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Are you visiting France, running a business, or exporting goods and services across borders? Then you need to understand VAT for France — one of the most important yet misunderstood taxes in the European Union.
What Is VAT for France?
VAT, or “Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée” (TVA), is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services in France. Unlike a sales tax, VAT is charged at every stage of the supply chain — from manufacturing to the final sale.
If you sell, import, or distribute products or services in France, understanding how VAT works in France is not optional. It’s the foundation of tax compliance and international business in the European Union (EU).
How Does VAT Work in France?
In France, VAT is charged on goods and services at the time of sale. Businesses collect VAT from customers, deduct the VAT they paid on business expenses, and pay the difference to the French tax authorities. This system ensures that the final burden of tax is borne by the end consumer.
For international businesses and tourists, the concept is the same — but the procedures for collecting, paying, or reclaiming VAT are specific and often complex.
What Is the VAT Rate for France?
France applies several VAT rates depending on the type of good or service:
- The standard VAT rate is 20%, applied to most goods and services.
- A reduced rate of 10% applies to hotel stays, restaurants, and certain transport services.
- A reduced rate of 5.5% is used for books, some food products, and cultural items.
- A super-reduced rate of 2.1% applies to some medications and newspapers.
If you’re wondering how much is VAT in France, the answer depends on what you’re buying or selling — but most products fall under the standard 20% rate.
Do I Need to Register for VAT in France?
Many foreign companies ask: Do I need to register for VAT in France?
You must register if:
- You are selling goods or services in France beyond the VAT threshold.
- You import products into France.
- You run an e-commerce store shipping to French customers.
- You organize events or have B2B transactions involving French clients.
There is no universal exemption. If you operate in France in any way, you are likely required to register for VAT.
This includes non-EU companies. For example, a UK company registering for VAT in France is now mandatory after Brexit if goods or services are sold to French customers.
How to Register for VAT in France
To register for VAT in France, you must submit a VAT registration application to the French tax authorities. Required documents usually include:
- A certificate of incorporation
- Proof of business activity in France
- Identification of the company’s legal representative
- A fiscal representative (mandatory for non-EU businesses)
You can apply directly or through a local fiscal agent who handles French VAT compliance on your behalf. This is often the fastest and safest route, especially if you’re unfamiliar with French tax law.
When to Register for VAT in France
Timing matters. You must register for VAT in France before carrying out any taxable transactions. This includes sales, imports, and even advertising targeted at the French market.
For digital businesses, it’s crucial to register as soon as your sales exceed the French VAT threshold. Late registration may lead to penalties, interest, and backdated VAT liabilities.
Value Added Tax for Hotels in France
If you’re in the hospitality business, note that VAT for hotels in France is charged at a reduced rate of 10%. This applies to room nights and many hotel services.
However, some optional extras — like luxury spa access or minibar services — may fall under the standard 20% rate.
Value Added Tax for Cars in France
When it comes to cars, VAT for France applies differently based on the vehicle type and buyer profile.
- For new cars sold in France, VAT is charged at 20%.
- Used cars sold by individuals are usually VAT-exempt.
- Businesses may deduct VAT on cars used exclusively for business purposes.
Tourists generally cannot reclaim VAT on car purchases unless the car is exported and meets specific rules.
Value Added Tax for Books in France
France strongly supports cultural goods. That’s why VAT for books in France — including e-books — is charged at the reduced rate of 5.5%.
Whether you’re a publisher, bookseller, or educational institution, this reduced rate can offer strategic pricing advantages.
VAT for Services in France
Most professional services — legal, consulting, tech, or freelance — are subject to 20% VAT in France.
However, exceptions exist:
- Some medical and educational services may be VAT-exempt.
- B2B services between EU companies often fall under the reverse charge mechanism.
- VAT in France for foreigners who provide services can require non-resident VAT registration, especially post-Brexit.
If you’re selling digital services to French consumers from outside the EU, you must register under the non-EU VAT OSS system.
VAT Refund for France
VAT refund for France is a major opportunity — if you know how to claim it.
Who is eligible?
- Tourists from outside the EU can claim back VAT on purchases made during their trip.
- Foreign businesses (without a fixed establishment in France) can reclaim VAT on expenses such as hotels, conference fees, and transport.
How to claim a Value Added Tax refund in France?
- Tourists can use refund kiosks at the airport or approved operators like Global Blue.
- Businesses must apply via the VAT refund portal or through a fiscal representative.
How long for Value Added Tax refund France?
- For tourists, refunds are processed in 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the payment method.
- For businesses, the processing time is 3 to 6 months.
Minimum spend for Value Added Tax refund France:
- Tourists must spend at least €100.01 in a single store on the same day to qualify.
Questions we often hear:
- Can I get VAT back in France? Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- What is the VAT refund for France? It’s the amount of VAT (typically 20%) that can be reimbursed under certain conditions.
- VAT refund France to UK, US, Canada, Switzerland? All possible with proper documentation and proof of export.
VAT Between France and Other Countries
Cross-border VAT can get complicated. Here’s a quick breakdown of how VAT works between France and major countries:
- VAT between France and UK: Post-Brexit, goods from the UK are imports and require customs + VAT declarations in France. Services may be reverse charged.
- VAT between France and Germany: As both are EU countries, intra-community supply rules apply. VAT is often reverse charged on B2B sales.
- VAT between France and Switzerland: As Switzerland is non-EU, both import VAT and customs duties apply.
- VAT between France and Italy: VAT is usually reverse charged B2B; B2C sales require VAT registration.
- VAT from France to USA: Exports to the US are zero-rated. No French VAT is charged.
- VAT from France to UK: For B2C, French VAT applies unless the UK company is registered. For B2B, reverse charge often applies.
- VAT from France to Germany: Zero-rated B2B if the German buyer has a valid VAT number.
Other Key Value Added Tax Terms and Tools
- VAT calculator for France: Use it to estimate how much VAT you owe or are owed.
- VAT import France: All imported goods must be declared, and VAT is usually payable unless deferred.
- VAT threshold in France: Businesses exceeding €85,800 (goods) or €34,400 (services) must register.
- VAT declaration France: Filed monthly or quarterly depending on turnover.
- VAT group France: Available for multiple related companies operating in France.
- VAT deduction France: Businesses can recover VAT on eligible expenses.
- VAT refund France eligibility: Depends on your residency, nature of purchases, and proof of export.
Why Work with Our VAT Law Firm?
Navigating French VAT rules is not just about compliance — it’s about strategic optimization. At our VAT law firm, we help businesses gain clarity, avoid costly mistakes, and unlock real value from their VAT obligations.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Expertise in French and EU VAT: We advise clients across industries — from tech and e-commerce to logistics, finance, and tourism.
- Multilingual support: We assist international clients in English, French, Dutch, and beyond.
- Tailored compliance: We assess your structure and transactions to customize your VAT setup, avoiding unnecessary registrations or exposure.
- Representation before authorities: We handle VAT registration, reporting, and audits directly with the French tax administration — so you don’t have to.
- High-impact results: From recovering six-figure VAT refunds to securing strategic VAT exemptions, we deliver measurable outcomes.
Whether you’re a startup expanding into the French market, a non-EU company needing a fiscal representative, or a group looking to centralize EU VAT management — we’re your trusted legal partner.
Value Added Tax Training and Workshops for Your Teams
VAT law is evolving fast — especially with digital services, international supply chains, and post-Brexit trade. That’s why we offer practical, business-focused VAT training tailored to your sector and goals.
Our workshops are ideal for:
- Finance and tax teams who need clarity on intra-EU VAT, reverse charge rules, and VAT recovery;
- E-commerce operators needing guidance on OSS/IOSS schemes and VAT thresholds;
- Import-export managers who must master customs and import VAT rules in France;
- Legal advisors and consultants seeking to deepen their EU VAT expertise.
Available formats:
- Online sessions (Zoom, Teams, or client platform)
- In-person workshops across Europe and North America
- Executive briefings for C-level decision-makers
- Custom modules for onboarding or upskilling your team
Whether you’re a multinational or a fast-growing SME, our training programs will help you stay compliant, reduce risks, and act with confidence.
Conclusion: Master Value Added Tax for France Today
Understanding VAT for France is essential if you’re doing business, traveling, or providing services within the country. With proper planning, you can avoid penalties, maximize refunds, and ensure full compliance.
If you’re asking yourself:
- “Do I need to register for VAT in France?”
- “How long for VAT refund France?”
- “Can a company register for VAT in France?”
- “How to register for VAT in France?”
…then we can help.
Contact our VAT law firm today for expert guidance on registration, refunds, and compliance. Our multilingual team supports businesses and individuals from the UK, US, EU, and beyond.