Tax Free Shopping in the Netherlands
As a foreign visitor to the Netherlands you are entitled to reclaim the tax you pay on your purchases in the Netherlands when you return home with them. The most popular and also the most easy way to get back the taxes you paid is through Global Refund, a tax refund company which has a presence in 37 countries world wide and is affiliated with over 230,000 stores. They have clear and simple steps already set out to get your money back that are easy to follow.
It should be noted that only non-EU residents are entitled to have their taxes paid on the products purchased refunded under EU taxation law.
Conditions on Getting Your Tax Back in the Netherlands
- The VAT (locally called BTW) is 19% of the net purchase price which amounts to 15,97% of the purchase price. Your refund will be this percentage of the purchase price minus an administration fee.
- Your total purchases (VAT included) must exceed €50 in one store in one day.
- Your Global Refund Cheque must be stamped by customs at your exit point of the European Union - that is the border crossing when you leave the EU (be it a border check point or at an airport). In order to qualify for your tax refund, your depature from the EU (and customs stamp) must occur within 3 months of your purchase.
The 3 Steps to Your Tax Refund
- At the Shop
Shop where you see the TAX FREE SHOPPING sign from Global Refund, then spend more than € 50 in one store in one day - don't forget to ask for your Global Refund Cheque. - At Customs
When you leave the European Union, show your purchases, receipts and passport to customs officials and have all your Global Refund cheques stamped. Customs personnel deal with Global Refund cheques on a regular basis and can help you with any questions.
If you are flying out of the Netherlands (or the EU) make sure you go to customs first before you check your luggage in at the airport. - Collect the Refund
You must visit a Cash Refund Office to complete the final step to get your tax back. There are a number of options available to you:
- Immediate control and cash at a Cash Refund Office.
- Credited to your creditcard,
- Credited to a Dutch bank account,
- A bank cheque sent to your chosen address.
At Schiphol Airport there are two places that you can go to in order to do this. The first is the Global Refund office located in depature hall 3 (before security) - open 7 days a week from 8am to 7.30pm. The second is the ABN AMRO Bank located in lounge 3 (after security) - open 7 days a week from 6am to 8pm.
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