A VAT refund guide to Germany
How to get VAT Refunds from Germany for your business
If your business is registered outside of Germany, you may be able to claim VAT refunds on costs incurred within Germany.
The below information details the requirements needed to be eligible for a VAT refund. This includes claimable expense types, Germany VAT rates, deadlines and claiming periods.
Which countries have reciprocity with Germany?
All EU countries, Andorra, Antigua, Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermudas, British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Canada, Cayman Islands, China(Taiwan), Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Korea (People?s Rep), Korea(ROK), Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Macao, Maldives, Marshal Islands, Macedonia, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, St Vincent, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City
For a more detailed explanation on what reciprocity means within the scope of VAT, click here:
What expenses are claimable in Germany?
Entertainment
Entertainment
(Not claimable) 0%
Hotels & Accommodation
7%
Restaurants
7% & 19%
Events
Conferences, Trade Shows & Exhibitions
19%
Training Courses & Seminars
19%
Travel Related
Car Rental
19%
Fuel
0% & 19%
Public Transport
7% & 19%
Taxis
7% & 19%
General Expenses
Goods
19%
Inter-company charges
19%
Office Expenses
19%
Marketing Costs
19%
Professional Fees & AP invoices
19%
Additional Information
How far back can your business claim VAT from Germany?
January - December of previous year for all countries
What’s the foreign VAT deadline in Germany?
30 September for companies that are based inside the EU (including Canary Islands and Monaco). 30 June for companies that are based outside the EU (excluding Canary Islands and Monaco).
How long does it take to receive a VAT refund from Germany?
Depending on the complexity of your application and the capacity at the VAT authority, it can take up to 6 months for an EU company and up to 10 months for non-EU companies to receive a VAT refund from Germany
Need help with your VAT refund from Germany?
You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve been helping companies reclaim foreign VAT refunds for over 20 years. We have the knowledge and technology to process your refunds quicker as well as attend to any unforeseen VAT authority queries that may arise.
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