Visitors from outside the European Union may be eligible for a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) on qualifying purchases made during their stay in Ireland.

What Purchases Qualify?
VAT refunds usually apply to physical goods purchased in Ireland and taken home with you. Services such as hotel stays, restaurant meals, and car rentals do NOT qualify for VAT refunds.

Participating Retailers
Not all retailers participate in VAT refund programs, so it’s important to ask before making a purchase. Some stores work directly with VAT refund agencies, while others handle the process independently. You may be asked to provide documentation, such as evidence of your place of residence, inbound and outbound flight dates, and a signed declaration.

How the Refund Process Works
In some cases, VAT is paid at the time of purchase and refunded after proof of export is provided. In other cases, retailers may sell qualifying goods tax-free and only charge VAT if export documentation is not submitted.

If your purchase is processed through a VAT refund agency, be sure to follow the instructions provided and submit all required documentation before departing Ireland.

Before You Leave Ireland
Keep all receipts, refund forms, and supporting documents in a safe place throughout your trip. Depending on the retailer or refund agency, you may need to present paperwork at the airport, obtain customs verification, or submit documents before your refund can be processed.

For the most current information and eligibility requirements, we recommend consulting official
VAT resources before your trip. You can find additional information regarding the VAT here(opens in a new tab).