VAT refund for tourists
Tax Free Shopping in United Arab Emirates- VAT Refund
From 18 November 2018, eligible tourists in the UAE will be able to request refunds on the Value Added Tax (VAT) incurred on their purchases while they are in the UAE. Only tax invoices issued from 18 November 2018 will qualify eligible tourists to reclaim taxes, that means VAT Refund on their purchases.
Who is Eligible for VAT Refund?
- You should be 18 or over and not resident in the UAE and any of the Implementing States
- Crew members on flights leaving the UAE are not eligible to claim.
- Under current rules, GCC Nationals are eligible.
Please note that there may be restrictions on UAE nationals who are resident abroad for the purposes of studying.
What goods are eligible for Tax Free Shopping?
Taxable goods except for:
- Goods that have been consumed, fully or partly, in the UAE or any Implementing State
- Motor vehicles, boats and aircrafts
- Goods that are not accompanied by the Overseas Tourist at the time of leaving the Emirates
Refund options available
Cash
If choosing a cash refund, the maximum refund amount is 10,000 AED per tourist. Any additional value over this amount must be paid to a credit/debit card
Credit Card
Visa, Mastercard, Amex, CUPS
VAT Refund amount and fees
You will receive 85% of the tax paid, minus a fee of 4.80 AED per Tax Free tag validated. 250/- Dirhams minimum spend
What’s required at the time of export validation
- Your sales receipt with the tax refund tag affixed to the back
- Purchased goods (please go to the validation desks before you check in your luggage, as you will have to show the goods to our validation staff)
- Credit Card
- Passport
- Boarding pass
Advice
Please allow enough time for the export validation process before your flight departs
Must exit UAE within 90 days from the date of Shopping
VAT Refund Locations
Airport Locations
- Abu Dhabi Airport – Common area between all terminals
- Dubai Airport – Terminal 1, 2, 3, and 3 Business
- Sharjah Airport
- Al Maktoum Airport**
- Al Ain Airport**
- Ras Al Khaimah Airport**
Seaports Port Locations
- Zayed Abu Dhabi**
- Port Rashid – Dubai**
Land Borders
- Al Ghuwaifat** – At the border with Saudi Arabia
- Al Ain** – At the border with Oman
- Hatta** – At the border with Oman
**These locations will be available from 16 December 2018. Before that date you can only validate refunds if you depart from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah International Airports.
HAAB Accounting Consultancy will assist you on this VAT refund scheme. Contact our VAT experts to support you.