What types of visa status in the UK render one liable for VAT?

Upvote:2

In order to purchase goods in the UK without paying VAT there are two main criteria:

  1. You must be visitor to the UK
  2. The goods must be exported unused.

No mention is explicitly made of visa categories. Obviously residential visas are not included. If you were leaving the UK with no plans to return after a short stay you might reasonably be counted as a visitor. I would expect that the second criterion would be much more restrictive.

Note that VAT refunds can be claimed even by residents if they are leaving the EU for at least 12 months.

Upvote:4

There is no exemption from VAT based on visa type. There is a VAT refund scheme based on where you live or where you plan to live for the next 12 months. I am a British Citizen, so no visa, but can use the scheme because I live in California and can prove it.

I recommend reading the whole of Claim VAT back on tax-free shopping in the UK.

3. Who can use the scheme has the conditions. You either need to live outside the UK or EU, or plan to do so for the next 12 months. You must export the goods "by the last day of the third month after the the month you bought them in".

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