Tax-Free Shopping in Germany 🇩🇪

Value Added Tax (VAT) in Germany

• Local currency is EUR

• Standard VAT rate: 19%

• Low VAT rate: 7% on food and some optical products.

• Low VAT rate: 0% on medicines, pharmaceutical goods, books, magazines.
  

6 Tax-Free shopping rules for Germany

1. You must receive a proper invoice from the store, showing your full name, non-EU address and passport number

2. If you did not receive a proper invoice from the store, a Tax-Free form is mandatory for customs

3. You must spend a minimum of €50,01 (including VAT) per store, per day

4. You must get proof of export before the end of the 3rd month, after the month of purchase

5. You must live in a non-EU country at least 6 months of the year

6. The goods you buy (online or in stores) are for private use

Where to get proof of export from Customs?

Germany customs hasn’t digitalized yet and you can still get a customs stamp at manual customs desks. These are located at all international airports in Germany and usually located close to check-in desks. If you’re unsure, ask an airport employee to point you in the right direction, or check our airport guides below.

Bring to Customs:

• A complete invoice from the store, showing your name, non-EU address and passport number

• If you don't have a complete invoice from the store, an additional Tax-Free form is mandatory

• Purchased items

• Passport (If you have an EU passport; other proof of residence outside the EU)

• Boarding pass

Airports:

Berlin Airport
Düsseldorf Airport
Frankfurt Airport
Munich Airport

Good to know

• If you don't have a complete invoice from the store, an additional Tax-Free form is mandatory for Customs

• Please plan in some extra time at the airport, so you have time to visit Customs before your flight. An extra 30 minutes before check-in time is usually enough.

• Make sure your new items are in an unused condition.

• If you were not able to get proof of export when leaving the EU, check the alternatives here.