use an app!)
VAT Refund Calculator for France
| Refund | Percentage | VAT Rate |
|---|---|---|
| € 0.00 | 20% | 20% |
VAT Refund Guide for France
See French Customs Flyer (English)
1. Check Your Eligibility:
Ensure that you are eligible for the VAT refund. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a non-EU resident.
- Have spent less than six months in the EU.
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Make purchases for personal use, not for commercial purposes.
2. Carry Your Passport or non-EU-resident card
Always carry your passport with you while shopping. Your passport will be needed as proof that you are a non-EU resident eligible for the VAT refund.
3. Check vendor for VAT Form capabilities, Request an Invoice & VAT Tax Refund Document
While making your purchase, ensure you get an itemized invoice from the store. The invoice should include details such as the store’s name, your purchases, the total amount paid, and the VAT amount.
Ask the store for thea VAT Tax Refund document, also known as a tax-free form. This form will be crucial for processing your VAT refund. The form must be signed by both the retailer and you.
Before You Check-in your luggage/departure:
6. Stamp/Validate your VAT Refund form at a Customs Office at the place you are leaving the European Union.
If France is not your last country in Europe you go to before going back home, stamp your tax form in the country you will leave from. May it be Italy, Spain or another EU member state.
(Most Customs Offices / PABLO are found before the passport control. So go there before you check in your luggage, so you can show your bought items).
Before departing France, stamp your VAT refund document at a customs office at the airport or train station. These days, most forms go through an electronic machine and system called ‘Pablo’. You will only have to scan your form (or digital form or helping app) and you are done!
Keep the items with you when passing the customs office for your tax exemption stamp. You may be subjected to a test if you actually are taking the claimed items with you abroad. In case you cannot show them, a refund will not be given and you risk getting a fine.
Understanding Tax Refund Calculations
Understanding how tax refunds are calculated is crucial. While it might seem that a 20% VAT refund would result in a 20% reimbursement from your purchase, it’s not quite that simple. The calculation follows this pattern: Starting with 100 Euro + 20% equals 120 Euro. However, 120 Euro – 20% doesn’t equal 120 Euro. Instead, it’s 120 Euro – 16.66% which equals 100 Euro.
Keep in mind that the tax refund amount will be further reduced after accounting for administration fees.
7. Anticipate Your Refund
You can expect to receive your VAT refund within the next 30 to 90 days, up to 6 months in case of the holiday season (June-August). The refund will be credited to the same credit card you used for the eligible purchases.
8. Enjoy Your Savings!
Once you receive your VAT refund, enjoy the extra savings from your tax-free shopping in France!
Happy shopping and bon voyage!
Understanding the VAT Tax Refund Process
Steps for Obtaining VAT Tax Refund
Start Your Shopping Spree!
Spend €100.01 or More at a Single Store or Department Store
Request an Invoice for Your Purchase
Get a VAT Tax Refund Document
Ensure You Carry Your Passport
Stamp your Tax document Before Leaving France/EU
Validate Your Tax Refund Documents at the Airport, Train Station or Port of departure
Keep Your Purchases Accessible for Customs Inspection
Anticipate Your Refund!
Within the Next 30 – 90 Days, Receive Your Refund on the Original Credit Card Used for Purchase.
It can take up to six months when you submit during summer.
From the French Customs‘ website:
If you travel by international train
You must have the tax refund slips stamped during the trip or at the border station (on leaving the European Union) by the customs service.
If you are traveling on a ship or an international road vehicle
You must have the tax refund slips endorsed by the customs services at the last port or at the road exit point from the European Union.
If you leave the European Union via a Member State other than France
After checking, the customs service of this Member State will return the document to you.
Locations of French Customs PABLO VAT Stamp terminals:
Location of Pablo terminals deployed in the french country (pdf)
Question & Answers
Q&A: VAT Refund in France
Who is eligible for a VAT refund in France?
Non-EU residents who have spent less than six months in the EU, are at least 16 years old, and make purchases for personal use (not commercial purposes) are eligible for a VAT refund in France.
How much VAT refund can I expect to receive?
On average, you can expect a 12% refund on your eligible purchases (with a commercial VAt refund processor). However, certain items such as pharmacy goods offer a 10% refund, and food and books provide a 5.5% refund.
What is the minimum purchase amount required to qualify for a VAT refund?
The minimum purchase amount to qualify for a VAT refund varies, but it is usually around €175. Some stores may have different minimum spend requirements, so it’s best to check with them beforehand.
How do I request a VAT refund form?
When making a qualifying purchase at a store displaying the “Tax-Free Shopping” or “Detaxe” logo, ask the cashier for the VAT refund form and present your passport as proof of eligibility.
Where do I get the VAT refund form stamped?
Before leaving France, you must get the VAT refund form stamped by the customs authorities. You can do this at the airport or at designated customs offices in major cities. See locations.
Can I get an immediate refund at the store?
Some large department stores offer on-the-spot refunds at a slightly lower rate (around 10.8%). However, for the standard refund process, it may take several weeks to months to receive the refund.
Do I need to keep my purchases accessible?
Yes, it’s essential to keep the purchased items with you and accessible, as customs officers may want to verify them when you request the VAT refund.
Can I use a VAT refund app for the process?
Yes, there are VAT refund apps available that allow you to process the refund digitally from your mobile phone. This can help consolidate purchases from different shops and avoid the minimum spend restriction per transaction.
Can I claim a VAT refund if I have a layover in another EU country?
No, you must process the VAT refund in the country you leave from, not where the layover occurs.
What if I forget to submit the VAT refund form at the airport?
If you forget to submit the VAT refund form at the airport, you can still request a refund by following specific steps and submitting the necessary documents to the French Customs authorities within six months of purchase.