Invoices in the name of Airvat

For each purchase you must specifically request the store to issue a business invoice (or “facture” in French) addressed to Airvat.

Don’t mention anything about “VAT refund” or “tax-free” to the shop assistant to avoid confusion. Instead, simply ask “Please could I have an invoice / facture?” and insist on getting one.

In the app you will find a handy instructions screen to show to the sales assistant to help communicate the required invoice information.

Airvat details to be included on the invoice

Good to know

• We strongly recommend asking the shop assistant for the invoice before making a purchase as they would naturally be more helpful.
• Most shops will be able to issue an invoice instantly at the checkout by entering Airvat’s company details into their cash register system.
• You do not need to justify yourself when asking for an Airvat invoice. Shops have a legal obligation to issue invoices if requested or risk getting fined by the tax authorities.
• If a merchant hasn’t heard of Airvat, that’s completely normal. We’re independent from retailers, and our French Customs licence allows us to process VAT refunds directly, helping keep fees low. Just request a business invoice made out to Airvat, and we’ll take care of the rest.
• You don’t need to show your passport to the sales assistant as you will do this instead to Airvat via the app.

What invoices are accepted

• There is no set format for an invoice, however, it must state the following required information about the purchase:
  • Show Airvat as the buyer, customer, or client, etc;
  • Retailer’s name, address, and VAT (or “TVA” in French) number;
  • Invoice date and number;
  • Goods description and quantity;
  • VAT rate and the total price;
  • Hand-writen manual invoice must be stamped and dated.
• Each invoice can be of any value, however, the sum of all your Airvat invoices must exceed €100 to qualify for a VAT refund in France.
• You must upload a full clear image of the entire invoice capturing all four corners. Screenshots and images taken from screens of other devices are not accepted.

Examples of valid invoices ✅

Examples of invalid invoices ❌

Shop’s own VAT refund forms, cash register or credit card receipts are not acceptable.

Having Trouble Getting an Airvat Invoice?

Some shops may use older cash register systems that can’t issue invoices instantly. In such cases, your invoice request may need to be handled by the retailer’s back office, which can take additional time.

Sometimes, the sales assistant may simply be unfamiliar with the store’s invoicing process. If that happens, politely ask to speak with a manager or try another branch where staff may be more helpful.

Occasionally, luxury brands may claim they cannot issue an Airvat invoice or that they don’t sell to companies. This is often because retailers are incentivised to promote their partnered refund operators and receive a portion of the high commission charged on your refund.

While shops cannot legally prevent you from choosing your preferred VAT refund operator—such as Airvat—they may attempt to complicate the process. Keep in mind that at the end of the day, the shop wants to make a sale. If you’re clear about your request and willing to walk away, a good sales assistant will usually find a solution.

Top tip: Major luxury retailers often have a policy of selling only to individual consumers, so they typically can’t issue invoices under the Airvat name by default. To obtain a valid VAT invoice, ask the shop assistant to create a new customer profile using your name, add “Airvat EURL” after your last name, and enter Airvat’s company address in place of your home address.

Why is the invoice in the name of Airvat required

An invoice is the official document proving the amount of tax paid to the government on each transaction. In order to refund VAT to you, we need to reclaim the same amount from the tax authority, which is why the invoices must be issued in Airvat’s name. Such an arrangement is part of our operating model approved by the authorities that granted us the licence.

Happy shopping!