General information
The tax-free scheme (Section 84 of the VAT Act) refunds VAT to travellers from third countries who buy goods in the Czech Republic and export them from the EU in personal luggage. Though often seen as simple, strict conditions apply — failure to meet them prevents refund to the traveller and deduction by the seller.
If a refund is requested, the seller must immediately issue a valid document with the traveller’s and travel document details, and electronically submit these to the VAT refund system. Incorrect submission invalidates the document and blocks the refund. The traveller confirms export at the airport via a Czech Customs self-service kiosk.
The traveller must request the refund within six months of purchase. After export confirmation, the seller refunds the VAT amount to the traveller — only then can the seller deduct the VAT, no later than the end of the following calendar year.
Sellers may opt out of the scheme entirely, but the decision applies to all similar supplies in the calendar year. If participating, they must fully comply with the statutory procedure, including electronic records linked to EU export confirmation.
The information system for VAT refunds to travellers launches on 1 April 2026.
Other news from Czech Republic
Czech: Exemption for Exported Goods and VAT Refunds for Tourists from Outside the EU
Czech Republic
Author: Ema Stamenković
From January 1, 2026, a new electronic VAT refund system for non-EU visitors will be implemented with specific requirements for sellers. With effect from January 1, 2026, the amendment establishes a new electronic system for returning VAT to visitors from non-EU nations. The fundamental requirements—non-EU resident, personal use, export within three months, CZK 2,000 per receipt, including... Read more
New document was uploaded: System Comparison: EET 1.0 and 2.0 in the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Author: Ema Stamenković
This document is intended to provide a general overview of the entire fiscalization in the Czech Republic, covering the EET 1.0 , the abolishment of EET 1.0, current legal requirements and the next EET 2.0. It presents a timeline of events that occured and differences between them Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? LoginCzech Republic Debating to Introduce Electronic Sales Records (EET) 2.0
Czech Republic
Author: Ema Stamenković
The Czech government plans to implement EET 2.0 by January 1, 2027, exempting small businesses and occasional earnings while ensuring a fair environment for entrepreneurs without mandatory receipts. After the latest parliamentary elections, Electronic Sales Records (EET) is back into consideration. The emerging government's published program statement and legislators' media outlets on the subject... Read more
Czechia: VAT Neutrality Demands More Than EET Figures, Supreme Court Declares
Czech Republic
Author: Ema Stamenković
Supreme Administrative Court ruled VAT cannot be based solely on EET without taxpayer purchase documents. The Supreme Administrative Court affirmed that when the taxpayer does not produce purchase documents, VAT cannot be calculated purely on the basis of EET (electronic evidence of sales). To guarantee VAT neutrality and a realistic assessment, authorities must employ estimation techniques that t... Read more
New VAT Obligation: Unpaid Invoices Require Deduction Adjustment in Czechia
Czech Republic
Author: Ema Stamenković
Companies must reverse VAT deductions on unpaid invoices after six months, affecting cash flow and compliance. This rule applies to transactions from January 1, 2025, with exceptions for reverse charge supplies. Late payments allow VAT reclamation within two years. Accurate record-keeping is essential for partial payments and offsets, as they impact the adjustments. Companies face a new VAT rule r... Read more
Czechia: Modernizing VAT for Today’s Digital Economy
Czech Republic
Author: Ema Stamenković
The European Commission has approved modifications to modernize the VAT system, including mandatory electronic invoicing and digital reporting for cross-border transactions, VAT application in the platform economy, and VAT registration extension Aiming to lower administration and capture the risk of VAT fraud in the digital economy, changes have been approved at the EU level. A number of modifica... Read more