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Tax-free shopping in Germany

Yes. Visitors who live outside the EU can get back about 10–13% of the price on purchases of at least €50.01 by claiming the VAT (Umsatzsteuer/MwSt) refund before they leave.

Changing on 1 January 2027: The Jahressteuergesetz 2026 (cabinet-approved) would make the €50 minimum permanent instead of time-limited; the amount would stay the same.
VAT (Umsatzsteuer/MwSt)
19%
Minimum spend
€50.01
Net refund
10–13%
Refund at till
No

Minimum basis: Over €50 incl. VAT per receipt/delivery from one store

Who can claim

  • You live outside the EU (residence decides, not passport).
  • You carry the goods out in your personal luggage.

How to get the money back

  1. Show your passport at the till and ask for a tax-free form or export receipt (Ausfuhrkassenzettel).
  2. Keep the goods unused, with the receipt.
  3. At your last EU exit point, show goods, form and passport at the customs (Zoll) desk before check-in and get the export stamp.
  4. Crossing to Switzerland by land, you can instead use the customs dAKZ app at participating stores and border offices.
  5. Send or hand the stamped form to the refund operator or store to get your money.

Where to validate: At the customs (Zoll) desk of your LAST EU exit point, before check-in; German airports still use a manual stamp.

Deadline: Goods must leave the EU before the end of the third month after the month of purchase (e.g. bought in June, export by 30 September).

Paid out as: Card; Cash at airport refund desk (extra fee); Refund from the store after returning the stamped receipt

Visiting several EU countries? Validate at your last EU exit, wherever you bought the goods.

Not refundable

  • Services (hotels, restaurants, car hire)
  • Goods for commercial use
  • Goods used or consumed in the EU

Worth knowing

  • If your goods go in checked baggage, get the customs stamp before you drop the bag.
  • The dAKZ digital export receipt app (pilot since 16 June 2026) is voluntary, for adults with verified non-EU residence, and currently aimed at the Swiss land border.

Estimate your refund for Germany

Sources

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, Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam