2025 Romania VAT Refund Updates for Non-EU Tourists: What You Need to Know

If you are a non-EU visitor planning to shop in Romania in 2025, you can benefit from the Romanian VAT refund scheme, which allows you to get back the VAT (Value Added Tax) on your purchases. This guide explains the latest updates to VAT rates and refund procedures tailored for travelers like you.

Who Can Get a VAT Refund?

Non-EU residents who shop in Romania and plan to take their goods out of the European Union can apply for a VAT refund. To qualify:

• You must buy goods from stores participating in Romania’s Tax Free program.

• The minimum purchase amount in a single store must be at least 175 euros (including VAT).

• The goods must be taken out of Romania and the EU within 90 days of the purchase date.

• Services, such as restaurant meals or haircuts, do NOT qualify for a VAT refund—only tangible goods are eligible.

How Does the VAT Refund Work?

1. Look for Stores with the Tax Free Logo: Only shops registered with the VAT refund program can issue the required tax refund documentation.

2. Ask for a VAT Refund Form: When you make a purchase, request the VAT Refund Document along with your invoice and receipt.

3. Show Your Goods and Documents at Customs: At Romania’s main exit points like Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, present your purchases, passport, boarding pass, invoice, and VAT refund form to customs officials.

   • If your goods are in carry-on baggage, present them directly at the customs counter.

   • If your goods are in checked luggage, inform the check-in agent to have customs officers inspect and stamp your documents before you check your bags.

4. Get Your Refund: After customs validation, you can claim your VAT refund in cash at the airport’s Tax Free office or receive a bank transfer, depending on your preference and travel route.

5. Fees: A small commission (typically around 6%) applies for processing the refund.

Important VAT Rate Changes in 2025

Starting August 1, 2025, Romania increased its standard VAT rate from 19% to 21%. Reduced VAT rates were also unified into an 11% rate, which applies to many foods, medicines, books, and hotel accommodations.

This means that for most goods you buy, the VAT rate refundable will correspond to the new 21% standard or 11% reduced rate, depending on the product category.

Tips for a Smooth VAT Refund Experience

• Ensure you keep all original receipts and VAT refund forms.

• Present unopened goods and have them accessible for inspection at customs.

• File your VAT refund claim before leaving the EU.

• Confirm the store participates in the Tax Free scheme and clearly ask for the VAT refund documentation at the time of purchase.

• If your journey includes flights with stopovers within the EU, get the customs stamp at the last EU exit point before leaving, and mail your stamped documents to the VAT refund company for reimbursement.

By following these steps, non-EU tourists can save a significant amount on their shopping in Romania through VAT refunds in 2025.

Enjoy your shopping and tax-free savings in Romania!