Galeries Lafayette VAT refund: A 2025 guide to getting your tax back
Famous worldwide for their stunning department stores, Galeries Lafayette offers visitors, French or international, a true treasure trove of fashion, gourmet food, and unique events. With more than 50 stores across France, this shopping temple gathers both local brands and top designers, making it a must-stop destination for anyone traveling through the country.
But what many visitors to France don’t realize is that they can get a VAT refund on their purchases, especially at Galeries Lafayette. This is the principle of tax-free shopping. A great way to make your shopping spree much more affordable!
However, between long lines and sometimes confusing paperwork, VAT refund procedures can become a real headache… unless you know the right tools.
In this article, we’ll walk you step by step through how VAT refunds work at Galeries Lafayette, what the eligibility conditions are, and most importantly, how to simplify the process using Zapptax.
Easily get your VAT back on your purchases by following our guide.
Download the Zapptax app now to start saving on your shopping in France!
What is the VAT refund at Galeries Lafayette?
Tax-free shopping is a fiscal advantage available to travelers who live outside the European Union. It allows you to recover part of the VAT (Value Added Tax) paid on purchases made during your stay in France.
In practice, if you shop at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, or any of their stores in France, and meet the eligibility requirements, you can get a refund on your spending.
This only applies to physical goods that you personally export in your luggage, such as clothing, accessories, or beauty products, not services or items consumed on the spot.
The refund rate offered by Galeries Lafayette’s in-store tax refund service is 12% for purchases over €100 made in the store.
Who is eligible for a VAT refund at Galeries Lafayette?
Here are the basic conditions to be eligible for a VAT refund:
- You must be 16 years of age or older.
- You must reside outside the European Union.
- You must be staying in the EU for less than 6 months.
You live outside the European Union? Great! You’re eligible to claim a VAT refund on most of your purchases at Galeries Lafayette, including fashion, perfume, electronics, and jewelry.
Foreign tourists are not the only ones concerned, French expatriates living outside the EU may also benefit, as long as they meet the criteria.
What purchases are eligible for a VAT refund?
You can get a VAT refund on most physical goods purchased during your stay, as long as they are not consumed on-site and are transported outside the EU in your personal luggage.
This includes a box of chocolates, cosmetics, a camera, or a designer dress. On the other hand, services, show tickets, meals, and drinks are not eligible.
How to get a VAT refund at Galeries Lafayette: two methods, two experiences
When shopping at Galeries Lafayette, you have two options for claiming your VAT refund:
1. The traditional in-store method
After making your purchases, you’ll need to go to the store’s tax refund area (located on the 1st floor near the Louis Vuitton section), present your ID, fill out the necessary forms, and choose your refund method (cash, card, or bank transfer). The refund can take up to 6 weeks or more.
Then, upon departure from France, you’ll need to scan your tax-free forms at a PABLO kiosk at the airport to validate your claim.
2. The digital method with Zapptax
With a mobile app like Zapptax, everything is handled on your phone. No more waiting in line, carrying paperwork, or worrying about forgetting your passport while shopping. You request invoices made out to “Zapptax”, upload them to the app, and the rest is automated.
To obtain these invoices, simply visit the concierge desk on floor +1 at Galeries Lafayette, where they’ll issue them with no trouble. If the concierge is closed, you can also request them online by contacting Galeries Lafayette’s customer service through their website and submitting a form with your receipt attached. The Zapptax support team will gladly help if needed.
One of the major advantages? You don’t need to spend €100 in one unique store. With Zapptax, you can combine purchases from multiple stores—as long as your total exceeds €100 including VAT.
And that’s not all, the refund rate is often better than in-store, and the processing time is much faster.
How does Zapptax work?
- Download the app: available on iOS and Android.
- Complete your profile: create an account and enter your personal details (residency address, passport photo, consular card or residence card, preferred refund method, etc.).
- Make your purchases: request invoices made out to “Zapptax” (contact details are in the app) when shopping in-store or online.
- Upload your invoices: take a photo or upload them directly into the app.
- Generate your tax-free form: the app compiles all your purchases into one tax-free form.
- Validate the form at the Customs: scan it at a PABLO kiosk before you leave the EU.
- Receive your refund: straight to your bank account or another selected method.
Key advantages over the traditional method
Beyond the comfort of skipping paperwork and crowded counters, here are the main benefits of using a solution like Zapptax for your shopping at Galeries Lafayette—and throughout France:
- VAT refunds up to 15% higher than average. Up to 90% of the VAT refunded!
- Valid in all stores, even online, including shops that don’t offer traditional tax-free shopping.
- No need to show your passport (Zapptax requires just one identity verification per year).
- No per-store minimum purchase (unlike the traditional method), just a €100 minimum total for your whole trip.
- User-friendly interface: everything is stored and managed directly in the app. No more paper forms, no more printing.
- 24/7 customer support available in multiple languages.
- Real-time tracking: follow the status of your refund directly in the app.
Conclusion
Shopping at Galeries Lafayette is a must-do experience when visiting Paris. With VAT refund options, you can make it even more rewarding. And thanks to Zapptax, the process is simple, fast, and profitable.
Now that you know everything you need about VAT refunds, don’t wait, download the app for iOS or Android today!
FAQ
1. Do Galeries Lafayette offer VAT refunds?
Yes, with Zapptax, you can get a VAT refund on purchases made at Galeries Lafayette.
Instead of going through the store’s tax refund desk, simply request an invoice in the name of “Zapptax” at checkout. Then import the invoice into the app, which will generate your tax-free form.
Before leaving the EU, validate the form at a PABLO kiosk at the airport, and the service will process your refund. This method is not only easier—it also gets you a higher refund, with no admin hassle.
2. What is the VAT refund percentage?
In France, the VAT rate is typically 20%. With Galeries Lafayette’s in-store tax refund service, travelers usually recover around 12% after fees. With Zapptax, the refund can go up to 15%, that’s 90% of the VAT.
3. What are the benefits of the Galeries Lafayette loyalty card?
The Galeries Lafayette card often offers exclusive deals, discounts, and personalized services. However, it doesn’t directly affect VAT refunds, which depend solely on the total amount spent.
4. How do I get a tax refund after a purchase?
In-store or online, request an invoice made out to “Zapptax”. Then upload your invoices to the app. Once your shopping is complete and your tax-free form is generated, validate it at Customs before leaving the EU.
5. How do I get a VAT refund on a foreign purchase?
For purchases made in an EU country (outside your country of residence), non-EU residents can recover VAT by following that country’s tax-free process. With Zapptax, you can consolidate all your invoices from one country into a single tax-free form, simplifying the process, especially for purchases in France, Belgium, or Spain.
6. How is VAT refund calculated?
It depends on the VAT rate applied. For example, with 20% VAT, the refundable amount equals 16.67% of the total price including tax. On a €120 purchase (€100 + €20 VAT), VAT is 16.67% of the total. Then, service fees are deducted. With Zapptax, up to 90% of the VAT is refunded.
7. Can I use Zapptax for online purchases?
Yes, as long as you get an invoice in Zapptax’s name.
8. How long does it take to receive the refund?
Your refund is guaranteed once your tax-free form is validated. You’ll receive it within a few days to a few weeks.
