General information on German VAT refunds

In Germany the amount paid for merchandise includes 19 % value added tax (VAT). The VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union. Please note that in order to qualify for tax-refund the merchandise has to be exported within three months of purchase. . The VAT refund is voluntary and can be refused.

Before you purchase any goods in Germany you should inform the retailer that you intend to export the goods to the United Kingdom. With your receipt you will receive a so-called “Ausfuhrbescheinigung” (export papers) or a Tax Free Shopping Check.

Please note that export papers can only be issued for goods purchased in Germany (i.e. not for goods purchased in other EU countries).

When leaving the European Union – through Germany only – the export papers or the Tax Free Shopping Check plus

• the original receipt of the store
• the purchased goods (unused/unworn in its original packaging and with price tag)
• your passport showing residence outside the EU
• and the used tickets as proof of stay in Germany

have to be presented to the Customs Service at the airport (you must leave Germany on a non-stop flight to a country outside the EU). The export papers will be stamped after the goods have been examined. As you do have to show the goods, please make sure that they are in your carry on luggage (your suitcases will already have been checked in!).

After having returned to the UK the stamped invoice should be sent back to the store in Germany where the merchandise was purchased. For the Tax Free Shopping Check you may be able to obtain a cash refund if they have an office at the airport. Otherwise the check should be sent to the address on the back of the Tax Free Shopping Check where you will find detailed instructions for the refund.

Certification by German diplomatic or consular mission (exception)

In very rare exceptional cases, you might get the export papers certified by a German diplomatic or consular mission. A plausible explanation has to be given in writing why it was not possible to receive the export stamp at the port of departure from Germany.

The same procedure as at the customs service applies:

• original receipt
• export papers or Tax Free Shopping Check
• purchased goods (unused/unworn in its original packaging and with price tag)
• and your passport together with proof of residency

have to be presented to a consular officer for inspection.

There is a fee of 34.07 Euro for the seal on each individual export paper.

Please note that the certification can only be issued for goods purchased in Germany (for goods purchased in other EU member states please consult the respective Embassy/ Consulate).

If you believe that such an exceptional case applies to you, please check here if you live in the London or the Edinburgh consular district.

Then, please contact the relevant German mission so that we can check your request:

Contact form
For applicants living in the London consular district please select the following topic: Embassy London: Certifications
For applicants living in the Edinburgh consular district please select the following topic: Consulate General Edinburgh: All other enquiries

Please do not book an appointment before you receive a confirmation message from us.