Tax-Free Shopping in The Netherlands 🇳🇱

One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of The Netherlands is its extensive network of canals and waterways. Amsterdam, the vibrant capital, is often called the "Venice of the North" for its intricate canal system and charming waterside architecture. Visitors can explore this historic city by strolling along cobblestone streets, cruising on canal boats, and admiring the 17th-century canal houses.

The Netherlands is a country that values its traditions and history. It is home to famous painters like Rembrandt and Vincent van Gogh, and you can explore their works in world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam provides a poignant look into the history of World War II.

Beyond its rich history, The Netherlands is known for its progressive and inclusive society. It's a leader in environmental sustainability, with windmills, dykes, and polders serving as engineering marvels designed to protect the low-lying country from the sea. Dutch cities consistently rank among the most bicycle-friendly in the world, with an extensive network of bike lanes.

Value Added Tax (VAT) in The Netherlands

• Local currency is € Euro

• VAT is applied to all purchases

• Standard VAT rate: 21%

• Low VAT rate: 9% on food, books and some other products and services

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 Latvia. In order to be eligible for a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund, you must have spent a minimum of € 50 in each store per day.

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 Schiphol Amsterdam Airport 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 2 hours before check-in time is recommended.

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 from a Dutch 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 Dutch 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 like Rotterdam, there may be no Customs Official present, in this case, look for the Customs deposit box and instructions.