VAT refunds in Portugal: A guide to tax-free shopping 2026

Value Added Tax (VAT) is added to the cost of many goods sold in Portugal. If you’re buying items in Portugal and then leave the EU you may be able to reclaim your VAT costs (minus some fees). VAT in Portugal is up to 23% depending on the type of goods you buy, which can mean that frequent shoppers and people buying luxury goods can save significant amounts. Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide on how to get a VAT refund in Portugal:

How much is the VAT in Portugal?

Category	VAT Rate
Standard rate	23%
Madeira	22%
Optics – glasses and sunglasses	13%
Books and medicines	6%
Azores Island	16%

Bear in mind that the refund amount you receive is rarely the full VAT amount due to administrative commissions and fees. Some goods are not eligible for a VAT refund based on their type and value.

Who is eligible for a VAT refund in Portugal?

You may be eligible for a VAT refund in Portugal if you are a permanent resident in a non-EU country.

Purchases must be of eligible items, and receipts must be above €61.50 in value. You’ll need to make sure you carry your passport in order to collect the correct paperwork to submit your claim at the point of purchase.

The deadline to validate your purchase is 3 months plus the month of the purchase, with your form then remaining valid for 150 days to allow you to collect your refund.

Special Rules for Digital Nomads and Long-term Visas

There are no specific rules for digital nomads and people in Portugal on long term visas. Instead, decisions about eligibility for a VAT refund come down to your place of permanent residence.

If you’re a Portuguese citizen but live outside the EU as a permanent resident you may need to prove your residency when you make your VAT claim. You’ll be asked to provide documents like a consular registration card, Green Card, or any other resident card from a non-EU state for example.

Final decisions on eligibility are made by the Portuguese customs authorities.

The VAT Refund Middlemen: Who handles your money?

The main VAT refund middlemen in Portugal are Global Blue, Innova Tax Free, Travel Tax Free and Tax Free Planet. These providers help you process your VAT refund but may charge you a fee.

What goods are eligible (and ineligible) for a tax refund?

You can usually claim a VAT refund on eligible goods for personal use carried in personal luggage and exported from the EU.

• Eligible goods can include clothing, accessories, and electronics. Items must be new and unused and have their tags and original packaging.
• You can not claim a VAT refund on services such as your spending on hotels, restaurants, or tours in Portugal. VAT refunds are not available on tobacco, alcohol, and items intended for business use.

Step-by-Step: How to claim your VAT refund

Here’s how to claim a VAT refund in Portugal, step by step:

Step 1: In the Store

Before you buy, check if the retailer offers VAT refund documents, and show your passport. Your spending must hit the Portugal VAT refund minimum purchase amount, and if you’re from Portugal but live in another country you’ll also need to have proof of non‑EU residence.

The retailer will issue you the VAT reclaim form you need – before you leave the store, double check that it matches your identity and purchases, as you won’t be able to make a claim without everything being correct.

At this point you can also decide how you want to receive your refund – in cash or to your bank for example.

Step 2: Electronic validation

At the point of leaving Portugal you’ll need to visit a VAT refund electronic terminal (kiosk). You’re prompted to scan your passport and boarding pass. You’ll then be shown which tax free purchases can be validated.

If there are any documents you can’t scan you’re asked to visit the in person customs desk instead.

Step 3: The Customs Check

When your documents have been scanned at the kiosk you’re told either to exit via the Red Channel if an inspection of your goods is needed, or through the Green Channel if not.

If you’re given the Green Channel message you can go straight to the desk of the tax free network you used, to get your money.

Step 4: Receive your refund

You’ll receive your refund through the tax free network. Usually you can decide how to receive your money, such as through a deposit to your bank account or card.

You can find the locations of tax free provider desks by looking on your airport website if you’re flying, or using the store locator tool on the provider’s own website.

Fees may be deducted by the tax free provider before you receive your refund.

Where to find VAT refund desks in Portugal

You can find VAT refund desks in Portugal operated by Global Blue, Innova Tax Free, Travel Tax Free and Tax Free Planet at major airports.

Lisbon Airport

VAT Refund Desks are available in the departures area after you have passed through security. There are also drop boxes in departures if all you need to do is drop off your completed forms.

Faro Airport

Global Blue and Planet Tax Free both offer self-service kiosks in departures, after passing through security.

Porto Airport

Use the Global Blue self-refund kiosks which are before going through security, close to the tax authorities location.

Other EU departure points

If you’ve bought items through a specific tax free network, check if they have a desk at your departure point. Some operate through partnerships with money exchange offices for example. Otherwise you can visit the standard Customs Desk at your departure point.

Deadlines: How long do you have to claim your VAT?

The time limit for getting your Tax Free Form validated is 3 months plus the month of issue of the Tax Free Form. You then have 150 days to make your VAT claim using your validated form.

Networks like Global Blue recommend sorting out your refund in your departure point from the EU if possible. However if you have a short EU layover after leaving Portugal it may be a better plan to get your paperwork done before you get on your first flight instead.

Common Mistakes: Why VAT refunds get rejected

Avoid common pitfalls and make sure your VAT refund claim goes smoothly. Here are some reasons for delayed and failed payments:

• You’re missing supporting documents or can’t prove you’re eligible for the refund based on residency
• You can’t present the goods you bought, with the form provided by the retailer when asked by customs at your point of departure
• The goods you bought have been worn or used, or had tags removed
• The form you present is not compliant – not showing all the detail needed for example
• You’re too late to make your claim

Conclusion: Tips for a smooth refund process

• Check where the tax free desk is at your point of departure and arrive there earlier than usual to give time to clear customs.
• Keep all original receipts stapled to the tax-free forms, and don’t use the goods you’ve bought until after making your claim and leaving the country.
• Check the dates to get your forms validated and then leave – don’t make your purchases too early.

Useful resources

• Lisbon Airport – VAT refund information
• Faro Airport – VAT refund information
• Porto Airport – VAT refund information
• Global Blue – VAT refund explainer and links to find reclaim locations
• Planet Tax Free – locations in Portugal for reclaims
• PIE VAT – explainer on VAT reclaims