How Do I Get VAT Refund at Madrid Airport?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning to travel to Madrid, Spain, and you are not a resident of the European Union (EU), you may be eligible for a VAT refund on goods purchased during your stay. In this article, we will guide you through the process of getting a VAT refund at Madrid Airport.

What is VAT?

Before we dive into the process of getting a VAT refund, let’s first understand what VAT is. Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax that is added to the price of goods and services in most countries around the world. In Spain, the standard rate for VAT is 21%, which means that if you purchase goods worth €100, €21 will be added as VAT.

Who can get a VAT refund?

As mentioned earlier, only non-EU residents are eligible for a VAT refund. To get a refund, you must have purchased goods worth more than €90.15 from a store that offers tax-free shopping. You must also have proof of purchase and be able to present your passport at the time of purchase.

The Process

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to get your VAT refund at Madrid Airport:

Step 1: Before leaving Spain, make sure to keep all your receipts in one place as they will be required when submitting your claim.

Step 2: When checking in for your flight at Madrid airport, look for signs indicating where to claim your tax refund. The signs will lead you to an office where you can submit your claim.

Step 3: Present all the receipts from your purchases along with your passport and boarding pass to the customs officials at the office. The officials will verify that you are eligible for a tax refund and stamp your receipts.

Step 4: Once stamped, take your receipts to the tax refund counter. Here, you can choose to receive your refund in cash or have it credited back to your credit card.

Step 5: Finally, make sure to keep all the stamped receipts as you may be required to show them while exiting the EU.

Tips

  • Make sure to allow enough time for the VAT refund process before your flight as queues can be long.
  • Always check that the store you’re purchasing from offers tax-free shopping and that they have a VAT refund form.
  • If you plan on purchasing goods that require a VAT refund, make sure to factor in the time it takes for the refund process when planning your travel itinerary.

In Conclusion

Getting a VAT refund at Madrid Airport is a relatively straightforward process. Just remember to keep all your receipts in one place and present them along with your passport and boarding pass at the customs office. With this guide, we hope that you can now enjoy tax-free shopping during your stay in Madrid!