Industries Eligible for VAT Refunds

VAT refunds are available to U.S. companies in many sectors, including:

Medical device and life sciences

Pharmaceuticals and biotech

Engineering and manufacturing

Aerospace and aviation suppliers

Tech and SaaS companies

Film, TV, production and media

Automotive and EV suppliers

Energy, renewables, and utilities

Education and training organisations

Professional services (consulting, legal, marketing)

Food & beverage exporters

Retail, luxury goods, fashion, and apparel brands

How VAT Reclaim Works

Understanding Foreign VAT Refunds

VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax charged on goods and services in most countries outside the United States.

For non-resident businesses, much of this VAT can be reclaimed, provided that:

• the expenses were for legitimate business purposes, and

• the country where VAT was paid allows refunds to foreign entities.

Each country operates its own refund scheme, with its own forms, languages, and deadlines.

Antravia coordinates every stage, from collecting invoices, verifying eligibility, preparing local filings, and tracking reimbursements until funds are paid to your bank account.

Where you can Claim

Antravia manages VAT recovery across multiple regions through a single digital intake.

EU VAT Reclaim

Businesses established outside the European Union can reclaim VAT under the 13th Directive.

Eligible expenses often include hotels, trade-fair costs, transport, and professional services.

We handle multi-country submissions and local representation where required.

UK VAT Reclaim

After Brexit, the UK introduced its own VAT Refund Scheme for Non-UK Businesses (Form VAT65A).

Claims are filed directly with HMRC and paid in GBP.

Typical refund deadline: December 31 of the following year.

UAE VAT Reclaim

The UAE Federal Tax Authority allows foreign businesses to recover VAT under its Business Visitor Refund Scheme.

This includes trade-fair participation, events, and purchases in designated zones.

International VAT Reclaim

For International VAT reclaims

Typical Eligible Expenses - Services

Travel & Accommodation

Hotels, car hire, local transport, but must relate to business travel

Events & Exhibitions

Trade fairs, congress fees, booth build, but Proof of attendance required. See also this article.

Professional Services

Legal, accounting, consultancy, but VAT must appear on invoice

Marketing & Promotion

Printing, advertising, design, but Supplier must charge VAT

Typical Eligible Expenses - Goods

Machinery, tools and equipment

Tools and equipment purchased abroad, Machinery, components, and industrial parts

Medical devices

Medical devices and trial units. Prototype testing equipment - See also this article.

IT and technical gear

IT and technical gear. Samples, demo units, exhibition materials

Goods exported with proof of shipment

Printing, advertising, design, but Supplier must charge VAT

Eligibility varies by country. Antravia reviews every invoice before submission to ensure compliance.

How Antravia Simplifies VAT Reclaim

Where Travel meets Smart Finance

Eligibility check

Upload sample invoices; Antravia estimates refund potential by region

Antravia prepares compliant forms and coordinates any required fiscal representation

Antravia files on time, liaises with each authority, and monitors claim status

Documentation & filing

Submission & tracking

Funds are remitted directly to your designated account

Refund delivery

Why Choose Antravia

Global reach

EU, UK, GCC and more under one service.

Cross-industry expertise

Travel, hospitality, technology, events, and professional services.

Transparent pricing

No recovery, no fee options available.

Audit-ready process

Digital tracking, secure storage of invoices, and clear reporting.

International accounting heritage

Built on Antravia’s global finance and compliance experience.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Ready to find out what your business can reclaim?

Upload a few sample invoices or contact our team to begin your VAT review