What Is Airvat and How It Works: The Future of VAT Refunds in France

If you have ever shopped in France and heard about the possibility of getting a VAT refund, you’ve probably come across the name Airvat. But what exactly is Airvat, how does it work, and why are so many travelers now using it instead of traditional tax refund companies like Global Blue or Planet?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Airvat?

Airvat is a licensed digital VAT refund operator, officially approved by the Directorate-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes of the French Republic (DGDDI).
The company holds the license FR-017-AOD, issued on 27 October 2022, allowing it to operate as an authorized agent of the French PABLO system – the official electronic validation network for VAT refunds.

In other words, Airvat is a legitimate and government-recognized platform that helps non-EU tourists claim back the VAT (Value Added Tax) on purchases made in France, directly through a mobile app, without the usual paperwork or store involvement.

Airvat also operates in the Belgium and is in the process of obtaining additional licenses in Italy and other EU countries, further expanding its reach across Europe.

How Airvat Works?

Airvat digitizes and simplifies the traditional VAT refund process.
Here’s how it works in practice:

1. Shop anywhere in France.
   You can buy from any store – large retailer, boutique, or small shop. No need to look for “Tax Free” logos.
2. Ask for a business invoice.
   At checkout, request a business invoice made out to Airvat.
   ⚠️ Important: It must be an invoice, not a simple receipt or ticket.
3. Upload your invoices to the Airvat app.
   Open the Airvat app, upload photos of your invoices, and – before your flight – upload your passport details.
4. Get your digital tax-free form.
   Airvat automatically creates your digital VAT refund form, which you will need to validate at a PABLO terminal at the airport before departure.
5. Receive your refund.
   Choose your preferred payout method – bank transfer or PayPal – and get your money back within 1-7 business days.
   (Note: PayPal may charge a small service fee, so a bank card refund is usually the best option.)

What Makes Airvat Different

Most traditional VAT refund operators require that you spend at least €100.01 in a single store to qualify for a refund.
Airvat removes this restriction completely.

• You can combine multiple small purchases (even under €100 each) from different shops into one consolidated refund form.
• Average refund time is just 3 days, much faster than traditional services.
• Airvat charges a flat 20% fee on the VAT amount – no hidden costs or retailer markups.
• The entire process is 100% digital, handled through the Airvat mobile app.
• Fully recognized and approved by French customs (DGDDI) and integrated with the PABLO validation system.

According to company data, Airvat users receive on average 50% more refund compared to those who process their VAT through in-store partners.

Legal and Regulatory Information

Airvat’s activity is officially authorized by multiple European tax authorities:

• France – License FR-017-AOD from the DGDDI (issued 27/10/2022).
• United Kingdom – Operating in accordance with VAT Notice 407, Retail Export Scheme for Northern Ireland (HMRC).
• Belgium – Approved operator under agreement ET.137.560/18 by FPS Finance pursuant to Article 39, §1er, 4° of the Belgian VAT Code.

These authorizations confirm that Airvat operates under full legal compliance with EU customs and VAT regulations.

Who Can Use Airvat?

To qualify for a VAT refund via Airvat, you must:

• Reside outside the European Union.
• Spend at least €100.01 total (combined from all invoices).
• Export your purchased goods unused and within three months from the date of purchase.
• Validate your tax-free form before leaving the EU (at a PABLO terminal or customs desk).

Airvat is particularly convenient for tourists visiting Paris, who often make smaller purchases across multiple stores – fashion, cosmetics, souvenirs, or gourmet products.

Why Airvat Is the Future of VAT Refunds

The biggest advantage of Airvat lies in flexibility, transparency, and user control.
Instead of relying on store clerks or external agents, travelers manage the entire process themselves – anytime, anywhere.
The app ensures that your data and documents are securely processed, while keeping you updated on your refund status in real time.

It’s a modern solution for a digital era – trusted, fast, and user-friendly.

How to Get Started

1. Download the Airvat App from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create your account and upload your invoices.
3. Follow the simple on-screen guide to prepare your refund before departure.
4. Validate your form at the airport – and get your money back within days.

👉 Visit www.airvat.com to learn more.