If you’re visiting the UAE and indulging in some shopping (can’t blame you), here’s great news – you can reclaim the 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) you paid on your purchases when you leave the country. Even better, you don’t need to keep every single receipt! Thanks to a fully digital system, the refund process is easier and more convenient than ever! come with me, and I’ll give you all the important details you need to know before your flight out of UAE.
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A Paperless VAT Refund Process
The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has rolled out a digital VAT refund scheme, which makes it super easy for tourists to get their money back. Participating retail stores have gone paperless, meaning they issue and store invoices digitally. No paperwork is needed on your end, making the entire process smooth and hassle-free. The scheme is managed by Planet, the exclusive operator of the tourist tax refund program, and most popular stores in the UAE are part of it. So, whether you’re leaving by land, sea, or air, you can claim your VAT refund right before you head out of the country.
How Does The Paperless VAT Refund Work?
Here’s the simple process when you’re shopping:
- Shop and Present Your Passport: When you make a purchase of at least AED 250, just show your passport to the store assistant and ask for a tax-free purchase.
- Digital Invoice: The assistant will enter your passport details and phone number into the system, and you’ll get a digital invoice sent to you via SMS. You can also use the SMS link to check your transactions.
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However, if the store isn’t part of the paperless system, you’ll receive a physical tax invoice with a Planet tax-free tag. Just keep the tag and original invoice for when you reach the validation point.
How To Claim Your VAT Refund
Once you’re ready to leave the UAE, here’s how to claim your refund:
- Validation at Departure Points: Before checking in your luggage, take your purchases and any tagged invoices to a validation point at the airport, port, or land border.
- Scan or Present Your Passport: Use a self-service kiosk to scan your passport or enter your details manually. At manned desks, just show your passport to the staff.
- Follow Instructions: If the kiosk shows a green light, your validation is complete! If you see a red light, staff will assist you.
- Choose Your Refund Method: After validation, you can select how you’d like to receive your refund – either to your credit/debit card, cash, or digital wallet. Planet will process it once you’ve left the country.
- Cash Refunds: If you prefer cash, you can collect it from participating exchange providers after passport control.
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Where To Claim Your VAT Refund In The UAE
There are several locations across the UAE where you can process your VAT refund, including:
Airports:
- Zayed International Airport
- Dubai International Airport
- Al Maktoum Airport
- Sharjah Airport
- Al Ain Airport
- Ras Al Khaimah Airport
- Al Fujairah Airport
Land Borders:
- Al Ghuwaifat (Saudi Arabia border)
- Al Hili Al Ain (Oman border)
- Al Madeef, Al Ain (Oman border)
- Hatta (Oman border)
- Khatmat Malaha (Oman border)
Seaports:
- Port Zayed, Abu Dhabi
- Port Rashid, Dubai
- Fujairah Port, Fujairah
Self-service VAT refund kiosks are also available in malls across the UAE, so you can make the process even more convenient during your shopping trip.
Ready to get your VAT refund? Enjoy a smoother shopping experience and save more on your purchases with this simple and digital refund process!
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