Tax-Free Shopping in Sweden 🇸🇪

Shopping in Sweden offers a diverse range of options, from high-end boutiques in Stockholm's fashionable districts to quaint, locally-owned shops in charming small towns. Visitors can also explore the country's famous design culture and find iconic Scandinavian brands like IKEA and H&M.

Sweden is a must-visit destination for shoppers, with a variety of unique and trendy stores, high-end boutiques, and bustling shopping centers to explore. Stockholm, the capital city, is particularly known for its shopping experience, offering visitors everything from luxury fashion brands to affordable vintage finds. Stroll along the fashionable streets of Biblioteksgatan or Birger Jarlsgatan to discover designer stores, or explore the bohemian and trendy Södermalm neighborhood for vintage and independent shops. Take a break in one of the cozy cafes and restaurants that line the city streets, serving up delicious Swedish cuisine and pastries.

Sweden is also a country with a strong focus on sustainability, and this is reflected in the shopping experience. From recycled and upcycled fashion to eco-friendly home goods, there are plenty of ways to shop sustainably in Sweden. And don't forget to take advantage of tax-free shopping to make the most of your budget.

Overall, Stockholm offers a unique and unforgettable shopping experience that blends modern and traditional Swedish culture. Explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods and discover the perfect souvenirs to take home from your trip.

Value Added Tax (VAT) in Sweden

  • Local currency is € Euro

  • VAT is applied to all purchases

  • Standard VAT rate: 25%

  • Low VAT rate: 12% on food and some optical products. 

  • Low VAT rate: 6% on medicines, pharmaceutical goods, books, magazines.

5 Tax-Free shopping rules

  1. You must live at least 6 months out of each year in a non-EU country.

  2. You must purchase goods (online or in stores) for private use to take back home to a non-EU country.

  3. Upon purchasing goods, let the store know you will export the goods. The store will provide you with a tax-free form.

  4. There is a minimum spend for a tax refund in Sweden. In order to be eligible for a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund, you must have spent a minimum of SEK 200, which is approximately €20, based on current exchange rates. 

  5. You must get a Customs export validation stamp before the end of the 3rd month, after the month of purchase. So if you buy a product in February, you can declare the product for export validation till the end of May of that year. The Customs export validation (either an ink stamp on your documentation or digitally approved) is mandatory to prove export of goods. Without this proof, no VAT refund can be issued.

Where to get Customs validation?

  • At the last EU departure point like the airports of Sweden, Gothenburg or upon arrival in a non-EU country.

  • Required documentation to show the Customs officer: 

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

  • Boarding pass;

  • Purchased items;

  • Purchase invoices/receipts and/or tax free forms.

Good to know

At the airport, please allow enough time for Customs approval process before your flight departs. An extra 30 minutes before check-in time is usually enough.

Make sure the goods are in an unused condition.

Make sure to visit Customs before check-in as you will probably check in your main luggage. If you plan to carry the goods in your hand luggage, visit Customs after check-in if the airport map shows this option.

Make sure to take a photo of your stamped documents after visiting Customs. Upload these photos via the vatfree.com app or after logging in to your account. In case of loss, you will always have the digital copies in a safe place and the VAT refund process might still be able to take place.

If you are departing a Swedish airport but changing flights at another EU airport, and if the goods you are exporting are to be checked through to a destination outside the EU, go to Customs at the Swedish airport and your documentation will be export validated as if you were at the EU departure point. If your luggage is not checked through to a destination outside the EU, you need to have your documentation export validated at the EU airport where the changing flights occur. 

In smaller airports, there may be no Customs Official present, in this case, look for the Customs deposit box and instructions.