How to get a VAT Refund in Slovenia

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Time to go shopping in ljubljana or other places in Slovenia? You can do this tax-free with very little effort, if you are a non-EU resident.

Blet, Slovenia with mountains of the Alps in the background

22% VAT Rate in Slovenia for goods and services

The standard VAT rate is 22%. The standard VAT rate generally applies for all goods and services for which no exemption, 0% or one of the reduced VAT rates is foreseen. Except, as non-EU resident!

VAT Refund Calculator for Slovenia


Refund Percentage VAT Rate
€ 0.00 22% 22%

How to get your VAT refund:

1. Meet the Eligibility Criteria:

  • Ensure that you do not have permanent or habitual residence in the EU.
  • The value of goods purchased, including VAT, on a single invoice must exceed EUR 50.
  • The goods and VAT refund application form provided by the seller must be submitted to the customs authority at the border.

2. Collect Required Documentation:

  • Gather original invoices from the seller indicating the value of goods purchased and VAT paid.
  • Fill in the VAT refund application form provided by the seller.

3. Visit Customs Authority:

  • Before leaving the EU, and before checking-in (!!!), visit the customs authority at the border where you will be exiting.
  • Present the original invoices, VAT refund application form (DDV-VTD form), and the goods for inspection.

4. Receive Customs Verification:

The customs authority will examine the original application and invoices, and they will indicate the date when the goods were taken out of the EU.

5. Ensure Timely Exit:

You must leave the EU with the goods before the end of the third month following the month of purchase.

6. Refund Process:

  • The customs authority will process the VAT refund based on the information provided.
  • The refunded amount will be sent to you through the specified refund method.

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.

Sources: Financial administration of the Republic of Slovenia