Who is eligible for Tax Free Shopping in Japan?

In Japan, Foreign tourists can enjoy tax free shopping. It is called the Consumption Tax Exemption for Foreign Visitors. Eligible foreign tourists can receive a refund of the consumption tax (shouhizei in JP)paid on certain goods and services during their stay in Japan. 

Please refer the consumption tax rate of the products in Japan here. 

Here are the main eligibility criteria for the tax exemption program (tax free shopping) in Japan. 

1. Non-resident status and temporary stay

you must be a non-resident of Japan. Japanese residents, including foreign nationals with resident status, are not eligible for the tax exemption.

You must be staying in Japan for less than six months only. 

*Non-resident Japanese nationals may be eligible to apply for tax exemption. If you are a Japanese national and use tax-free shops, you will also need to present a copy of your supplementary family register or residency certificate.

Please see below for further information regarding tax free shopping.

Notice to Foreign Travelers who purchase Tax Free Items by National Tax Agency Japan

2. Eligible items

The tax exemption applies to two types of items.

a. General items purchased at the same store, where the total amount is 5,000 yen or more per person per day

b. Consumable items such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The total purchase amount must be between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen per person per day at the same store.

*In Japan, tax-free items that are consumable and in a sealed bag cannot be opened. However, general items can be opened unless they were purchased with other consumable items, in which case they also cannot be opened.

3. Shop at the Tax Free Stores which participate in the tax exemption program

Tax Free Stores usually display "Tax-Free" signs and stickers. However, some items, such as consumables, may have restrictions on tax refunds. Confirming the details and conditions with the store at the time of purchase is advisable.

If you download PIE VAT app, you can check the PIE VAT partner tax free stores within the app. Download digital tax refund app "PIE VAT" here. 

Learn more about PIE VAT app here

4. Bring your passport to the store

To process the tax refund, you must present your passport to the store staff for verification. 

*Please note that when using the automated immigration gates for landing examinations at airports, your passport is not stamped with the seal of verification for entry. Therefore, you may not be able to identify yourself as eligible for tax-free purchases at Tax Free Stores.

If you plan on shopping at Tax Free Stores tax-free shops after passing through the automated immigration gates, inform the officer at each inspection office that you need the seal of verification before customs inspection.

Notice "For Persons eligible for Tax free Purchases using automated immigration gates for landing examnation at airports" by National Tax Agency Japan

5. Enjoy shopping!!!

We hope you enjoy your stay in Japan and enjoy shopping!

Don't forget to visit PIE VAT partner stores and shopping malls throughout Japan. Download PIE VAT app for free here or scan the QR code below. You can get 1 GB of free 5G internet data with the PIE VAT eSIM! Lean more here