Swiss shoppers spend billions in Germany, but VAT refund limit stays
Germany's 50-euro minimum for VAT refunds on cross-border shopping is extended to 2028, but a new customs app could cut queues and change the rules sooner.
Swiss shoppers continue to spend billions in Germany each year, with VAT refund eligibility tied to a 50-euro minimum on single German receipts. Despite rumors of its removal before the end of 2026, a parliamentary committee voted to extend the threshold until December 31, 2028, reports Blick. CDU lawmaker Felix Schreiner described the extension as a "compromise" after Germany's Finance Ministry proposed raising it to 175 euros.
The final approval rests with the government. A new digital export certificate app, piloted since June, may expedite refunds by digitizing receipts and tracking VAT through GPS verification. If implemented nationwide by year-end, the 50-euro limit may be lifted sooner. Swiss shops argue that the lower prices in Germany hurt their business, while Switzerland reduced its duty-free import allowance in 2025 to combat cross-border shopping.
Swiss residents, however, benefit from the spending, with 2.5 billion euros spent annually in Baden-Württemberg alone.
Written by urgent.news from IamExpat Germany (All Germany News)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
