Tax-free shopping in Switzerland

Yes. Visitors who don't live in Switzerland can get back about 3.8–6% of the price on purchases of at least CHF 300 by claiming the VAT (MWST/TVA/IVA) refund before they leave.

VAT (MWST/TVA/IVA)

8.1%

Minimum spend

CHF 300

Net refund

3.8–6%

Refund at till

No

Minimum basis: Per invoice from one store, including VAT (retail price at least CHF 300)

Who can claim

• You live outside Switzerland (and Liechtenstein, which shares its VAT area).
• You take the goods out of Switzerland yourself for private use.

How to get the money back

1. Ask the store for an export document or tax-free form and show your passport.
2. Leave Switzerland through a staffed customs office during its opening hours.
3. Declare the goods to Swiss customs without being asked and have the form confirmed.
4. Claim the refund from the store or its refund operator; customs and the tax authority do not pay refunds.

Where to validate: At a staffed Swiss customs office when you leave Switzerland (airport customs or a manned road border crossing within opening hours). Unstaffed crossings cannot confirm export.

Deadline: Goods must leave Switzerland within 30 days of purchase.

Paid out as: Card; Cash at airport operator desk (fee applies); Refund from the store

Not refundable

• Services (hotels, restaurants, car hire)
• Goods used before departure

Worth knowing

• Switzerland is outside the EU: if you enter the EU next, you may owe EU import VAT above your duty-free allowance.
• Some operator pages mention validating within 90 days, but the official tourism site says goods must leave within 30 days; plan for 30.

Estimate your refund for Switzerland

Sources

• Swiss Federal Tax Administration (estv.admin.ch): Tax free for tourists
• Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (bazg.admin.ch): Refunds of Swiss VAT
• Switzerland Tourism (myswitzerland.com): Tax free shopping
• Upon: Switzerland 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.