VAT Refund Ireland

Visitors travelling to Ireland from outside the European Union can reclaim the Value-Added Tax (VAT) paid on many of the goods they buy during their stay, thanks to a scheme designed to make shopping in Ireland more attractive to international tourists. With Ireland's standard VAT rate at 23% (see details in our VAT Rates Ireland guide), the savings can be significant on higher-value purchases. The scheme works by refunding the VAT once you have taken the goods home with you and proven they left the EU. This guide explains what you can and cannot claim on, how the Retail Export Scheme operates, and exactly how to collect your refund at Dublin Airport. Use the Refund Estimator on this page to see your approximate net refund after the administrative processing fees that agencies deduct.

What Can I Claim VAT Back On in Ireland?

The refund applies to physical goods that you purchase in Ireland and take home in your personal luggage. Eligible purchases typically include:

• Souvenirs, crafts, and gifts — traditional Irish products, antiques, and homewares
• Clothing and fashion — including designer clothing, footwear, and accessories
• Technology and electronics — cameras, laptops, phones, and gadgets
• Jewellery and luxury goods
• Any other tangible goods you export from Ireland and the EU within the time limit

Crucially, the scheme covers goods you take home — not anything you consume or use up during your trip. The following are not eligible for a VAT refund:

• Restaurant meals and dining
• Hotel accommodation
• Car rental and transport
• Tours, guided experiences, and other services
• Alcohol and goods consumed while in Ireland

The rule of thumb is simple: if it is a service or something you enjoy in Ireland, VAT cannot be reclaimed; if it is a physical item leaving the country in your bag, it usually can.

The Retail Export Scheme

Ireland's tourist VAT refund programme is officially called the Retail Export Scheme. Under it, you pay the full VAT-inclusive price at the till, then reclaim the VAT afterwards once you have proven the goods were exported.

Who qualifies. You must be resident outside the EU. Importantly, since Brexit this now includes residents of Great Britain (GB) — UK visitors can claim under the scheme. However, residents of Northern Ireland are not eligible, because Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU VAT rules for goods. It is your country of residence that matters, not your nationality or passport.

Minimum spend. As of 2026 you generally need to spend at least €75 in a single transaction at one retailer to qualify. Not every shop participates, so look for "Tax Free Shopping" signage or ask staff; department stores and tourist-focused retailers usually take part.

How it works. When you buy, tell the retailer you want to claim under the Retail Export Scheme and provide proof you are a non-EU visitor (proof of residence, your inbound and outbound flight dates, and a signed declaration). The scheme operates in two ways: either through the retailer directly, or — more commonly — through a VAT refund agency. Agencies such as Fexco Horizon issue a tax-free card or voucher that links your purchases; you then present these at the airport. Note that agencies deduct an administrative processing fee, so your net refund is less than the full 23% VAT — typically landing in the region of 13–16% of the purchase price.

Time limit. The goods must be exported out of the EU by the end of the third month following the month of purchase. For example, goods bought in January must leave by 30 April.

Claiming VAT Back at Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport is the main departure point where most tourists finalise their refund, and the process must be completed before you check in your luggage, because customs may need to see the goods (review official locations on the Dublin Airport Tax Refunds guide).

Step 1 — Self-service kiosks and refund terminals. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have self-service refund kiosks operated by the tax-free agencies (such as Fexco Horizon). Scan your tax-free card or vouchers at the terminal to process your claim electronically. In many cases the digital validation happens here without a manual stamp.

Step 2 — Customs validation. Where a physical customs export stamp is required — for higher-value goods, non-agency vouchers, or when prompted by the kiosk — take your goods, receipts, passport, and boarding pass to the Customs desk to have your export voucher certified. This customs certification is the mandatory proof that the goods left the EU; without it, no refund can be issued.

Step 3 — Receive or complete your refund. Once validated, you can often receive the refund immediately at the kiosk (to a card), or the stamped voucher is returned to the retailer or agency, who then refunds the VAT less their processing fee. If claiming through a retailer directly, the certified voucher must be returned within the agency's stated deadline (often around 21 days).

Arrive early: validating a refund on top of normal check-in and security takes extra time, and missing the customs step means forfeiting the refund entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions