How to Claim UAE Tourist VAT Tax Refund?

Dubai is known for its shopping gala and thousands of tourists visit the emirate each year purchasing goods and items. Along with other duty-free options, tourists can claim back the VAT tax refund charged to their purchases while on holiday. For UAE travelers, here’s how to claim a VAT refund.

Criteria for Claiming VAT Tax Refund?

• Tourist visiting the UAE and claiming VAT refund must be at least 18 years old.
• The items purchased should be supplied from UAE
• The purchase must be done by the tourist within 90 days of the tourist visa.
• Only goods from retailers registered for VAT tax refund will be considered by the FTA system.
• Purchased goods must not be exempted from the tax refund system
•  Total value of tax-inclusive purchases should be at least Dh250
• Tourist must intend to exit the UAE along with the purchased goods within 90 days.

Where to Claim VAT Tax Refund in UAE?

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has enlisted Planet, a global taxback organization to operate the tax refunding process for tourists. Planet has supplied kiosks to fully automate tax refund procedures. They are placed at all exit ports. Tourists can claim VAT Tax refund at the airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The Tax Refund stand is located in each terminals, before check in and around duty free stores. Each tourist gets cash back worth not more than Dh10,000 daily.

How to Claim VAT in Dubai Airport in UAE?

• While purchasing, inform the cashier you need a tax refund and provide them a passport to enter your personal information.
• The cashier puts a QR code sticker in the back of the invoice.
• Collect Tax invoice of the item purchased.
• Visit the Tax Refund Stand
• Present the Tax invoice, passport and your boarding pass.
• The officer scans the receipt and informs you the amount that will be refunded.

How UAE Tourists Claim VAT Refunds at 19,340 Stores and on Eligible Noon Purchases in 2026?

Tourists in the UAE now have enhanced opportunities to recover VAT on eligible purchases. As of June 2026, approximately 19,340 retail outlets are linked to the Federal Tax Authority’s Digital Tourist VAT Refund System, marking a 5.9% increase from the previous year. The system’s expansion includes eligible purchases via Noon, offering international visitors an additional shopping option while enabling potential VAT refunds. Tourists planning significant shopping excursions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other Emirates should familiarize themselves with the UAE tourist VAT refund process to ensure they do not miss out on eligible refunds.

Tourists must meet specific conditions to qualify for a UAE Tourist VAT Refund.

– Entry on a tourist visa.
– Age of at least 18 years.
– Not being a UAE resident.
– Eligible purchases must meet minimum spending requirements.
– Goods must fall under the Tourist Refund Scheme.
– Tax-free transactions must be exported and validated when leaving the UAE.

How Much VAT Refund Can Tourists Receive?

Tourists should note that the full VAT amount is not refunded, as certain service charges are deducted from the refund.

Under the current FTA rules, 13% of the VAT refund amount is deducted, along with an additional AED 3.60 per tax-free transaction.

For cash refunds, the maximum amount tourists can receive is AED 35,000. For refunds made to an eligible credit or debit card, there is currently no specified maximum limit, subject to the applicable scheme rules.

How to Claim a UAE VAT Refund Before Leaving?

Shop at a Registered Retailer: Purchase eligible goods from retailers participating in the UAE Tourist VAT Refund Scheme, including online platforms that are part of the e-commerce refund system.

Keep Your Tax Invoice: Ensure the tax-free transaction is linked to your passport or GCC national ID used during your UAE entry.

Visit a Validation Point: Validate your tax-free transactions at a Planet kiosk or manned validation desk before leaving the UAE, ideally before checking in luggage.

Present Your Documents and Goods: Provide the following:
– Original passport or GCC national ID
– Purchased goods
– Tax invoices or digital tax-free transaction confirmations
– Valid departure ticket or booking, if required

Select Your Refund Method: After successful validation, choose from available refund methods such as card, cash, or supported digital wallets.

When Should You Complete the VAT Refund?

• Tourists should complete the VAT refund process in a timely manner, not waiting until the last minute.
• The FTA requires validation of tax-free transactions within 90 days from the tax invoice date.
• After validation, tourists must leave the UAE within a specific six-hour period.
• Purchased goods must be available for inspection if requested.

Planet App Adds More Language Support

1. The upgraded Planet application, launched in 2026, now supports 12 languages, including English.
2. This enhancement facilitates international visitors in tracking transactions and comprehending the refund process.
3. Tourists can also monitor tax-free transactions via the Planet Shopper Portal or the Planet Tax Free ME mobile application.