All you Need to Know About VAT Refund for Tourists in UAE

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 08 November 2022
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The United Arab Emirates is one of the most visited countries in the world! Where tourists can enjoy many extraordinary attractions that will remain in their memory. In addition, people visit UAE for shopping since it has many glitzy shopping malls and exceptional shopping festivals around the year. Do you know that tourists and visitors can claim a refund on VAT paid on purchases they made during their stay in the UAE? Learn about it in this article.   

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Does Dubai have Vat Refund? 

Yes. Tourists in the UAE can request refunds on the Value Added Tax (VAT) incurred on their purchases while they are in the UAE.  

Claim VAT Refund in UAE for Tourist Conditions   

For a tourist to claim a VAT refund on purchases he made in the UAE, he must fulfil certain conditions: 

  • Purchase goods from a retailer participating in the 'Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme.   
  • Goods that are not excluded from the Refund Scheme of the Federal Tax Authority   
  • The tourist must have the explicit intention to leave the UAE within 90 days from the date of supply, along with the purchased supplies.   
  • The tourist must export the purchased goods out of the UAE within three months from the date of buying the supply.   
  • The process of purchasing and exporting goods must be carried out according to the requirements and procedures determined by Federal Tax Authority. 

Where do Tourists claim VAT Refunds in UAE? 

The Federal Tax Authority has allocated spaces where tourists can reclaim taxes through a fully electronic system managed in partnership with a global operator.  

Tourists will receive their refunds through a special device placed at the departure port - airport, seaport, or border port. 

How do Tourists Claim VAT Refunds in the UAE? 

By submitting the tax invoices for their purchases from the outlets registered in the Scheme, along with copies of their passport and credit card.  

Once these documents are submitted, tourists can either recover the VAT in cash in UAE dirhams or have it transferred to their credit card.  

For more articles, visit UAE Moments.  

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