Tourists and other non-residents can reclaim most of the VAT they pay on eligible purchases made in the UAE. The mechanics are more specific than a flat 5% back, so here is exactly how the refund works and what actually qualifies.
How the scheme works
The UAE’s Tourist VAT Refund Scheme is operated by Planet, the authorised operator, with validation points at airports and other exit ports across the country. Around 14,000 retailers are registered with the scheme. Non-residents of the UAE are eligible, airline crew and staff are not.
Steps to claim your refund
- Ask for a tax-free tag at the point of purchase. The retailer scans your passport or boarding pass and generates a tag linked to the Planet system, attached to your receipt.
- Check the receipt details carefully. Incorrect details can get the claim rejected later.
- Validate before you check in your luggage. Follow the tax-free signage at the airport to the validation point, which sits before check-in, since you may need to show the purchased goods. Validating after you have already checked your bags is too late.
- Choose your refund method. Refunds up to AED 7,000 can be paid in cash, anything above that goes to a card or digital wallet.
How much you actually get back
The refund works out to roughly 85 to 87% of the VAT paid, once Planet’s processing fee is deducted, not the full 5%. You need to spend at least AED 250 at a single retailer registered with the scheme to qualify, and receipts older than 90 days from the purchase date are not accepted.
What doesn’t qualify
- Goods that have been partially or fully consumed
- Motor vehicles, boats and aircraft
- Anything you don’t physically take with you when you leave the UAE, including services like hotel stays or restaurant meals
What to bring
Keep your purchase receipts with the tax-free tag attached, the purchased items themselves (to display at validation if asked), your passport, and your boarding pass. Arrive at the airport with enough time to complete validation before your flight, since the process can take a while during busy periods.
If you are planning a wider trip around your shopping, real ways to save money as a tourist in Dubai covers transport, timing and where to eat alongside this VAT refund process.
