VAT refund in Poland: A complete guide to tax-free shopping in Poland for tourists

Until recently, tourists often overlooked Poland as a travel destination. However, Poland is an exquisite place for travel, with its history, tech scene, and shopping. For example, Warsaw, Poland, alone, has more than forty museums to visit and stands as a new location for multiple tech companies. Google and Microsoft both have offices there. Perhaps most importantly, Poland’s main cities each have their own vibrant shopping high streets. These town centres draw locals and tourists alike, and you’ll probably find a few bargains here and there!

Whether you are looking for major fashion brands or just a few trinkets or souvenirs, Poland’s high streets will not disappoint. This article discusses VAT refund in Poland. You might be wondering how much VAT you can reclaim as a tourist, or what products can be included in tax-free shopping. This article covers it all.

How much is VAT in Poland?

The standard VAT rate in Poland is 23%, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always pay higher tax than you do in the UK, for example. Poland has three reduced tax rates, the 8%, 5%, and 0% tax rates.

Certain food products, newspapers and periodicals, healthcare products, admission to cultural, sports, or recreational events, hotel stays, and several other items may be eligible for the 8% rate. Meanwhile, basic foods like bread, meat, and vegetables, hygiene products for children, and printed books, books on tape, and some music are taxed at a mere 5%. Finally, the 0% rate applies to a number of special situations, including export scenarios, high seas navigation by boat, and the supply of goods and services for EU, NATO, and US authorities/forces.

You can find a table here:

Rate	Pertinent items
23%	Regular goods for purchase, except for those eligible for tax refund for specific tourists
8%	Newspapers, medical devices, sports attendance and cultural entertainment, hotel and other lodging
5%	Basic grocery store buys, diapers for babies and other hygiene goods, printed educational materials
0%	Exports, high seas navigational services, supply of goods to certain allied powers

How much VAT is refunded in Poland?

For items subject to the standard VAT rate of 23%, a refund may be possible. This refund may fall between 13.63% and 14.3%. Items eligible for tax refund in Poland will be marked with the same “Tax Free” logo.

Please be mindful, however, that tourists must adhere to strict timelines and processing in order to reclaim this VAT. So when you’re out shopping, you can make sure your purchases from a single vendor add up appropriately.

Who is eligible for tax free shopping in Poland?

To be eligible for tax free shopping in Poland, you must be a natural person who does not have a permanent residence within the European Union (EU).

You might also want to keep in mind that the export of the goods you purchase must be made within three months of purchase. To be exact, you must complete export before the last day of the third month after purchase.

Finally, the minimum value of the items for export, together with its tax and as evidenced by the tax free document issued by the seller, must be greater than or equal to 200 PLN.

How to get VAT refund in Poland?

Receive the tax free form

Ensure that you tell the vendor you are purchasing from that you want tax free. In Poland in particular, it is possible to claim your refund in cash–from the vendor. You can also choose to get a non-cash refund in another format. More on this to follow.

Also ask your retailer for an electronic or printed out version of the tax free form. You will need to present a printed out version at the border at exit from Poland. Alternatively, if you have an electronic version, this will be automatically forwarded to the border - ahead of your exit.

Have the forms stamped

At the border, you’ll need to present your tax-free document and your items (the ones you purchased!) and inform the agent of any missing goods. You either get an electronic export confirmation right then and there, or you’ll receive a Poland Customs stamp.

Obtain a VAT refund

The final step is to receive your tax refund. This will happen in the way you originally requested from the seller. If you have requested a non-cash refund, then you can get your VAT back however you decide. If you have requested a cash refund, then you will have to collect from the seller, possibly via a tax refund agent at one of the refund offices.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about the timelines and deadlines for VAT refunds in Poland, you are ready to discover the amazing culture, history, and shopping experience that is Poland. As a tourist from the UK, you are probably aware that Poland and the UK have a long history of trade and collaboration, as well as of migration and cultural exchange. Why not learn for yourself why the two countries have such a synergy?

Those interested in offsetting some of the expenses of their travel may find tax free shopping very enticing. Tourists engaging in tax free shopping must be attentive to detail and must not remove tags from or tarnish their goods. They will also need to leave enough time at the end of their stay to process the claims at the border and/or scurry back to the seller to claim a well-deserved cash refund.

Of course, there is always the option of a Wise debit card, which can help maximise your savings while getting your VAT refund. This card allows you to hold 40+ currencies including GBP and PLN so that you can receive your refund in PLN and keep your PLN stashed for a future visit to Poland. Even in the event of currency conversion, Wise always converts at mid-market rates without markups and only charges a small fee from 0.33% depending on the currency. Order your Wise card for a one-time fee of 7 GBP today and save while you spend!

Get your card now

Please also be aware that tax rates and regulations may change over time. Always verify the information with official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.

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Sources used for this article:

1. Tax Portal: List of VAT rates (SDG)
2. PUESC: TAX FREE - information for travelers
3. Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa: TaxFree

Sources last checked on 26-Sep-2024.