VAT Refund for Tourists: Procedure Explained
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates is a top travel destination for luxury shopping, stunning architecture, and unique experiences. Tourists visiting the UAE enjoy the added perk of reclaiming Value Added Tax (VAT) on eligible purchases before leaving the country. It explains the step-by-step procedure for claiming a VAT refund as a tourist in the UAE, along with key rules and tips.
________________________________________
🏷️ What is the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme?
The UAE introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme in November 2018 to allow international visitors to claim refunds on VAT paid on purchases made during their stay.
The system is operated by Planet Tax Free, a global service provider authorized by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
________________________________________
✅ Who is Eligible for a VAT Refund as a Tourist?
To qualify:
• You must be a non-UAE resident (non-GCC resident also applies)
• You must have shopped at participating outlets
• You must export the goods (take them out of UAE) within 90 days of purchase
• You must complete the validation process at a UAE exit point (airport, seaport, or land border)
Note: You cannot claim a refund if you're:
• A UAE resident or GCC national resident
• Airline crew
• Purchasing goods for commercial use
________________________________________
🛍️ What Items Are Eligible for Refund?
✅ Eligible:
• Clothing
• Electronics
• Jewelry
• Souvenirs
• Cosmetics
• Accessories
❌ Not Eligible:
• Services (hotels, dining, spa, tours)
• Consumables (food and drinks)
• Goods already used in the UAE
• Products not physically carried out of the UAE
________________________________________
🛒 How Does the Tourist VAT Refund System Work?
Step-by-Step Process:
________________________________________
1. Shop at Tax-Free Partner Stores
• Look for stores displaying the “Tax-Free Shopping” logo
• Ask for a Tax-Free Tag when making your purchase
• Provide your passport for scanning at the counter
• A digital Tax-Free form is generated and sent to Planet’s system
________________________________________
2. Visit the Refund Validation Kiosk at the Airport/Border
• Proceed to a Planet self-service kiosk at your departure point
• You will need to present:
o Original passport
o Boarding pass or travel itinerary
o Tax-free tagged invoice or receipts
o Purchased items (for inspection if required)
________________________________________
3. Validate the Refund
• At the kiosk:
o Scan your passport
o Scan tax invoices or use QR codes
o If needed, an officer will manually inspect goods
• Once validated, refund is approved
________________________________________
4. Choose Refund Method
• You can opt for:
o Cash refund (up to AED 7,000)
o Credit/Debit card refund (no limit)
Cash refunds are issued instantly at the airport; card refunds take up to 10 business days.
________________________________________
📍 Where Are the Refund Kiosks Located?
Kiosks are available at:
• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
• Sharjah Airport
• Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah Airports
• Land borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia
________________________________________
💡 Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Refund
• Reach the airport at least 2–3 hours early to complete refund steps.
• Don’t use or remove tags from the items before validation.
• Carry original receipts and goods in hand luggage.
• Refunds must be validated within 90 days of purchase.
• Make sure to spend at least AED 250 at each store to be eligible.
________________________________________
🧾 Final Thoughts
The UAE’s VAT refund system for tourists is efficient, paperless, and traveler-friendly. With proper documentation and time management, you can get back a portion of your spending — making your shopping in the UAE even more rewarding.
________________________________________
✈️ For more VAT tips or business tax services in the UAE, contact:
Sheikh Anwar Accounting & Auditing LLC
📧 info@sa-auditors.com
🌐 www.sa-auditors.com
