You asked: Is there a VAT refund (Tax Free) in every European country?
A question readers sent us on Facebook. The answer: non-EU residents can get VAT refunds in the EU, but the minimum spend and the procedure differ from country to country.
- People living outside the EU, such as Israelis, can get a VAT refund on goods bought in the EU.
- The process isn't uniform: some countries set a minimum purchase, and procedures vary.
- In Greece: over €50 per receipt. Standard VAT is 24%.
Travelling through several European countries? You can get refunds, but check the rules of each country you shop in.
The question
"Is the VAT refund (Tax Free) available in every European country, or only in Greece?"
The short answer
According to the EU's official Your Europe site, if you live outside the EU you are entitled to a VAT refund on goods you bought during your stay in the EU. The condition: show the goods to customs when you leave the EU, together with the refund documents, within 3 months of buying them. Every claim must be validated by customs (digitally or physically) before you leave the EU.
Eligibility depends on where you live. Israelis living in Israel count as non-EU residents.
So what differs between countries?
- Minimum spend: according to the EU, some countries set a minimum purchase value or other criteria, and some don't.
- The procedure: the EU says the claim and refund process is not harmonised. Each country can use a different procedure, depending on whether the shop or a refund operator is involved.
So before shopping in another country, check that country's rules.
And in Greece?
- The minimum is over €50 per receipt.
- Standard VAT is 24%.
- You get the stamp at Athens airport, before check-in: exactly where at the airport.
- Full details: our Greece VAT refund guide.
Leaving the EU via another country?
According to Athens airport: if you fly from Athens via another EU country to a destination outside the EU, you get the customs stamp only in the last EU country before you leave.
*"You asked" is our series answering questions readers send us. Based on the EU's Your Europe site and Athens International Airport, checked on 3 October 2026.*
