Are you planning your next perfect getaway? If so, Dubai should be at the top of your list! In the first half of 2024 alone, Dubai welcomed 9.31 million overnight visitors, a 9% increase from the same period in 2023. This vibrant city, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, is famous for its world-class shopping experiences. However, keep in mind that when you shop in the UAE, a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 5% is applied.
Introduced by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in January 2018, VAT is part of Dubai’s fully digital tax-free shopping service for tourists, launched later that year. Although this VAT rate is lower than what you might pay in the UK, the great news is that you can reclaim this tax before you leave! Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide on How to Claim VAT Refund at Dubai Airport. This Dubai VAT refund guide will help you navigate the Dubai Airport VAT refund process easily and ensure you get your money back.
Dubai VAT Refund Requirements
To claim a VAT refund at Dubai Airport, you need to have the following items ready:
Original Valid Passport or GCC National ID Card: Make sure to bring your original passport or GCC national ID card, as photocopies are not accepted. This must match the requirements for entering the UAE.
Original Tax Invoices with Tax Refund Tag: Keep the original tax invoices with the tax refund tag attached. Ensure the name on your receipt matches the name on your travel document.
Purchased Goods: You must present the items you bought to the Planet staff at the validation desks before checking in your luggage. This is a key part of the Dubai VAT refund process.
Valid Ticket or Confirmed Booking: Show evidence of your departure from the UAE, such as a valid ticket or confirmed booking for air or sea travel.
Online Boarding Pass: If you’re using kiosks located at shopping malls or hotels, present your online boarding pass. Your departure must be within 24 hours.
Note: If your tax-free transaction is digital, using Planet’s POS Issuing 2.0 solution adopted by select merchants, you won’t need to present tax-free tags or original tax invoices.
Terms And Conditions for Claiming VAT Refund in Dubai
Before you pack your bags and head home, make sure you know the terms and conditions for claiming your VAT refund at Dubai Airport. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Enter on a Tourist Visa: You must have entered the UAE on a tourist visa to be eligible for a VAT refund. Ready to explore Dubai? This is your ticket!
Age and Residency: You need to be at least 18 years old and not a resident of the UAE. Perfect for tourists who love shopping!
Export Validation Within 90 Days: Make sure to export validate your tax-free transactions within 90 days of your purchase. Do this when you’re
Are you planning your next perfect getaway? If so, Dubai should be at the top of your list! In the first half of 2024 alone, Dubai welcomed 9.31 million overnight visitors, a 9% increase from the same period in 2023. This vibrant city, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, is famous for its world-class shopping experiences. However, keep in mind that when you shop in the UAE, a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 5% is applied.
Introduced by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in January 2018, VAT is part of Dubai’s fully digital tax-free shopping service for tourists, launched later that year. Although this VAT rate is lower than what you might pay in the UK, the great news is that you can reclaim this tax before you leave! Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide on How to Claim VAT Refund at Dubai Airport. This Dubai VAT refund guide will help you navigate the Dubai Airport VAT refund process easily and ensure you get your money back.
Dubai VAT Refund Requirements
To claim a VAT refund at Dubai Airport, you need to have the following items ready:
Original Valid Passport or GCC National ID Card: Make sure to bring your original passport or GCC national ID card, as photocopies are not accepted. This must match the requirements for entering the UAE.
Original Tax Invoices with Tax Refund Tag: Keep the original tax invoices with the tax refund tag attached. Ensure the name on your receipt matches the name on your travel document.
Purchased Goods: You must present the items you bought to the Planet staff at the validation desks before checking in your luggage. This is a key part of the Dubai VAT refund process.
Valid Ticket or Confirmed Booking: Show evidence of your departure from the UAE, such as a valid ticket or confirmed booking for air or sea travel.
Online Boarding Pass: If you’re using kiosks located at shopping malls or hotels, present your online boarding pass. Your departure must be within 24 hours.
Note: If your tax-free transaction is digital, using Planet’s POS Issuing 2.0 solution adopted by select merchants, you won’t need to present tax-free tags or original tax invoices.
Terms And Conditions for Claiming VAT Refund in Dubai
Before you pack your bags and head home, make sure you know the terms and conditions for claiming your VAT refund at Dubai Airport. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Enter on a Tourist Visa: You must have entered the UAE on a tourist visa to be eligible for a VAT refund. Ready to explore Dubai? This is your ticket!
Age and Residency: You need to be at least 18 years old and not a resident of the UAE. Perfect for tourists who love shopping!
Export Validation Within 90 Days: Make sure to export validate your tax-free transactions within 90 days of your purchase. Do this when you’re departing from the UAE to keep your refund on track.
Present Your Documents: Be prepared to show the tax invoice, tax-free tags, and the goods themselves if requested by Planet staff. It’s all part of the fun!
Request Refund Within a Year: You can request your VAT refund up to one year after export validating your purchases. There’s no rush; just keep it in mind.
Cash Refund Limit: The maximum cash refund you can receive is AED 35,000. That’s a nice chunk of change to take home!
Registered Retailers Only: Make sure you shop at retailers registered with the tourist refund scheme to ensure your purchases qualify.
Eligible Goods: The VAT refund applies only to goods eligible under the Tourist Refund Scheme. Not everything is eligible, so shop wisely!
Goods Must Be Unused: Ensure the goods haven’t been fully or partially used in the UAE. Save the treats for when you’re back home!
Minimum Purchase Requirement: Your purchases must be at least AED 250 to qualify for the refund. Time to treat yourself to a little more shopping!
Following these guidelines will help you answer your question “How to Claim VAT Refund at Dubai Airport” smoothly and ensure you get your money back for those unforgettable Dubai purchases!
How to Claim VAT Refund atDubai Airport
Ready to get your VAT refund and take home some extra cash? Here’s how you can collect your VAT refund at Dubai Airport and other departure ports:
Find the Special Device: At the airport, seaport, or border port, look for the special VAT refund device. This is where the magic happens!
Submit Your Documents: You’ll need to provide:
Tax Invoices: Ensure your receipts are from outlets registered in the scheme.
Passport Copy: Have a copy of your passport ready.
Credit Card Copy: Bring a copy of your credit card.
Choose Your Refund Method: Once you submit these documents, you can choose to receive your VAT refund either in cash (UAE dirhams) or directly refunded to your credit card. How convenient is that?
Tourists can take advantage of this eService from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), in partnership with Planet, to get their VAT back when leaving the UAE.
Note: Tourists will receive 85% of the total VAT amount paid, after a small deduction of AED 4.80 per tax-free tag.
Service Fees Details
AED 4.80 per Tax-Free Tag: This is deducted from your refund.
13% Deduction: A 13% fee is also deducted from the VAT amount you request.
Different Ways to Recover Your VAT Refund in Dubai
Getting your VAT refund at Dubai Airport is straightforward, but you need to know the different ways to recover it. Here’s how you can do it:
Shop from Registered Retailers:
Paper Tax Invoice and Tax-Free Tag: Some retailers will give you a paper tax invoice and a tax-free tag. Keep both safe and present them if needed.
Paper Invoice with Digital Tax-Free Tag (QR Code): If you receive a paper invoice with a digital tag, hold onto the invoice for validation.
Paperless Method: With some merchants, everything is digital! You’ll get a digital tax invoice, and you can track your transactions via the Planet Shopper Portal. You’ll receive a link via SMS to access this portal.
Validate Your Tax-Free Transactions:
Self-Service Kiosks: Scan your passport or GCC national ID card at Planet’s self-service kiosks, found at exit points. These kiosks are also in leading shopping malls and hotels. If you’re using them at malls or hotels, make sure your online boarding pass shows a flight departing within 24 hours.
Manned Validation Desks: If you prefer face-to-face service or if your goods need inspection, visit Planet’s manned validation desks at UAE exit points like airports, land borders, or seaports. Remember, your departure must be within 6 hours if you’re visiting these desks.
Inspection of Purchased Goods: If your goods require inspection, present the tax-free tag(s), original tax invoice(s), and the goods themselves at Planet’s validation desks when you’re leaving the UAE.
Select Your Refund Method: After a successful validation of your transactions, choose how you’d like to receive your refund—via Credit Card, WeChat, or in Cash.
Collect Cash Refunds: If you opt for a cash refund, visit one of the cash partners at participating currency exchange offices in the Tourist Refund Scheme after you clear immigration.
By following these steps, you’ll smoothly navigate the Dubai Airport VAT refund process, making your travel experience even more rewarding. Enjoy your shopping and safe travels!
Goods for Which VAT is Not Refundable
Not all goods are eligible for a VAT refund in Dubai, so it’s important to know which items are excluded before you start shopping. Here’s a quick rundown of products for which the VAT cannot be refunded:
Consumed Products: Any product that has been wholly or partially consumed in the UAE is not eligible for a VAT refund. So, if you’ve enjoyed some delicious snacks or used beauty products during your stay, you won’t be able to reclaim the VAT on those.
Products Left in the UAE: If you leave certain items behind, you can’t get a refund on them. This includes big-ticket items like cars, boats, airplanes, or anything else that you can only use within the UAE. These need to travel with you to qualify for a refund!
By keeping these exceptions in mind, you can focus your shopping on items that are eligible for a VAT refund and make the most of your Dubai shopping adventure! Now you know everything there is to know about How to Claim VAT Refund at Dubai Airport
Contact Top Tax Consultants in UAE
Understanding how to claim a VAT refund at Dubai Airport can be simple with expert guidance. For top-notch tax consultancy in Dubai, choose Bestax. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with all your VAT refund needs or VAT consultancy.
Whether you’re a tourist or a business owner, Bestax covers you. Make your Dubai experience seamless with Bestax. Contact us today for expert advice and let us help you easily claim your VAT refund at Dubai Airport or assist with VAT refunds for tourists. Choose Bestax for reliable tax consultancy!
FAQs on How to Claim VAT Refund at Dubai Airport
How to claim VAT refund at Dubai Airport?
To claim a VAT refund at Dubai Airport, first ensure that your purchases are from retailers registered under the Tourist Refund Scheme. At the airport, locate the special VAT refund kiosks or validation desks. Present your passport, tax invoices, and tax-free tags, and follow the instructions to process your refund.
What documents are needed for a VAT refund at Dubai Airport?
You’ll need the following documents to claim your VAT refund at Dubai Airport:
Original passport or GCC national ID card
Original tax invoices with tax-free tags
Credit card copy (if applicable)
Purchased goods (for inspection if required)
How long does it take to get a VAT refund at Dubai Airport?
The VAT refund process at Dubai Airport is usually quick and efficient. Once your documents are validated, you can receive your refund immediately if you opt for cash, or it might take a few days if you’re having it refunded to your credit card.
Are there any fees for claiming a VAT refund at Dubai Airport?
Yes, there are fees associated with claiming a VAT refund. A service fee of AED 4.80 is charged for each tax-free tag, and a 13% fee is deducted from the VAT amount requested.
Can I claim a VAT refund for online purchases at Dubai Airport?
VAT refunds for online purchases are typically not eligible unless the retailer is registered under the Tourist Refund Scheme and provides the necessary documentation, including tax-free tags.
What is the VAT refund process for tourists in Dubai?
Tourists can recover the VAT paid on eligible purchases by presenting the necessary documents at the VAT refund counters at Dubai Airport. The refund can be collected in cash or credited to your credit card.
Where is the VAT refund counter located at Dubai Airport?
VAT refund counters and self-service kiosks are conveniently located at Dubai Airport’s departure terminals and leading shopping malls and hotels. Look for the Planet kiosks and validation desks at exit points.
What are the VAT refund eligibility criteria at Dubai Airport?
To be eligible for a VAT refund, you must:
Be a tourist with a valid visa
Purchase goods from registered retailers
Spend a minimum of AED 250
Export validate the transactions within 90 days of purchase
Can I claim a VAT refund after leaving Dubai?
No, you must claim your VAT refund before departing the UAE. The refund process must be completed at the airport or designated exit points.
What happens if I miss the VAT refund claim at Dubai Airport?
If you miss claiming your VAT refund at Dubai Airport, unfortunately, you won’t be able to claim it after leaving the UAE. Make sure to allow enough time before your departure to complete the process.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
