For any purchase or transaction carried in Italy a VAT tax is applied.
The IVA, VAT in Italian, is around 22% but it can vary according to the goods or services you buy. For all the info about this tax, read our article aboutsales tax in Italy.
The IVA, VAT in Italian, is around 22% but it can vary according to the goods or services you buy. For all the info about this tax, read our article aboutsales tax in Italy.
Claiming a VAT Refund as a tourist in Italy
If you are a tourist going to Italy and you are planning for a big shopping trip, this section may be extremely valuable to you.
In order to claim a VAT refund in Italy there are 4 important conditions:
- You should not be European resident, so you should not live inside Italy or any other European countries
- You should spend at least 175€ more or less from a single shop. This means that you are able to purchase one or more items from a shop but will not be able to get your VAT refunds if the total sum is less than the minimum amount requested to start this procedure.
- You should not wear or consume the product before leaving European Union.
- You should obviously have and save the bills of the shop, where you purchase the items from.
5 Things to Keep in mind
1) If you are traveling around European Union you should do this process, only in the last countries you are visiting.
2) Consider that in many European countries the threshold requested for a VAT refund may be lower as well. So, again, we strongly recommend to keep the bills of the purchase you do in any shop.
3) You cannot get VAT refund for services you consume. So for instance you will not receive VAT refund for your accommodation or travel expenses. As well as you will have meals, dinners or entrances to museums.
4) Carry with you some sort of identification ID with you or simply a copy of passport to be sure to be able to fill the requested forms.
5) You can repeat this process for every travel you make to Italy. There are no limitations.
2) Consider that in many European countries the threshold requested for a VAT refund may be lower as well. So, again, we strongly recommend to keep the bills of the purchase you do in any shop.
3) You cannot get VAT refund for services you consume. So for instance you will not receive VAT refund for your accommodation or travel expenses. As well as you will have meals, dinners or entrances to museums.
4) Carry with you some sort of identification ID with you or simply a copy of passport to be sure to be able to fill the requested forms.
5) You can repeat this process for every travel you make to Italy. There are no limitations.
How to claim a VAT refund?
There are many ways and many places where you can get the VAT refund.
1) From the shop
There are many stores around Italy that offer tax-free products. These are very common in the touristic areas or in the city center of important towns in Italy.
Please keep in mind that it is important to mention that you would like a VAT refund at the moment of the purchase. They will provide you a tax free form for tax free shopping.Be sure to buy from a store with tax free symbols like the ones attached below, if you want to take advantage of this option.
1) From the shop
There are many stores around Italy that offer tax-free products. These are very common in the touristic areas or in the city center of important towns in Italy.
Please keep in mind that it is important to mention that you would like a VAT refund at the moment of the purchase. They will provide you a tax free form for tax free shopping.Be sure to buy from a store with tax free symbols like the ones attached below, if you want to take advantage of this option.
2) From one of the Tourism Tax Refund Company
You can request the VAT refund form in one of the companies providing these forms such as Global Blue, Premier Tax Refunds, or Tax Refunds for Tourists.
Global Blue is probably the most popular one inside the Italian airports.
These shops are easy to find in the big cities and in the tourists’ hotspots of the cities.
However bear in mind that you will have to pass the checks of the Customs.
You can request the VAT refund form in one of the companies providing these forms such as Global Blue, Premier Tax Refunds, or Tax Refunds for Tourists.
Global Blue is probably the most popular one inside the Italian airports.
These shops are easy to find in the big cities and in the tourists’ hotspots of the cities.
However bear in mind that you will have to pass the checks of the Customs.
3) From the Customs points
These points can be found mostly in the airports, and we recommend to look around for those before leaving the EU. You should get a custom stamp for your VAT refund forms.
The custom points in general can also give the tax refund form, needed to request your vat refund. You can also get these forms at the luggages’ check-in counters.
These points can be found mostly in the airports, and we recommend to look around for those before leaving the EU. You should get a custom stamp for your VAT refund forms.
The custom points in general can also give the tax refund form, needed to request your vat refund. You can also get these forms at the luggages’ check-in counters.
Most of the controls are done at the customs. Here you need to be sure to have your passport, your ticket, and your tax refund form filled.
Be sure to have the items you have purchased with you in the luggage. Some custom agents may demand to see the items.
If it is all ok, a customs officer will apply a stamp on your VAT refund form.
Be sure to have the items you have purchased with you in the luggage. Some custom agents may demand to see the items.
If it is all ok, a customs officer will apply a stamp on your VAT refund form.
When and how much money can you get back?
You can get your VAT refund directly from one the tourism tax refund company. There, you can decide to receive the money whether by cash refund or credit card.
In case you choose a credit card some fees will apply. Moreover you will need to wait 2 or 3 months before receiving the money.
Therefore we usually recommend getting your money back, in cash. In general you will get euros but you can ask to get the money in your preferred currency instead, such as dollars for instance.Will you get all 22% VAT back in your pocket? This is unlikely. In general expect to receive a refund between 10 and 16% of the total VAT you have paid.
To the original 22% you should deduct administrative fee and as well as the fee of the tourism tax company.
In case you choose a credit card some fees will apply. Moreover you will need to wait 2 or 3 months before receiving the money.
Therefore we usually recommend getting your money back, in cash. In general you will get euros but you can ask to get the money in your preferred currency instead, such as dollars for instance.Will you get all 22% VAT back in your pocket? This is unlikely. In general expect to receive a refund between 10 and 16% of the total VAT you have paid.
To the original 22% you should deduct administrative fee and as well as the fee of the tourism tax company.
VAT Refund for Companies
For companies outside EU
If you are a company selling goods to Italy and you are based outside the EU, you should appoint a VAT representative in Italy.
This person is in charge of VAT payments, issues invoices to the clients in Italy, is in charge of VAT compliance, its deduction and reimbursement.
This VAT representative can be an individual or a company but it is equally liable with the international company for VAT obligations.As an alternative, you can choose to get a VAT code in Italy. Check our article about sales tax in Italy for more information.
In this case you will be responsible for being VAT compliant.
Do you need a VAT representative in Italy to help you save money? Contact us for more information.
As a third way if you are planning to expand your business in Italy, consider opening a permanent company or a subsidiary.
This person is in charge of VAT payments, issues invoices to the clients in Italy, is in charge of VAT compliance, its deduction and reimbursement.
This VAT representative can be an individual or a company but it is equally liable with the international company for VAT obligations.As an alternative, you can choose to get a VAT code in Italy. Check our article about sales tax in Italy for more information.
In this case you will be responsible for being VAT compliant.
Do you need a VAT representative in Italy to help you save money? Contact us for more information.
As a third way if you are planning to expand your business in Italy, consider opening a permanent company or a subsidiary.
Check out our video about opening a partita iva in Italy.
From a business point of view, the convenience of these solutions may vary a lot depending on the income you are planning to make in Italy.
For companies within EU
If you are a company based in another european country and you are planning to sell in Italy, you can check the VAT direct registration process.
Through this you can avoid establishing a company in Italy and get 100% VAT compliant.
Through this you can avoid establishing a company in Italy and get 100% VAT compliant.
Other tax refund for companies
If your company in Italy goes bankrupt you can renegotiate the debts you may have with the state, depending on your financial statements and the conditions that have brought your company to the bankruptcy.
Tax refund for individuals
Foreign individuals who have jobs in Italy, or are working for multiple employers at the same time (abroad and Italy). These workers often end up paying more taxes than what are due to the Italian government and their home country’s one.
This is the so-called double taxation problem and you should carefully read the double tax treaty between Italy and your home country.
Check also ourincome tax rate guide for info about this, or check our video below about how to properly read a double tax treaty.
This is the so-called double taxation problem and you should carefully read the double tax treaty between Italy and your home country.
Check also ourincome tax rate guide for info about this, or check our video below about how to properly read a double tax treaty.
Want to read more? Check out also our articles about filing your taxes in Italy, airbnb taxes in Italy, or our guide for retiring in Italy.
Customs was closed at 4AM when we were leaving. Can I get my refund another way?
I’m in Rome, a non-EU citizen, at the moment in the airport at 05:00 am not working Tax Free returns, it’s closed. How can I repay the money, I have all the tax receipts, invoices
I am a professional golfer. I recently won money in an event in Italy. Tax was deducted before my winnings were put into my UK account. The amount put into my UK account will also be taxable. Can I claim a refund from Italy if my earnings was below their personal allowance?
Yes you may be able to get the refund
I am going to travel to Italy and will purchase some goods from an artisan that does not work with Global blue or other Tax refund agencies.
He told me that he is going to provide me with an invoice and that I have to have that invoice stamped at the customs. Is that enough to get my tax refund? Or I need something else? I usually work with Global blue so the process is very easy..
Yes!
I do not need any extra forms? Just the invoice? Correct? 🙂
Thank you!!!
I am leaving Italy from Bari Port. Odmor possible to get a stamp and a refund in the port of Bari?
I am going to travel to Italy and will purchase some goods from a factory that does not work with Global blue or other Tax refund agencies.
They told me that they are going to provide me with an invoice and that I have to have that invoice stamped at the customs. Is that enough to get my tax refund? Or I need something else from them? I usually work with Global blue so the process is very easy..
yes, at the border you must file a refund request
I am leaving Italy from Bari Port. Odmor possible to get a stamp and a refund in the port of Bari?
yes it is
We want to buy a few small appliances and ship them back. Can I request the VAT refund if I ship the items back?
You can only claim the refund if you fly outside the EU, not shipping
Ciao. Io ho passaporto ita ma risiedo in Sudafrica. Non ho ancora la residenza permanente ma sono regolarmente iscritto all’AIRE.
Se acquisto prodotti tech in Italia prima di rientrare in Sudafrica, e però mi presento all’ufficio VAT refund col passaporto italiano, può bastare l’iscrizione all’AIRE per avere il rimborso? Sai se sui prodotti tech è previsto il rimborso più alto?
Grazie.
Saluti.
Con iscrizione AIRE dovresti avere il VAT refund
I am a UK resident, I recently bought 2 pairs of shoes from Armani.com, I sent them back because they didn’t suit me, I was told by their customer service that VAT cost is not refundable. It is not mentioned in their refund policy. Can they really refuse to refund the VAT to me ? Is there any chance I can get the VAT cost back ? It is £84 that they want to take for nothing.
they can refuse to refund it if 1 year has passed from the purchase date
I am not sure about I am eligible to purchase a new car when I visit for tourism travel to Rome as a resident in Azerbaijan. If I am, how can I reclaim already paid 22% VAT refund at the time of leaving from Italy? Is ıt possible, please?
you need to get in touch with the Azeri custom’s Authorities. please write me in the form so we can move forward
Hi, I’m an Indonesian citizen who’s been living in Italy since 2018 (family reasons). I would like to visit my home country for a few weeks in October. I have Indonesian passport but also have permesso di soggiorno and Italian ID (carta d’identità). I’m planning to have a big shopping spree at The Mall firenze. Am I eligible for the tax refund?
No because you have a residence permit in Italy
I will be leaving Rome to return to the US but have a 2 hour connection in Dublin. Will I be able to get the VAT refund at the Rome airport or will they make me do it in Dublin?
You need to do it in Rome
Hi, I am planning to purchase a few items from Italy, make my way to Switzerland via train, and fly back to my home country via Geneva Airport. Can I do the VAT refund for the goods bought in Italy, at Geneva Airport?
Yes you can
Hi, I purchased an item in Italy and left the country with the item. Is it still possible to apply for a VAT refund if I have left the country? Or must I do it before I leave?
unfortunately it is too late
What if I have a relative who is going back to the EU. Can they validate my forms for me?
Hello,
How long does it take for the VAT to be refunded on my credit card? I was told 3 to 5 business days but have not received anything as of yet.
normally 2 weeks
Hi! I’m Brazilian and I’m going to take a trip to Italy, I’ll take the opportunity to buy some items at Apple. Do you know if I can get VAT in this case? Can I make the purchase online and pick it up at the store or do I have to make the purchase in person?
Thanks!
You definitely have to do it in person
I am visiting a small Italian city and when I enter large retail chains that sell electrical items the store management & staff are unaware of “tax-free” shopping or tourist tax- free processes. I want to purchase a laptop. I have my passport with me. Does the electronic shop(euronics/UniEuro/expert/Mediaworld) need to fill out a form or give me a “special invoice” that shows my passport number and home address or can I just present the store invoice at the airport to claim my tax-refund?
They need to fill a form to sell you the item VAT free
Hi There,
We live in Canada and we purchased 2 leather jackets from BenHeart in Florence.
We got the taxrefund.it (the yellow paper) stamped and dropped it at the Paris airport (our second destination before going back home). I see the taxrefund request on their website, but I still havent received the taxrefund yet since June 2022. I have tried calling them and emailing them but they never answer me back.
What would you suggest we do in this scenario?
Thank you very much for your help
Hi Im a singaporean residing in london. 1) Will i be able to claim VAT refund as a tourist at milan airport? 2) if the counter at the milan airport is already closed for the day; is there another way that i can submit my claims online via website?
Hello, I’m planning to buy a car from a dealer in Italy, and ferry it to Tunisia, I’m a resident of Iceland.
Could you please advice how i can get 22% tax refund and should i get it at the port ?
you should get the refund at the port
how about online purchase to nonEU country? how to fill the tax refund?
I’m from Australia in Italy in holidays. I did shopping in shops that not have forms for refund but they instead gave to me an invoice with my name on. invoice with name written on are enough to get a refund in Australia. Just wandering if in Italy are satisfied or need a proper tax free form. Thanks
This is correct. You need to apply for the refund at the airport
Hello,
I have not enough time to get the stamp by customs at the airport in Rome. Is it possible to get the stamp later by the italian embassy in USA.
unfortunately you need to get the stamp once in Italy
Hi,
I have a question: I made a purchase and filed my taxes at the store via credit card, but I still need a refund because I didn’t leave the country and go to the airport. I’m leaving Italy for a non-European country and will return in a week. Can I do my tax return at the airport when I’m back in Italy instead of doing it before leaving? Does it make a difference?
Thank you
We purchased a leather jacket and wallet on 29-09-2022 at Old Florence Firenze Leather Fashion. We applied for a VAT refund at the Rome airport before departure on 05-10-2022. The stamped slip was deposited in the requested drop box. We have not received any correspondence regarding this request.
Thank you for any assistance or suggestions.
If I buy from Louis Vuitton at the airport is the tax refund closer to 22%?
Yes it is
Hi, I am not a European citizen and about top attend a conference in Italy on September. I have already paid the conference fees (770 Euros, cod22).
Will I be able to apply for tax refund?
Thank you
You need to request the refund via the EU platform
I’m in the US military stationed in Romania. If I buy items in Italy would I be able to get the refund when I leave the EU in 6 months?
yes you can
Hi. I am shipping a bicycle to Italy from the UK. Will this attract VAT, Customs or duty ? I will ride my bicycle for a week post which I will take it home. Can I claim a refund on the duty charged (if any) ?
You can’t claim any refund on such item
Can I claim Italian new home 22% VAT deduction in USA if the Italian home is “prima casa”. This new home is purchased from a Italian VAT registered company. I will also declare to the Revenue Agency that I will become resident within 18 months from the purchase. I am assuming it will be 4% ?? due to the fact that it’s “prima casa”?
if it’s prima casa VAT is 4%; you can’t recover it
Hi. As a Turkish citizen, I want to buy an IPhone from Rome, Italy. I have a Schengen visa. My return flight to Turkey from Rome is a connecting flight via Romania. Can I get the tax refund from Fiumicino Airport? Will my transfer affect this situation? I would be glad if you can inform. Thanks.
yes, you need to request the refund in Rome
The seller told me the car has VAT, but we cannot prepare documents to refund VAT. Can I refund VAT, If I bought the car in Italy and export this car outside the European Union, for example to Azerbaijan?
Regards
then you must import it in Azerbaijan paying local VAT
I bought an Xbox in Rome MediaWorld, fot the form and the bill and the I flied to Kos Island/Greece which is also EU member. While going to Turkey from Greece by Ferry I got stamped the bill and the form they said “it is ok. Now you should send these with the envelope MediaWorld gave to you” 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ They didnt give me an envelope. I will be in Turkey what should I do know?
Hi, I have a permesso di soggiorno for work in Italy. But, I have a non European passport.
Am I eligible for a vat refund on clothing?
Thanks in advance!
no, because you reside in the EU
Hello, I am an Italian citizen resident in the USA. I am registered with AIRE and pay taxes in the US. I recently inherited a property in Italy and I was wondering if I can get a VAT refund for any remodeling and upgrading work (install air conditioner, replace the roof, etc.). Or does the VAT refund only applies to goods that are physically brought outside of the EU?
Thanks!
no, you cannot claim VAT back since the property is located in Italy
We are traveling to Rome Italy July 4 were we will take a cruise on July 8-15 ending at Barcelona Spain. We will not be able to return to Italy airport prior to us leaving on our cruise that will stop in other ports in France, Italy and Spain. What else can we do to get our VAT refund on purchases while in Italy during our short visit?
Ciao Nicolo;
We are from USA and made some purchases in Rome that qualify for VAT refund. We are leaving in 2 days to Athens and later to Izmir. How the refund process should be done in this case?
Thank you
I will be shopping in Milan but leaving Euro from Zurich airport, where to get refund in Milan?
yes, Milan is the place
My mum and myself was in Italy and we submitted our claim.
It was stamped and we were given an envelope – New Tax Free envelope and deposited into the big red POSTE Roma E Provincia Di Roma box as told by the officer at the VAT window.
We drop this in on 4th June 2023 and departed Rome airport to Dubai.
We were told it would take 2 approximately 2 weeks into the same credit card that was used to pay for the purchase. It has been almost 7 weeks now and still no refund. Can you please help?
Hi if I am a EU citizen but a permanent resident of a non eu country am I entitled to VAT refunds on shopping done in Italy upon departure from Italy back to the non eu country I am resident in?
yes you are, based on your non EU residency
I purchased leather shoes on 26-05-2023 at Leonardo Italian Fashion Via Dei Cerchi 7R Firenze 50122. I applied for a VAT refund at the Rome airport before departure on 04-06-2023. The stamped slip was deposited in the requested drop box. We have not received any correspondence regarding this request.
Thank you for any assistance or suggestions.
Thanks
did you get back in touch with the office? it takes 90 days to process requests
We are leaving the EU by train from Bologna through Milan into Switzerland, which is non-EU.
The train only stops for 5 minutes at Domodossola on the Italian border, so there’s not enough time to claim our VAT tax refund for goods bought in Italy.
Is there a customs office at Bologna train station to claim our tax refund before we go on to the Italian border?
If not, can we claim it at Bologna Airport if we have proof of ongoing train journey out of Italy into Switzerland?
Also not enough time at Milan train station on our way through.
Thanks so much.
you need to stop at the border and claim VAT back
Hi,
I’m a US resident traveling to Italy but have bought some household gifts for my sister who just bought a house in Italy, furniture and kitchen appliances, can I get a refund on the IVA?
Thank you,
monica
Yes you can
I am a master degree student in Italy since October 2022 I am from Turkey(non-eu) and now I have italian residence permit for student for one year. Can I get Tax Refund ?
yes you can
If I purchase products and plan to resell them in the United States can I still get tax free?
no, you must report it as earnings
we bought a pair of shoes at duty free at the Rome airport on our way out of the country and assumed that because they were discounted for non residents the VAT was already taken off. Could we have claimed VAT on this? Also can it be claimed after leaving the country?
yes you can
Hi,
I’ve purchased some murano glass that will be later shipped to me in Canada. Can I claim the VAT at the airport even though I don’t have the item with me? thanks!
no, the items have to be with you
I purchased items in Paris and did a tax refund in Italy under the Global green area.how long will it take for my money to come in my account.it’s more than 2 weeks now
Roughly 90 days
If I am American and am home now and I’d like to purachase from a store in Italy but will not be flying back to Itlay at the moment. Can I pay for the goods, use my passport #, and have the store ship them to the USA? And if they do that I get the Tax Back somehow????
Thank you,