Tourists Flock to Portugal,driving Surge in Tax-Free Purchases
Portugal experienced a meaningful uptick in tax-free purchases in 2024,with over 889,000 invoices certified,marking an 8.2% increase from the previous year.This surge in activity translates to a substantial rise in recognized VAT exemptions, reaching approximately 86 million euros, up from 78 million euros in 2023.
Leading the charge in these tax-free transactions are tourists from Brazil, the United States, and Angola, who, along with Chinese visitors, represent over half of all certified invoices. These nationalities, among more than 200 represented, demonstrate a strong preference for Portugal as a shopping destination.
While Brazilian travelers accounted for the highest number of tax-free purchases (22%), american tourists emerged as the biggest spenders. The average purchase value for Americans reached an extraordinary 1,077 euros, substantially higher than Brazilians (392 euros) and Angolans (360 euros). Chinese tourists, though fourth in invoice volume, recorded the highest average spending at 1,657 euros.
The data also highlights Lisbon Airport as the primary hub for tax-free departures,processing approximately three-quarters of the total value of certified invoices.Last year, 230,610 travelers made tax-free purchases at the capital’s airport, with a total VAT value exceeding 342 million euros. Porto Airport followed with 7% of the total value, and Faro Airport with 2%.
