Finland Tax Refund for Tourists: VAT Refund Guide

If you are visiting Finland from outside European Union, you can get a refund of VAT when you are going to shopping and before leaving the EU.

From shopping for a Finnish design and clothing in Helsinki to pickup the souvenirs and local products, you will understand how the Finland tax refund process works.

What is Finland Tax Refund

Finland Tax Refund is the Finland's tax free shopping system where it is available to eligible non-EU residents who are purchased goods in Finland and take them out in their personal luggage.

This is where the tourists can shopping while saving money by get a refund back from the service provider.

The minimum purchase at least €40 including VAT and several items can be combined if they are on the same receipt from the same retailer.

But, the amount of tax refund you are actually receive is not necessarily the full VAT amount because of the deduction of service fees by refund operators.

Who Can Claim a Tax Refund in Finland?

Finland Tax Refund is available to the visitors who are resident outside EU and Norway but the eligibility is based on where you are permanently live rather than your nationality.

For instance, a Singaporean who lives in Singapore can qualify for a tax refund but non-EU citizen who parmanently resides in EU country do not qualify.

So, at that time you may need to show your passport or another document proves that your residence of outside EU and Norway.

What Can You Buy Tax-Free in Finland?

The goods that you can purchase and take out outside the EU:

• Finnish clothing and fashion
• Designer products
• Electronics
• Jewellery and accessories
• Finnish homeware and design products
• Souvenirs
• Gifts

How to Get a Finland Tax Refund

Step 1: Shop at a Participating Store

• Look at the shops that has the sign displayed of Tax Free
• Since tax free sales are voluntary, not every retailer is required to offer the service.

Step 2: Show Your Passport

• The tourists need to tell the retailer whether they want to shop for tax free or not
• Tourists may need to show passport or other documentation proves that you live outside Norway to EU

Step 3: Keep Receipt and Goods

• You need to keep the original receipts and tax free documents until you have make a tax refund.
• Do not use the goods before leaving the EU as the Finnish customs may require you to show the goods.

Step 4: Validate Your Purchase When Leaving the EU

• Goods need to be taken outside EU
• As if you are leaving the EU directly from Finland, you can follow airport or border procedures for tax free purchases.

Step 5: Receive Refund

• Depends on retailer's arrangement, your VAT refund may be handled by a refund company or by retailer itself
• Refunds can be paid in cash, bank account or another available method

Finland Tax Refund for Singapore Travellers

You need to meet the eligibility requirements, take the goods outside the EU and complete the required validation and refund procedure.