VAT refund for foreign shoppers in Kazakhstan
Get a VAT refund on purchases in Kazakhstan. The Tax Free system allows foreign shoppers to get up to 16% of the purchase value back when exporting goods outside the EAEU.
TAX FREE is a VAT (value-added tax) refund system for foreign citizens when exporting goods purchased in Kazakhstan outside the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The operator of the Tax Free system in the Republic of Kazakhstan is IT Analytics LLP, an official participant accredited by the authorized body.
Shop
At stores participating in the Tax Free system
Confirm
Confirm export of goods at the airport with an inspector
Receive
VAT refund to your card
1000+
Retail outlets
10
International airports
16%
VAT refund
Role of the Tax Free Operator
Software
Development and support of the Tax Free system
Mobile app
A convenient app for shoppers and retail outlets
24/7 support
Consultation and help at every stage
Data processing
Secure processing and storage of information
Interaction with government agencies
Integration with the State Revenue Committee
Payouts
Guaranteed refunds to shoppers
Who can receive compensation
Check if you meet the requirements for a VAT refund
Foreign citizen
You are not a resident of the Republic of Kazakhstan and not a citizen of the EAEU
Purchase on the day of issuance
The goods must be purchased on the day the Tax Free document is issued
Passport required
A valid international passport must be presented at purchase
Minimum purchase amount
The purchase amount must be at least 10 MCI (monthly calculation index)
Export via airport
The goods must be exported through an international airport in Kazakhstan
Important:
At the time of purchase, 10 MCI is approximately 37,500 tenge. Please check the latest information with the seller.
Product requirements
What you need to know about goods for a VAT refund
Export goods outside the EAEU
The goods must be exported outside the customs territory of the EAEU
Present goods for inspection
At the airport, you must present the purchased goods to an inspector for visual inspection
Fiscal receipt with VAT
A fiscal receipt with the VAT amount shown is required. Without a receipt, a refund is not possible
Returns require cancellation
When returning or exchanging goods, the Tax Free document must be cancelled in the store
Goods not eligible for VAT refund:
Food and beverages
Medicines
Used goods
Goods for commercial use
Tax Free cities and airports
The Tax Free Operator system is available in the following cities of Kazakhstan
Almaty
Almaty International Airport
Astana
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport
Aktau
Almaty International Airport
Atyrau
Atyrau International Airport
Karaganda
Sary-Arka International Airport
Kostanay
Kostanay International Airport
Pavlodar
Pavlodar International Airport
Shymkent
Shymkent International Airport
Ust-Kamenogorsk
Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport
Uralsk
Uralsk Airport
How the system works
Step-by-step instructions for getting a VAT refund
Make a purchase
Find a store participating in the Tax Free system. When purchasing, tell the seller you want to issue Tax Free.
An electronic voucher is created
The seller scans your international passport in the Tax Free Operator system
Receive the electronic voucher
You will be issued a QR code and/or an electronic Tax Free document. Save it on your phone or print it.
At the airport before departure
Show the inspector the goods, passport, boarding pass, and Tax Free QR code. The inspector will confirm export in the system.
Receive compensation
The Tax Free Operator will pay the VAT refund to the details you provided starting from 14 days.
Electronic documents are convenient!
The Tax Free Operator system uses electronic Tax Free documents, which eliminates the need to fill out paper forms. All data is stored in the cloud and available through the mobile app.
Compensation and fees
Information about timelines and methods of receiving the refund
Payout timeframe
From 14 days after export confirmation
Standard timeframe: 30-45 days
Payment methods
Payments via international payment systems Visa, Mastercard,
Refund amount
VAT refund (Tax Free)
Operator commission (incl. bank) is no more than 20% of the VAT amount confirmed for compensation
Important rules before departure
What you need to do at the airport to get a refund
Have the goods with you
Make sure the purchased goods are with you to show the inspector. The goods must be in original packaging.
Documents
Prepare your international passport, boarding pass, and the Tax Free document (QR code on your phone or a printout).
Arrive early
Arrive at the airport in advance, as the verification procedure may take additional time.
Confirmation is required
Without the inspector's confirmation of export, VAT compensation is impossible. Make sure to complete the confirmation procedure!
Attention!
If you are flying via other EAEU countries (Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan), make sure your final destination is outside the EAEU. The goods must leave the customs territory of the union.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers to the most popular questions about Tax Free
If you find an error in passport data, purchase amount, or other details, you must contact the store where the purchase was made before leaving Kazakhstan. The seller must cancel the incorrect document and issue a new one with correct data.
After passing customs control, corrections are not possible.
Tax Free Operator contacts
Contact us for more information
Customer support
If you have questions or issues with VAT refunds
support@taxfree.kzResponse time: within 24 hours
For retail outlets
Tax Free system onboarding and technical support
partners@taxfree.kzConsultations on onboarding and staff training
Mobile app
Track refund status and manage Tax Free documents
