Cologne
VAT Refund Shopping Guide
Shopping Districts in Cologne
Discover VAT refund shopping in Cologne. From Hohe Straße to Schildergasse, explore Rhine shopping. Get instant tax-free refunds with TravelMoney.
5 shopping districts • 295+ tax-free shops
Schildergasse
Bustling pedestrian shopping street with high-street brands
ExploreHohe Straße
Historic shopping street linking Cathedral to main shopping district
ExploreEhrenstraße
Trendy street with independent fashion and design boutiques
ExploreAltstadt
Historic Old Town with traditional shops and souvenirs
ExploreBelgisches Viertel
Trendy quarter with independent fashion and lifestyle stores
ExploreWhy Shop in Cologne with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
295+ Tax-Free Stores
From luxury brands to local boutiques
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Pro-tips from your AI tax-free shopper
Before making a purchase
Request custom invoice
When making a purchase
Pay in local currency
After shopping
Upload the invoice & receipt
When leaving the EU
Scan barcode at point of departure (airport, port, train station)
VAT Refund Essentials for Germany
What you can (and can't) VAT refund
- Eligible items: Handbags, leather goods, clothing, shoes, electronics, jewelry, watches, beauty and makeup, sports equipment, apparel, souvenirs
- Not eligible: hotel stays, restaurants, transportation, alcohol, tobacco, second-hand items, airport duty-free purchases
Germany applies different VAT rates depending on the product category. Most physical goods like fashion, electronics, and beauty products are subject to the standard VAT rate of 19%. When shopping in Cologne, you can claim back a significant portion of the VAT you pay on eligible purchases.
Minimum Spend: €25 (across multiple purchases)
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: €25 in total purchase value
- Eligibility: Non-EU permanent residents, under 6-month stay, purchasing goods for personal use
- Time limits: 3 months to validate the barcode at point of departure + 6 months to claim
For Shoppers
Get up to 100% VAT refunds on your Cologne shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
List your shop and reach international travelers looking for tax-free shopping.