There is a supermarket chain in Portugal where shopping can bring an extra advantage for some customers. At El Corte Inglés, customers who reside outside the European Union (EU) but make purchases in Portugal have the possibility of receiving back up to 15% of value added tax (VAT) on all purchases exceeding 61.50 euros per invoice, through the Tax Free system. This return is immediate and can be made directly in store, without the need to wait for a refund at the airport.
The Tax Free process also allows all purchases made on the same day to be added to a single invoice, which increases the refund amount. According to the Spanish supermarket chain, the measure is valid for any purchase made in Portugal.
How VAT refunds work
To facilitate the process, El Corte Inglés provides specific counters for VAT refunds: on floor 0 in Lisbon and on floor 1 in Gaia. Customers must present a passport or identity document, if they do not belong to the European Union, and receipts for purchases made on the same day. The publication adds that, in the case of a refund through the Global Blue kiosk, it is also necessary to present the credit card used for the purchase.
According to the same source, this method avoids queues at the airport and allows you to obtain a refund quickly and conveniently. The Tax Free system is particularly useful for travelers who make large purchases, as all products can be included on the same invoice to maximize return.
Rules and conditions
According to the Your Europe portal, individuals only pay VAT in the country where they make the purchase and can take home the purchased goods without the need for a customs declaration, as long as the products are for their own or family use and are not intended for resale.
The publication adds that the VAT refund is applicable to residents outside the European Union, who must present the goods to customs within three months of purchase, together with the necessary documentation.
Each country can adopt different criteria
The procedure is not standardized across the European Union, which means that each country may adopt different criteria depending on the seller or VAT refund operator involved. According to the same source, all requests must be validated by the customs authority, whether digitally or physically, before leaving the EU. Some countries also establish minimum purchase limits or other specific criteria for accessing reimbursement.
The highlights that this initiative facilitates access to the Tax Free system, allowing customers to recover part of the amount spent simply and immediately, without excessive bureaucracy. Interested customers should always check the requirements applicable to their case to ensure that the VAT refund goes smoothly.
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