Tax-Free Shopping in Croatia 🇭🇷

Dubrovnik, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a picturesque coastal city in Croatia known for its well-preserved medieval walls, stunning Old Town, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a top destination for travelers seeking history, culture, and natural beauty.

Shop tax-free in Croatia with Vatfree.com! Croatia is a beautiful country located in the Mediterranean region of Europe. It's known for its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful beaches. But it's not just the natural beauty that draws visitors to Croatia. The country has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse history, which can be seen in its cities, museums, and historical sites. Croatia is also a great destination for shopping, with a variety of markets, boutiques, and malls to explore.

One of the most popular cities to visit in Croatia is the capital city, Zagreb. It's a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving shopping scene. The city has a mix of international and local brands, as well as traditional markets and artisanal shops. Visitors can explore the bustling streets of the city center, wander through the historic Upper Town, or shop at one of the city's many malls and department stores.

Another popular destination in Croatia is the coastal city of Dubrovnik. Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. The city's charming streets are lined with shops selling traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and local products. Visitors can also find high-end fashion boutiques, jewelry shops, and art galleries. The city's Old Town is a must-visit destination, with its beautiful architecture and winding streets!

Value Added Tax (VAT) in Croatia

  • Local currency is € Euro

  • VAT is applied to all purchases

  • Standard VAT rate: 25%

  • Low VAT rate: 13% on food and some optical products. 

  • Low VAT rate: 5% on medicines, pharmaceutical goods, books, magazines.

5 Tax-Free shopping rules

  1. You must live at least 6 months out of each year in a non-EU country.

  2. You must purchase goods (online or in stores) for private use to take back home to a non-EU country.

  3. Upon purchasing goods, let the store know you will export the goods. The store will provide you with a tax-free form.

  4. There is a minimum spend for a tax refund in Croatia. To be eligible for a VAT refund, visitors must spend a minimum of 740 HRK (approximately €100 EUR)

  5. You must get a Customs export validation stamp before the end of the 3rd month, after the month of purchase. So if you buy a product in February, you can declare the product for export validation till the end of May of that year. The Customs export validation (either an ink stamp on your documentation or digitally approved) is mandatory to prove export of goods. Without this proof, no VAT refund can be issued.

Where to get Customs validation?

At the last EU departure point like the airport of Zagreb, Split or upon arrival in a non-EU country. Required documentation to show the Customs officer: 

  • Passport (If you have an EU passport; other proof of residence outside the EU);

  • Boarding pass;

  • Purchased items;

  • Purchase invoices/receipts and/or tax free forms.

Good to know

At the airport, please allow enough time for Customs approval process before your flight departs. An extra 30 minutes before check-in time is usually enough.

Make sure the goods are in an unused condition.

Make sure to visit Customs before check-in as you will probably check in your main luggage. If you plan to carry the goods in your hand luggage, visit Customs after check-in if the airport map shows this option.

Make sure to take a photo of your stamped documents after visiting Customs. Upload these photos via the vatfree.com app or after logging in to your account. In case of loss, you will always have the digital copies in a safe place and the VAT refund process might still be able to take place.

If you are departing a Croatian airport but changing flights at another EU airport, and if the goods you are exporting are to be checked through to a destination outside the EU, go to Customs at the Croatian airport and your documentation will be export validated as if you were at the EU departure point. If your luggage is not checked through to a destination outside the EU, you need to have your documentation export validated at the EU airport where the changing flights occur. 

In smaller airports, there may be no Customs Official present, in this case, look for the Customs deposit box and instructions.