How do I get a VAT refund on shopping in the Netherlands, and what changed in 2026?
If you live outside the EU, in Saudi Arabia or another Gulf state for example, you can reclaim the Dutch VAT of 21%, minus the refund company’s fee, when you spend at least €50 in one store on one day and take the goods out of the EU within 3 months after the month of purchase. Since January 1, 2026 it is digital: validate your purchases at Schiphol in the free NL Customs VAT app before checking your bags, then collect the money in cash or on your card.
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Any Amsterdam address → Schiphol: fixed prices per car
| Option | Price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Business Class, any Amsterdam address → Schiphol | €80 | E-Class, EQE, EQE SUV, BMW i5, BMW 5 Series · up to 3 passengers, 3 bags |
| Van Class, any Amsterdam address → Schiphol | €85 | V-Class, EQV · up to 7 passengers, 7 bags |
| First Class, any Amsterdam address → Schiphol | €90 | S-Class, EQS, EQS SUV, BMW i7 · up to 3 passengers, 3 bags |
| Mercedes-Maybach (Ultra), any Amsterdam address → Schiphol | €225 | Maybach S-Class · up to 2 passengers, 2 bags · confirmed by dispatch, not instant |
With a lot of shopping, choose Van Class (€85). The chauffeur can come in and help with the steps: help with the refund at Schiphol. Prices are per car, not per person, with 9% Dutch VAT included, and the same day and night. During ADE week (pickups October 20–26, 2026) fixed ADE-week prices apply, shown before you book; promo codes cannot be used that week. Booked less than 12 hours before pickup: +10%. At an airport or an intercity station the first 60 minutes of waiting are free, elsewhere 15 minutes; after that waiting is charged per minute at the class's hourly rate (Business €65 an hour). Free cancellation up to 1 hour before pickup.
The Dutch VAT refund at a glance
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Permanent residents of a country outside the EU; residence counts, not nationality |
| Rate | 21% standard VAT (9% on food, books and medicines), minus the refund company’s fee |
| Minimum | €50 in one store on one day |
| Deadline | Take the goods out of the EU within 3 months after the month of purchase |
| Validation | Digital since January 1, 2026: the NL Customs VAT app, or the customs desk if the app fails; no more paper stamps |
| Customs desk at Schiphol | Departure Hall 3, before security, daily 7am–8:30pm |
| Planet desk | Departure Hall 3 near customs, daily 6am–10pm |
| Cash | Planet’s cash refund limit: €1,000 |
From Dutch Customs (Douane), Planet and Amsterdam Tourism, October 2026. Other refund companies, such as Global Blue, have their own desks and terms.
From the store to the airport
- In the store: ask for Tax Free when you pay and show your passport. The store registers the purchase digitally with customs and gives you the receipt and the refund company’s form.
- Before your travel day: install the free NL Customs VAT app and enter your passport number; the registered invoices appear by themselves. Pack the purchases in hand luggage or a separate bag that is easy to open.
- At the airport, before checking bags: turn on GPS and Bluetooth and request validation in the app. If it fails, go to the customs desk in Departure Hall 3, where an officer checks your passport, travel documents and purchases.
- Collect the money: in cash at the refund company’s desk, or on your card through its app or website.
Common mistakes
Avoid these:
- Checking the purchases in your bags before validating them.
- Spending less than €50 in one store on one day.
- Living inside the EU: the refund is for residents of other countries, whatever passport you hold.
- Arriving late at the airport: see how early to be at Schiphol.
- Using the purchases before you travel.
Connecting through another EU airport?
If you leave from the Netherlands and change planes at another EU airport, with the purchases in bags checked through to a destination outside the EU, validate them at the Dutch airport before checking in.
We can help at the airport
On the day you fly, our chauffeur can come into the departure hall with you and help with these steps: help with the refund at Schiphol.
Related questions
How much of the VAT do I actually get back?
Less than 21%, because the refund company deducts its fee; one guide puts the typical refund at 10–15% of the purchase price, and a cash refund carries the highest fee.
Can I get the VAT refund in cash at Schiphol?
Yes, at the refund company’s desk after validation; Planet’s cash limit is €1,000. A card refund arrives in 5 to 10 business days, according to one guide.
I live in Saudi Arabia but I am not a Saudi citizen — can I claim?
Yes: what counts is permanent residence outside the EU, not nationality. Someone living inside the EU cannot claim, even with a Gulf passport.
Where is the customs desk at Schiphol?
In Departure Hall 3, before security, open daily from 7am to 8:30pm according to Planet’s list. The app is quicker, and you only need the desk if the app does not work.
Sources
- Dutch Customs (Douane) — VAT refund for customers: digital registration mandatory since January 1, 2026; validation in the NL Customs VAT app or at the customs desk; leave the EU within 3 months after the month of purchase (checked October 8, 2026)
- Rijksappstore (Dutch government app store) — NL Customs VAT (checked October 8, 2026)
- Planet — Tax Free shopping in the Netherlands: 21% VAT, €50 minimum on the same day in the same store, non-EU permanent residents, 3 months plus the issuing month, cash refund limit €1,000 (checked October 8, 2026)
- Planet — export validation points in the Netherlands: customs desk in Schiphol Departure Hall 3, before security, daily 7:00am–8:30pm (checked October 8, 2026)
- Planet — refund locations in the Netherlands: Planet desk in Departures 3 near customs, daily 6:00am–10:00pm (checked October 8, 2026)
- Amsterdam Tourism — tax-free shopping and VAT refund guide (2026) (checked October 8, 2026)
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