vatfree.com 4.1.2

Thanks to a special EU regulation, international travelers have the opportunity to claim a VAT refund on goods purchased in the EU. At Vatfree.com, we are dedicated to helping you maximize your VAT refund on shopping in the European Union, including online purchases. We strive to make the process easy and ensure you receive the highest possible refund. It is unfortunate that millions of euros go unclaimed each year, money that could be reinvested in yourself, others, or the world.

Why Choose Vatfree.com?

The Highest Refund

By keeping your receipts, you can save up to 25% on your purchases made in the EU. Each country has its own VAT rates, and it's important to note that VAT refund is only possible at partner and participating shops. We provide a comprehensive list of participating stores in our tax-free shopping guide and mobile app.

The Most Transparent

We offer an inclusive service, welcoming every merchant or shop to join our platform. By offering tax-free shopping alongside other refund partners, we provide travelers with a wider range of choices. As the fastest-growing mobile option with the highest guaranteed refund for diverse traveler groups, we prioritize transparency and customer satisfaction.

We understand that many travelers feel uncomfortable when faced with high fees for claiming their entitled VAT refund. This discomfort is amplified after already going through the efforts of arranging the refund.

The regulation states that when exporting goods to a non-EU country, VAT payment is not required. However, to claim the initial paid VAT, travelers must stand in line at Customs before their departure and obtain proof of export. This process can be stressful, time-consuming, and may result in missed opportunities if queues are long and flights need to be caught. After collecting the stamp from Customs, the only way to claim back the VAT is by contacting the shop. Unfortunately, some shops may be uncooperative, charge high fees (with or without a tax-free partner), or have long processing times, leading to disappointment.

Traditional tax-free companies typically charge fees ranging from 35% to 60% of the VAT amount and are only an option if shops are affiliated. We have taken advantage of modern technology to create an open platform where all shops can easily join without requiring contracts. By minimizing costs, we can offer the highest possible refund. Our service fee starts at €2.50 per receipt, with a maximum of €80. We believe that by providing a cost-effective solution, we benefit both travelers and stores, ultimately creating long-lasting relationships with our satisfied customers.

Our mission is to facilitate tax-free shopping for travelers at stores and brands that value their patrons.

The Best in Mobile

With airports requiring travelers to arrive at least three hours before their flights and extensive safety procedures, time is limited for arranging a Customs validation stamp on receipts. Waiting in line at Customs can take up to half an hour or more. Adding the additional step of queuing at a desk for a cash refund can further extend the process to an hour or more. Recognizing that time is precious, we developed the first-ever tax-free shopping app in 2016. This allows travelers to finalize refund claims whenever they find a spare moment, whether on the plane back home or in the comfort of their own homes.

The Most Diverse

As the first and only tax-free shopping service established by travelers for travelers, we prioritize meeting the unique needs of diverse traveler groups. Our service extends to various types of travelers such as tourists, cruise passengers, military personnel, expats, and international students.

We are also equipped to assist travelers in claiming VAT refunds for shopping made online, offline, cross-border, and over purchases with both low and high VAT rates. This encompasses stores listed in our shopping guide as well as those that are new to us.