🇫🇮 Tax Free in Finland: The Complete Guide
Finland, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and innovative design, is a popular destination for tourists. An added perk for those shopping in Finland is the opportunity to receive a refund on the Value Added Tax (VAT) charged on purchases. This guide will help you understand and maximize the benefits of tax-free shopping in Finland.
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Finland Tax Free Rules
VAT Rate in Findland
Finland's standard VAT rate is 24%, with certain goods having reduced rates. This rate applies to most of the goods and services purchased in the country.
Who Can Shop Tax Free in Finland
Tax-free shopping in Finland is available to tourists who reside outside of the EU, permanently. This benefit is designed to encourage shopping by international visitors.
Minimum Amount Per Receipt
To qualify for a VAT refund in Finland, you must purchase goods intended to be taken out of the EU for at least €40 per transaction. This threshold is set to ensure that the process is used for significant purchases.
How Long Until Refund Expiry
You must export your purchased goods out of the EU within three months of purchase. This time frame is provided to facilitate the tax-free shopping process for tourists.
Are you a retail store? See how Pie VAT can help you maximize your tourist success.
Learn more here: Tax Free for Retailers
How to shop tax free in Finland: A step by step guide for tourists
At the store
When you're making a purchase in Finland, remember to request tax-free shopping from the retailer. It might be necessary to show your passport or inform the retailer that you are a non-EU resident to establish your eligibility for tax-free shopping.
Before Departure Complete any refund forms or steps before your departure day. Keep your receipts and ensure your purchased goods are easily accessible for customs inspection.
Heading on your travels on business or vacation and need some more information on using Pie VAT? - We've got you covered here.
With Pie VAT: you will use our app instead of manually filling out numerous forms!
When you depart the EU
Before leaving the EU, make sure all necessary forms are filled out. At your departure point, typically an airport, locate the Customs office for tax-free validation.
With Pie VAT: after you obtain the stamp, just upload a photo of it to the app - simple!
Receiving Your Refund
Once your tax-free purchases are approved by Finnish Customs, indicated by a stamped form, you'll likely need to visit the tax-free operator's office to proceed with your refund. Here, you can present your stamped forms to initiate the refund process.
For example, if you've purchased designer clothing in Helsinki and received a Customs stamp at the airport, you would then go to the tax-free operator's office located within the airport. There, you can choose to have your refund processed back to a payment method like a credit card, a bank account, or an e-wallet. Typically, the refund process in Finland may take a few weeks to complete.
With Pie VAT: withdrawal of your VAT refund is digital (through the Pie VAT app), and refunds are generally received within 24 hours!
Finland Tax Free Tips
Look for Tax Free Shopping Signage:
In Finland, stores participating in the tax-free shopping scheme typically indicate this by displaying "Tax Free Shopping" signs. These signs may appear as stickers on the store's windows or doors. Furthermore, inside the store, you might also find small tax-free displays or signage on the counters, making it easier for shoppers to identify and take advantage of the tax-free shopping benefits.
Keep your receipts:
In Finland, it's important to retain all your receipts for tax-free purchases. These receipts are essential when seeking a Customs stamp for tax refund verification. If you don't have the receipt, there's a risk that your request for a stamp, and consequently the tax refund, could be denied.
Time it right:
Sometimes it may take a bit of time at the airport to find the Customs and obtain the required Customs stamp. There may be lines as well, so please plan ahead.
Pack Smart:
In Finland, when seeking the Customs stamp for export verification, you may need to present the items you've purchased. Therefore, it's important to visit the Customs office for this stamp before you check in your luggage. Make sure that your purchased goods are packed in a way that they are easily accessible. After receiving the stamp, you'll have the opportunity to rearrange or repack your items as necessary.
Don't be shy to ask for help.
Our in-app customer support team is available 24/7 to help answer any questions about your claim, required documents, eligible purchases, or anything else!
