📖 Complete Guide: Read our comprehensive VAT refund guide for Germany with step-by-step instructions and insider tips.
VAT Refund Essentials
VAT Rate Breakdown
What you can (and can't) VAT refund
Shopping Cities in Germany
Berlin
Contemporary shopping in 25 creative districts
Munich
Bavarian luxury shopping excellence
Hamburg
Hanseatic elegance meets modern shopping
Cologne
Rhineland shopping and fashion hub
Frankfurt
Financial district luxury and high-end retail
Düsseldorf
Fashion capital of the Rhine
Dresden
Baroque beauty and elegant boutiques
Nuremberg
Medieval charm with modern shopping
Leipzig
Cultural renaissance and creative retail
Heidelberg
Romantic shopping on the Neckar
Iconic German Brands
Hugo Boss
German tailoring and modern elegance
Adidas
Iconic German sportswear and sneakers
KaDeWe
Europe's largest department store in Berlin
Oberpollinger
Munich's luxury shopping landmark since 1905
Ludwig Beck
Munich's elegant shopping destination
Breuninger
Premium German department store chain
Where to validate your VAT Refund before leaving
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
- Terminal 1: Customs office in departure area
- Tax refund operator desks after customs validation
- Available during international flight operations
- Digital and paper forms accepted
Munich Airport (MUC)
- Terminal 2: Customs validation desks near check-in
- Multiple tax refund operator locations
- Efficient German processing systems
- Available 24/7 for international flights
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Terminal 1 & 2: Customs offices in departure halls
- Tax refund desks throughout terminals
- Germany's largest refund processing center
Important: German customs are efficient and organized. Arrive 2-3 hours early for international flights
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I actually get back with a VAT refund in Germany?
With Germany's 19% VAT rate, you can reclaim approximately 13-15% of your purchase price after service fees. For example, on a €1,000 shopping spree, you'd get back around €130-€150. The exact amount depends on the VAT refund operator's fees (typically 20-30% of the VAT amount).
What is the minimum purchase required for VAT refund in Germany?
In Germany, the official minimum is €50.01 per store, per day - one of the lowest in Europe. However, with TravelMoney, you can combine purchases from multiple stores - as long as your total spending reaches €50.01 and you have invoices mentioning TravelMoney, you qualify for a refund.
Do I need to show my purchases at the airport for VAT refund?
Yes, German customs officers need to verify you're taking the items out of the EU. Keep all purchases unused with original tags and packaging easily accessible. You must present them BEFORE checking your luggage. German customs are thorough but efficient.
How long does it take to receive my VAT refund?
Cash refunds at airport desks are immediate but have higher fees. Credit card refunds typically take 4-8 weeks to process and appear on your statement. Germany's refund processing is generally faster and more reliable than other EU countries.
Can I get a VAT refund if I'm traveling to another EU country first?
Yes, but you must get customs validation at your FINAL exit point from the EU, not in Germany. For example, if you shop in Germany but fly home via Amsterdam, you validate your forms in Amsterdam. Keep all purchases unused throughout your EU travels.
What items are NOT eligible for VAT refund?
You cannot claim VAT refunds on services (hotels, restaurants, tours), consumables used during your trip (food, drinks), tobacco, alcohol, second-hand items, and commercial purchases. Only physical goods for personal use that you export from the EU qualify.
Do I need my passport to shop tax-free?
Yes, your passport is essential. German stores need your passport information to create tax-free forms (Ausfuhrbescheinigung), and customs officers require it at the airport for validation. A driver's license or photocopy won't work.