UAE Tourist VAT Refund Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- 1 UAE Tourist VAT Refund Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- 2 Tourist VAT Refunds in the UAE – Overview
- 3 VAT Refund for Online Purchases
- 4 VAT Refund for Online Purchases
- 5 How Tourists Can Claim a VAT Refund in the UAE
- 6 Tourist VAT Refund System in the UAE
- 7 Tourist VAT Refund System in the UAE
- 8 Where Can Tourists Claim VAT Refunds in the UAE?
- 9 VAT Refund App for Tourists in the UAE
- 10 Self-Service Kiosks for VAT Refunds in the UAE
- 11 Goods Not Eligible for Tourist VAT Refund in the UAE
- 12 Who Is Eligible for VAT Refunds in the UAE?
- 13 Conclusion
- 14 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The UAE introduced a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) in January 2018 on most goods and services to strengthen the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenue. Later that year, in November 2018, the UAE rolled out the VAT refund system for tourists, allowing eligible visitors to claim back the VAT paid during their stay.
Tourist VAT Refunds in the UAE – Overview
In November 2018, the UAE government, together with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), officially launched a VAT refund scheme for tourists. This system enables visitors to retrieve the VAT paid on purchases made at approved retail outlets. The refund process works through a seamless electronic system activated after the VAT law came into effect.
Only retailers registered under the “Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme” and connected to the digital platform can offer VAT refund services.
If you’re wondering “How can tourists claim a VAT refund in the UAE?”, here’s everything you need to know.
VAT Refund for Online Purchases
The UAE has recently introduced a new system to support VAT refunds for tourists who shop online during their visit. This initiative aligns with the FTA’s goal of strengthening the UAE’s position as a top destination for both tourism and e-commerce.
Under the new system, tourists can claim VAT refunds on online purchases made through registered e-commerce platforms. During checkout, travellers simply need to enter their travel document details before the order is shipped.
The programme, developed in partnership with Planet, the official VAT refund operator, ensures that a tourist’s identity is verified at the time of delivery or while completing the online order process—finalising their VAT refund eligibility.
VAT Refund for Online Purchases
Tourists shopping in the UAE can apply for VAT refunds if they meet the following conditions:
Purchases must be made from retailers participating in the Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme.
The tourist should plan to leave the UAE within 90 days of the purchase date, carrying the goods they bought.
Items purchased must not be part of the FTA’s excluded list.
Goods must be exported from the UAE from the date they were supplied.
All export and purchase procedures must comply with the requirements set by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
How Tourists Can Claim a VAT Refund in the UAE
Tourists shopping in the UAE can apply for VAT refunds if they meet the following conditions:
Purchases must be made from retailers participating in the Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme.
The tourist should plan to leave the UAE within 90 days of the purchase date, carrying the goods they bought.
Items purchased must not be part of the FTA’s excluded list.
Goods must be exported from the UAE from the date they were supplied.
All export and purchase procedures must comply with the requirements set by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Tourist VAT Refund System in the UAE
The UAE’s Tourist VAT Refund Scheme operates through Planet VAT Refund, an advanced digital platform developed in partnership with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and global operator Planet. This system makes it incredibly easy for eligible tourists and registered retailers to complete VAT refund procedures quickly and efficiently.
Thanks to the seamless integration between the FTA and Planet, tourists in the UAE can enjoy a smooth, fully electronic VAT refund process. The system enables retailers and visitors to validate and process refund claims without delays.
Tourist VAT Refund System in the UAE
The UAE’s Tourist VAT Refund Scheme operates through Planet VAT Refund, an advanced digital platform developed in partnership with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and global operator Planet. This system makes it incredibly easy for eligible tourists and registered retailers to complete VAT refund procedures quickly and efficiently.
Thanks to the seamless integration between the FTA and Planet, tourists in the UAE can enjoy a smooth, fully electronic VAT refund process. The system enables retailers and visitors to validate and process refund claims without delays.
How the Tourist VAT Refund Process Works
Traveler Submits a Refund Claim: The tourist requests a VAT refund and provides their travel documents (passport or GCC National ID) that were used to enter the UAE.
Retailer Enters Details: The retailer logs the required information into Planet’s digital system to generate the VAT refund claim.
Tax-Free Tag Issued: A Tax-Free tag is attached to the original purchase receipt provided by the shopper.
Tag Scanning & Linking: The retailer scans the Tax-Free tag to link the purchase with the tourist’s passport or GCC National ID.
Fast, Simple & Digital
Yes — claiming a tourist VAT refund in the UAE is genuinely this easy. With a minimum purchase of AED 250, the automated system generates a Tax-Free tag in under 2 minutes, ensuring a fast and hassle-free process for visitors.
Where Can Tourists Claim VAT Refunds in the UAE?
Tourists visiting the UAE can claim VAT refunds at designated validation points located across all major departure ports—airports, seaports, and border crossings. For instance, if you’re flying out of Abu Dhabi, your claim can be processed at the Abu Dhabi Airport VAT refund counter.
How to Claim a Tourist VAT Refund in the UAE
Follow these steps before you check in:
Visit the designated validation point before dropping your luggage.
Present the following at the counter:
Original receipt with a Tax-Free tag
Purchased goods
Passport copy
Credit/debit card
After verification, choose a cash or card refund.
Your VAT refund will then be processed.
Tourists can receive up to 85% of the VAT amount paid, minus a fee of AED 4.80 per Tax-Free tag.
For cash refunds, the maximum limit is AED 35,000 per tourist. For higher amounts, a valid card is required.
VAT Refund App for Tourists in the UAE
Planet introduced a self-service tax refund system in 2019, followed by a fully paperless process implemented in 2022. Through the Tourist Refund app, visitors can easily track and claim their VAT refunds.
Here’s how it works:
When you buy an item, the retailer scans the invoice, which is automatically recorded in the app.
The app stores all transaction details, including the eligible VAT amount.
At departure, tourists simply visit the automated kiosk or counter and show the invoices stored in the app.
Refunds can be taken in cash or transferred to a credit card—no long queues required.
Self-Service Kiosks for VAT Refunds in the UAE
The UAE has installed self-service VAT refund kiosks at airports and other departure points, making the process faster and fully automated. These kiosks:
Verify if the items are eligible
Confirm the goods are in the tourist’s possession
Process the refund smoothly
Staff members are also available for assistance if needed.
You’ll find these kiosks at multiple locations, including:
Dubai International Airport
Zayed International Airport
Al Maktoum International Airport
Various seaports and border points
Important: All Tax-Free tags must be validated within 90 days from the date of purchase. If not, the tags will expire and you will no longer be eligible for a refund.
Goods Not Eligible for Tourist VAT Refund in the UAE
Tourists cannot claim VAT refunds on the following:
Aircraft, motor vehicles, and boats
Items fully or partially consumed within the UAE or any GCC implementing state
Goods not carried by the traveler at the time of departure
Tip: Arrive at the airport at least one hour earlier than usual to complete validation smoothly.
Who Is Eligible for VAT Refunds in the UAE?
Not all tourists qualify for VAT refunds. You are eligible if:
You are 18 years or older and not a UAE resident
GCC nationals can claim VAT refunds
You are not a flight crew member
Some additional rules may apply to GCC nationals studying abroad
Conclusion
Claiming a VAT refund in the UAE is a simple, efficient, and traveller-friendly process designed to make your shopping experience even more rewarding. With digital invoices, quick verification kiosks, and multiple refund options, tourists can easily recover a portion of their spending before heading home.
If you’re visiting the UAE, make sure to take full advantage of this convenient system. Keep your invoices handy, follow the easy steps at departure, and enjoy extra savings as a bonus to your trip. The UAE’s smooth VAT refund process ensures that every traveller gets more value out of their shopping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can tourists claim a VAT refund in the UAE?
Tourists can claim a VAT refund by shopping at stores registered under the Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme, collecting a digital tax invoice, and validating it at the refund kiosks located at airports, seaports, and land borders before departure.
2. What is the minimum purchase required for VAT refund eligibility?
A minimum spend of AED 250 per transaction is required to qualify for a VAT refund on eligible goods.
3. Which items are not eligible for VAT refund?
Services like hotel stays, restaurant bills, car rentals, and entertainment are not eligible. Motor vehicles, goods consumed in the UAE, and items without approved digital tax invoices are also excluded.
4. How much VAT refund do tourists actually receive?
Tourists can receive a portion of the 5% VAT paid after deducting a small processing fee. Refunds can be collected in cash or credited to a card.
5. Do tourists need to show purchased goods at the airport?
Yes. In some cases, goods must be presented at the validation counter for inspection to confirm they are being taken out of the UAE.
6. Can VAT refunds be processed after leaving the UAE?
No. Refund validation must be completed before departing the UAE. Once the tourist exits the country, the refund cannot be processed.
7. How long are tax invoices valid for VAT refund claims?
Invoices must be validated within 90 days from the date of purchase. After this period, they are no longer eligible.