Tax-free shopping in Netherlands

Yes. Visitors who live outside the EU can get back about 11–16% of the price on purchases of at least €50 by claiming the VAT (BTW) refund before they leave.

VAT (BTW)

21%

Minimum spend

€50

Net refund

11–16%

Refund at till

No

Minimum basis: At least €50 incl. VAT per invoice from one store

Who can claim

• You live outside the EU (residence decides, not passport).

How to get the money back

1. Show your passport at the till; since 1 January 2026 the store registers the purchase digitally (no paper form).
2. Install the NL Customs VAT app and scan your passport to see your registered purchases.
3. At the Dutch departure point, select your purchases, enter travel details and submit the validation request.
4. If the app asks for a manual check, take the goods to the customs office.
5. Your refund operator or store pays you once the validation is approved.

Where to validate: In the NL Customs VAT app at your departure point (Schiphol, Eindhoven, Rotterdam The Hague airports and listed ferry and cruise terminals) if the Netherlands is your LAST EU exit; otherwise at customs of your last EU exit point.

Deadline: Get export validation before the end of the third month after the month of purchase.

Paid out as: Card; Cash at airport refund desk (extra fee)

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

• Turn on Bluetooth and location: the app uses them to confirm you are at the departure point.
• Dutch paper forms are no longer stamped from 2026, so make sure each store actually registered your purchase.

Estimate your refund for Netherlands

Sources

• Dutch Customs (douane.nl): How do I reclaim VAT on my purchases?
• Dutch Customs: App 'NL Customs VAT'
• Schiphol: Reclaim VAT at Schiphol
• European Commission: VAT refunds for travellers leaving the EU
• Global Blue: Netherlands
• Privé: Netherlands VAT refund 2026

Rules last checked 24 September 2026. Refund operators and customs can change procedures at short notice; confirm at the store before you buy.