If you’re visiting the UAE and doing some shopping (who can blame you?), here’s some great news – you can reclaim the 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) you paid on your purchases when you leave the country. Even better, you don’t have to keep every single receipt! With a fully digital system in place, the refund process is simpler and more convenient than ever. Come with me, and I’ll walk you through all the important details you need to know before your flight out of the UAE.
Also read: Travelling In The UAE? Rules For Carrying Cash, Jewellery & Prohibited Items
A Paperless VAT Refund Process
The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched a digital VAT refund scheme, making it incredibly easy for tourists to claim their money back. Participating retail stores have gone paperless, issuing and storing invoices digitally, so there’s no need for paperwork on your end. This streamlined process ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience. The scheme is managed by Planet, the exclusive operator of the tourist tax refund program, and includes most major stores across the UAE. Whether you’re traveling by land, sea, or air, you can claim your VAT refund just before you leave the country.
How Does The Paperless VAT Refund Work?
Here’s the simple process when you’re shopping:
- Shop and Present Your Passport: When you make a purchase of at least AED 250, simply show your passport to the store assistant and request a tax-free purchase.
- Digital Invoice: The assistant will enter your passport details and phone number into the system, and you’ll receive a digital invoice via SMS. You can also use the SMS link to track and review your transactions.
If the store isn’t part of the paperless system, you’ll receive a physical tax invoice along with a Planet tax-free tag. Just hold on to the tag and the original invoice for when you reach the validation point.
How To Claim Your VAT Refund
Once you’re ready to leave the UAE, here’s how to claim your refund:
- Validation at Departure Points: Before checking in your luggage, head to a validation point at the airport, port, or land border with your purchases and any tagged invoices.
- Scan or Present Your Passport: At a self-service kiosk, simply scan your passport or enter your details manually. At manned desks, just show your passport to the staff.
- Follow Instructions: If the kiosk displays a green light, your validation is complete! If you see a red light, staff will assist you.
- Choose Your Refund Method: After validation, you can choose how you’d like to receive your refund – via credit/debit card, cash, or digital wallet. Planet will process it once you’ve left the country.
- Cash Refunds: If you prefer cash, you can collect it from participating exchange providers after passport control.
Where To Claim Your VAT Refund In The UAE
There are several locations across the UAE where you can process your VAT refund, including:
Airports:
- Zayed International Airport
- Dubai International Airport
- Al Maktoum Airport
- Sharjah Airport
- Al Ain Airport
- Ras Al Khaimah Airport
- Al Fujairah Airport
Land Borders:
- Al Ghuwaifat (Saudi Arabia border)
- Al Hili Al Ain (Oman border)
- Al Madeef, Al Ain (Oman border)
- Hatta (Oman border)
- Khatmat Malaha (Oman border)
Seaports:
- Port Zayed, Abu Dhabi
- Port Rashid, Dubai
- Fujairah Port, Fujairah
Self-service VAT refund kiosks are also available in malls across the UAE, making it even more convenient to process your refund while you’re out shopping. Just stop by a kiosk, scan your passport, and complete the process before heading to the airport or border.
Ready to claim your VAT refund? Enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience and save more on your purchases with this easy, digital refund process!
