Tax-free shopping in Czech Republic
Yes. Visitors who live outside the EU can get back about 11.3–17% of the price on purchases of at least CZK 2,000.01 by claiming the VAT (DPH) refund before they leave.
- VAT (DPH)
- 21%
- Minimum spend
- CZK 2,000.01
- Net refund
- 11.3–17%
- Refund at till
- No
Minimum basis: Per receipt, including VAT (the price must exceed CZK 2,000)
Who can claim
- You live outside the EU (residence decides, not nationality).
- You buy the goods for personal use and take them out of the EU in your luggage.
How to get the money back
- Ask for a tax-free receipt at the till and show your passport; the store records it in the customs system.
- Keep the goods unused and carry them with the receipt.
- At Prague airport, confirm export at a Czech Customs self-service kiosk before check-in; elsewhere, have customs at your last EU exit point confirm it.
- Claim the refund from the store or its refund operator within 6 months of purchase.
Where to validate: At a Czech Customs self-service kiosk at the airport (electronic system since 1 April 2026), or at customs at your LAST EU exit point if you leave the EU from another country.
Deadline: Goods must leave the EU within 3 months of purchase; ask for the refund within 6 months of purchase.
Paid out as: Card; Cash at operator desk (fee applies); Refund from the store
Visiting several EU countries? Validate at your last EU exit, wherever you bought the goods.
Not refundable
- Services (hotels, restaurants, car hire)
- Goods used before departure
Worth knowing
- Check that your passport number is printed correctly on the receipt, because export is now matched electronically.
- The new electronic system (EvDPH) started on 1 April 2026; some staff and stores may still hand out paper forms.
Estimate your refund for Czech Republic
Sources
- Czech Customs Administration (celnisprava.gov.cz): VAT refund to foreign individuals
- Czech Customs Administration: New electronic system for VAT refunds
- Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington: Tax free shopping
- VATupdate: New VAT refund procedure for third-country travellers (April 2026)
- Upon: Czech Republic VAT refund guide (net refund range)
Rules last checked 24 September 2026. Refund operators and customs can change procedures at short notice; confirm at the store before you buy.
Before you go: check the entry rules for your passport.
Other refund rules: Australia, Austria, China, Croatia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam