Primark
Complete VAT Refund Guide for Europe
Planning to shop at Primark in Europe? This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to maximize your VAT refund savings, where to find Primark stores across Europe, and insider tips to get the most money back on your purchases.
About Primark
Founded in Dublin, Ireland in June 1969 by Arthur Ryan on behalf of the Weston family (Associated British Foods), Primark opened its first shop at 47 Mary Street in Dublin—still operating today. The store was originally named "Penneys" and continues to trade under this name exclusively in Ireland (Primark owns the rights in Ireland, while JCPenney owns "Penney's" elsewhere). The brand pioneered ultra-affordable fast fashion decades before Zara and H&M dominated the market. Today, Primark operates over 470 stores across 18 countries in Europe, the US, and the Middle East, employing 80,000+ colleagues. In May 2025, Primark announced a franchise partnership with Alshaya Group to open stores in Kuwait (October 2025) and Dubai (2026). In March 2025, the brand opened its first-ever standalone homeware shop in Belfast, marking a new retail strategy.
Signature Products & Prices
Basic T-shirts & Tops
€3–€8
Jeans & Trousers
€10–€20
Dresses
€12–€25
Primark Home (Bedding, Decor)
€5–€30
Shoes & Accessories
€5–€15
Why Shop Primark in Europe?
Primark is a European brand (Irish-founded, UK-based) with prices already rock-bottom globally, but Spain's zero VAT minimum makes it THE best country for Primark shopping—get up to 15.7% refunds on any purchase amount. No other European country offers this advantage for ultra-budget fashion. The brand's Madrid and Barcelona flagships offer the widest selection in Southern Europe.
Best Cities to Shop Primark
Madrid
Gran Vía flagship—Europe headquarters, busiest store worldwide
Barcelona
Two major locations (Diagonal Mar, CC L'illa), full collections
Why Shop Primark with TravelMoney
Up to 100% VAT Refunds
Get significantly more money back compared to standard 12% refunds
7 Primark Locations
Across 6 European cities
Instant Refunds
No waiting weeks for your money back
Digital Process
Upload receipts, scan at airport, done
Primark Store Locations in Europe
Berlin
Primark Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 21:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 21:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 21:00
thursday: 10:00 - 21:00
friday: 10:00 - 21:00
saturday: 10:00 - 21:00
sunday: Closed
Lyon
Primark Part-Dieu
Centre Commercial Part-Dieu, 69003 Lyon, France
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 20:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
friday: 10:00 - 20:00
saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
sunday: 11:00 - 19:00
Madrid
Primark Gran Vía
Calle Gran Vía, 32, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Opening Hours:
monday: 09:30 - 22:00
tuesday: 09:30 - 22:00
wednesday: 09:30 - 22:00
thursday: 09:30 - 22:00
friday: 09:30 - 22:30
saturday: 09:30 - 22:30
sunday: 09:30 - 22:00
Marseille
Primark La Valentine
La Galerie La Valentine, 13011 Marseille, France
Porto
Primark Via Catarina
Rua de Santa Catarina 312 a 350, 4000-443 Porto, Portugal
Primark NorteShopping
NorteShopping, 4460-841 Matosinhos, Portugal
Sevilla
Primark Nervión Plaza
Calle Luis de Morales, 3-5, 41005 Sevilla, Spain
Opening Hours:
monday: 10:00 - 22:00
tuesday: 10:00 - 22:00
wednesday: 10:00 - 22:00
thursday: 10:00 - 22:00
friday: 10:00 - 22:00
saturday: 10:00 - 22:00
sunday: 11:00 - 21:00
How Much Can You Save?
VAT Refund Examples
Purchase: €1,000 → Get back €120-150 (standard refund) or up to €180 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €5,000 → Get back €600-750 (standard refund) or up to €900 (TravelMoney)
Purchase: €10,000 → Get back €1,200-1,500 (standard refund) or up to €1,800 (TravelMoney)
How to Get Your VAT Refund: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before making a purchase
Request Custom Invoice
When checking out at Primark, request the invoice to be made out to "Travel Money" with our Paris address. This is critical for maximizing your refund.
Step 2: When making a purchase
Pay in Local Currency
Always choose to pay in euros (€) instead of your home currency to avoid poor exchange rates and maximize savings.
Step 3: After shopping
Upload Invoice & Receipt
Immediately upload your Primark invoice and receipt in the TravelMoney app. Don't wait until you get to the airport.
Step 4: When leaving the EU
Scan Barcode at Point of Departure
At the airport, port, or train station, scan the barcode on your TravelMoney app at customs. Bring your Primark purchase in carry-on for potential inspection.
VAT Refund Essentials
Core Requirements
- Minimum Spend: No minimum in total purchase value
- Eligibility: Non-EU permanent residents, under 6-month stay, purchasing goods for personal use
- Time limits: 3 months to validate at point of departure + 6 months to claim refund
- VAT Rate: 21% standard rate (most luxury goods)
Pro Tips for Primark Shoppers
- →Spain has NO VAT minimum—get refunds on even the smallest Primark purchases (unique in Europe)
- →Gran Vía Madrid flagship is Primark's Europe headquarters and one of the busiest stores worldwide
- →Barcelona locations: Diagonal Mar (Avenida Diagonal, 3) and CC L'illa, open Mon-Sat 09:30-22:00
- →Sustainability: Look for "Primark Cares" labels—garments made with recycled or more sustainable materials
- →Limited stock runs mean popular items sell out fast—shop early in the week for best selection
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VAT refund on Primark online purchases?
No. VAT refunds are only available for in-store purchases made in Europe. Online orders shipped internationally are already VAT-exempt.
Do I need to show my Primark purchase at customs?
High-value items (typically over €1,000) may require physical inspection at customs. Keep your purchase in carry-on luggage, not checked bags.
What if I'm connecting through a non-EU airport?
You must validate your VAT refund at your last EU point of departure, not your final destination. For example, if flying Paris → London → New York, validate in Paris.
How long does it take to get my refund?
With TravelMoney, refunds are processed instantly once validated at customs. Standard tax-free services can take 4-12 weeks.
For Shoppers
Get up to 100% VAT refunds on your Primark shopping. Join the waitlist for instant refunds.
For Merchants
Partner with TravelMoney to offer instant VAT refunds and attract more international shoppers.