To take advantage of the Tax Free Shopping service in Russia, international visitors must spend a minimum of 10,000 RUB (128$) (including VAT) in a single day at the same participating retailer. This service allows you to reclaim a significant portion of the value-added tax, making your shopping experience in Moscow considerably more rewarding.

Eligibility Check: You are eligible if you are a resident of a country outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). (Residents of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia are not eligible).

Phase 1: Your Action at the Store

Requesting Your Tax Free Form

When paying for your purchases, you must inform the store staff that you wish to shop Tax Free. The staff will provide you with a tax refund document.

  • Passport Required: You must present your original passport or a clear copy to the retailer to complete the form.
  • Double-Check Details: Ensure your name, passport number, and address are correctly entered on the form.
  • Store Identification: Look for tax refund logo at the storefront or cash desk before shopping.

Phase 2: Customs Validation at SVO

Getting the Official Stamp

Before you check in your luggage at Sheremetyevo (SVO), you must visit the Customs Desk to get your Tax Free form validated. Without the official customs stamp, your refund request will be rejected.

Keep Goods Unused: Customs officers may ask to see your purchases. Items must be unused and in their original packaging. Do not pack them in your checked luggage until after validation.

Required Documents: Have your completed Tax Free Form, original receipts, passport, and boarding pass ready for inspection.

Where to find Customs at SVO?

  • Terminal B: Floor 1 (Transfers area) & Departures Hall.
  • Terminal C: Floor 3 (Common area before security).

Phase 3: Receive Your Refund

Updated 2026 Refund Rates

Fashion & Luxury Up to 22%
Technology & Watches Up to 22%
Food & Medicine Up to 10%

Refund is not applicable to excise goods like alcohol and tobacco.

Refund Office Locations at SVO

After receiving your customs stamp, present your documents to the nearby Tax Free office or specialized bank counters.

Terminal C (Departures Hall)

Floor 3: Look for the Bank Globus or Tax Free refund counters in the common area.

Terminal B (Arrivals/Public Area)

Floor 1: Refund offices are available for passengers in the public arrivals zone.

Pro-Tips for SVO Passengers

Arrive Early: Customs validation can have long queues. Arrive at least 4 hours before your flight to ensure you have enough time for the stamp and refund process.

Excise Goods: Remember that Alcohol and Tobacco products are excise goods and are not eligible for VAT refunds in Russia.

Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum spend is 10,000 RUB (including VAT) in one day at the same participating store.

In Terminal C, you can find the Customs counters in the Departures Hall on the 3rd Floor, within the common area before security.

No. Goods must be unused and in their original packaging. Customs officers have the right to inspect the goods to verify they are being exported.

The goods must be exported within 3 months of purchase, and you can apply for the refund within one year from the purchase date.

Customs desks at Sheremetyevo (SVO) generally operate 24/7. However, if a counter is unattended, look for the designated Tax Free deposit boxes located near the customs area. You can drop your stamped form there for a credit card refund. Note: Without a stamp, a deposit box will not help.

Yes. Most refund offices at SVO, such as Bank Globus, offer cash refunds in RUB, USD, or EUR. Please be aware that cash refunds may be subject to a fixed service fee per form, and currency conversion rates will apply if you choose a non-local currency.

This is a critical mistake. Once your bags are checked in and you have entered the secure departure zone, you cannot access the Landside customs desks. Since the officers need to see the physical goods, no stamp equals no refund. Always visit the customs desk before bag drop.

While you can track your refund status online via the Global Blue website or app, the initial Customs Validation must be done in person at the airport. Digital validation is not yet fully available for all retailers in Russia, so the physical stamp remains the most reliable method.