How does the VAT refund process take place?

If you’re reading this article, it means you’ve purchased from one of the authorized Tax-Free stores in Romania and are now one step closer to reclaiming the VAT on your products. Congratulations!

If this is your first time going through this process, it might seem a bit complicated, but you’ll quickly get used to it. By your second visit to Romania, things will feel much simpler.

Every new process can appear slightly challenging at first. Let’s clarify the steps involved so you can better understand how Tax-Free Romania works.

Step 1: Shopping in Romania

• Purchase goods from authorized Tax-Free stores (you’ve likely already done this).

• Keep the fiscal receipt and the VAT Refund Document provided by the store.

Step 2: Leaving Romania

• You must leave Romania within 90 days of your purchase.

Step 3: Customs Validation When Leaving Romania

When exiting the country:

1. Present your purchased goods, invoice, proof of payment, and the VAT Refund Document (filled out by the store with your details) at customs.

2. Customs will stamp both the invoice and the VAT Refund Document.

3. If leaving by air with checked baggage, inform the check-in desk so customs can verify your items before they are loaded onto the aircraft.

4. If transiting through another EU country:

   • Carry-on items must be presented to customs in the last EU country you transit.

   • Checked baggage should be presented to Romanian customs before departure.

5. If leaving by car, obtain the customs stamp at the last EU border checkpoint.

Important: Customs officials may refuse to certify goods if details are incorrect. Without a customs stamp, VAT cannot be refunded.

Final Step: Claiming Your VAT Refund

Once you’ve completed all steps:

• Send the original VAT Refund Document and a stamped copy of your fiscal invoice to Ask for Tax Free.

• Wait for your refund transfer.

Refund Details

• The refunded amount will be the VAT value (up to 19% of your purchase) minus administrative and bank fees.

• Refunds are typically processed within 1–2 weeks after documents are received and verified.

For any questions, you can contact Ask for Tax Free via email at office@askfortaxfree.ro.