UAE
How to claim VAT refunds in the UAE
A step-by-step guide for tourists on getting back the 5% value-added tax on purchases made during their stay, including at airports and malls.
Tourists in the UAE can claim refunds on the 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on many goods purchased during their stay. This guide details the step-by-step process for claiming your refund at stores and airports before you fly home.
Visitors to the UAE can receive a refund on the 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to goods they purchase and take home. The scheme is operated by Planet and applies to most retail purchases, allowing tourists to recover a significant portion of the tax. To be eligible, you must be a tourist, not a resident of the UAE, and you must be exporting the goods yourself when you leave the country. Here is how to process your claim. ## Step 1: Find participating stores Look for a 'Tax Free' sticker, usually displayed in the shop window or at the cash counter. Over 13,000 stores across the UAE are part of the scheme, including major retailers in malls like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. To be eligible for a refund, your total spend at a single store must be at least AED 250. You cannot combine receipts from different stores to reach this amount. ## Step 2: Request the tax-free tag at purchase When paying, you must present your original passport (not a copy or photo). The shop assistant will scan your passport and your boarding pass (if you have it) to register you for the scheme electronically. They will then attach a special 'Tax Free' tag to the back of your sales receipt. Do…