VAT Refunds in The Netherlands for Non-EU Visitors

• Standard VAT Rate (21%): Clothing, electronics, home appliances, non-alcoholic beverages, and entertainment services.
• Reduced VAT Rate (9%): Food, non-alcoholic beverages in cafes, books, hotel accommodations, and cultural events.

Are you planning a trip to the Netherlands and looking forward to indulging in some retail therapy? As a non-EU resident, you might be eligible for a valuable tax refund on your purchases. The Value Added Tax (VAT) refund scheme allows visitors to claim back the VAT they paid on qualifying purchases, making your shopping experience even more rewarding.

We’ll walk you through the process of claiming a VAT refund in the Netherlands, including how to claim without using intermediaries and provide valuable tips to ensure a smooth and successful refund process.

VAT Refund Calculator

VAT Refunds in the Netherlands Guide

Eligibility Criteria for VAT Refunds:

To qualify for a VAT refund, you must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: You must permanently reside outside the European Union. (In case you are European and are living outside the EU, bring a foreign residence card).
• Minimum Purchase Amount: Your purchases from a single shop on the same day must total at least €50.
• Timely Departure: You need to transport your unused purchases out of the European Union before the end of the third month following the month of purchase.

Identifying Participating Stores:

Look for shops displaying tax-free shopping logos or stickers on their doors, tills, or shop windows. Not all retailers in Amsterdam participate in the VAT refund scheme of the big intermediaries.

However, stores that do not participate with the big tax-back intermediaries, can still provide you with a tax-free form. Instead of cashing your refund from an intermediary at the airport, you will send them your stamped tax forms to the retailer, and wait for your refund processed by them. (This way, you don’t lose your refund to hefty commissions!)

Obtaining the Tax-Free Form:

When making qualifying purchases, request a tax-free form from the retailer. Complete the form with your name, country of origin, passport number, and item details, including price and applicable VAT. Remember to keep the original receipt and attach it to the form.

How do I claim VAT at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?

Arrive at the airport on time on the day of your flight, and make sure you have enough time to visit two or more tax refund desks to make your claim(s). You can find these desks in Departure Hall 3. The map below shows their exact location.

Customs Validation:

Before leaving the Netherlands, head to the customs desk at Schiphol Airport in Departure Hall 3 with your unused purchases, receipts, passport, and flight details. Customs officials will verify the items and provide a stamp on your tax-free form as proof of validation.

Claiming VAT Refunds without Intermediaries:

While some retailers participate in networks operated by refund intermediaries like Global Blue or Travelex, others may choose to handle the VAT refund process independently. If you made purchases from an independent retailer, you may need to mail your stamped tax-free form(s) directly to the store. Be patient and allow time for processing the refund, which may take a few weeks.

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.

Remember that the tax refund amount will be further reduced after accounting for hired administration fees of intermediaries.

Choosing Your Refund Option:

At Schiphol Airport, you have two options to claim your VAT refund:

• Instant Refund: Visit the tax refund partner desks, such as Global Blue or Travelex, affiliated with the shop(s) where you made your purchases. Submit your stamped tax-free form(s) to receive an immediate cash refund.
• Credit Card Refund: Opt for the credit card refund option by posting your stamped tax-free form(s) in a designated mailbox provided by Global Blue, Planet, or Innova. The refund will be automatically credited to your credit card within a few weeks.

Tips & Advice

For non-EU visitors seeking VAT refunds in the Netherlands, following these steps can make the process seamless and rewarding. Remember to retain all receipts and tax-free forms, ensuring customs validation before opening any purchased items. By choosing the right refund option and understanding how to claim without intermediaries, you can make the most of your shopping experience in Amsterdam.

To recap:

Don’t miss the opportunity to claim back VAT on your Amsterdam purchases as a non-EU visitor. Understanding the eligibility criteria, obtaining the necessary tax-free forms, and getting customs validation are essential steps in ensuring a successful VAT refund process. Whether you choose to claim through refund partners or independently, remember to keep an eye out for participating stores displaying tax-free shopping logos. Enjoy your shopping spree in Amsterdam and reap the benefits of VAT refunds for a more rewarding travel experience. Happy shopping!