UAE tourist VAT refund calculator
Tourists can reclaim most of the 5% VAT on goods bought from participating UAE shops and taken out of the country within 90 days. The VAT in a VAT-inclusive price is 5/105 of it; the operator deducts a share and a small fee per tag. On AED 1,000 of shopping that leaves a refund of roughly AED 35–40.
Reviewed by Countify's ACCA/FCCA chartered certified accountants · Updated
Check the current rate with the operator (Planet) before you travel.
- VAT included in the price
- AED 142.86
- Fees deducted
- AED 28.17
- Estimated refund
- AED 114.69
Each purchase must be at least AED 250 from a participating shop, and goods must leave the UAE with you within 90 days. Validate at the airport before check-in.
Results are estimates for general information, not tailored advice.
Refund estimates
Using the default share and fee; one tag per AED 1,500 spent.
| Spend incl. VAT | VAT included in the price | Estimated refund |
|---|---|---|
| AED 500 | AED 23.81 | AED 15.91 |
| AED 1,500 | AED 71.43 | AED 57.34 |
| AED 5,000 | AED 238.10 | AED 192.75 |
| AED 15,000 | AED 714.29 | AED 573.43 |
Refunds are paid by card, cash or e-wallet at the airport or via the operator's app.
Who can claim and what qualifies
The scheme is for overseas visitors aged 18 or over who are not UAE residents (crew of the departing flight or ship excluded). Goods must be bought from a shop registered with the scheme, cost at least AED 250 on the tax invoice, and leave the UAE with you within 90 days. Services such as hotels and meals, and goods consumed in the UAE, do not qualify.
How to claim
Ask for a tax-free tag at the till and show your passport. Before check-in, validate the tags at the airport kiosk (or the land or sea border point) with the goods available for inspection. Refunds go to your card, an e-wallet or, up to a limit, cash. The share refunded and fee are set by the operator and can change, so the calculator lets you edit them.
Legal basis
We review this calculator whenever the FTA or Ministry of Finance issues a new decision or clarification.
Frequently asked questions
How much VAT do tourists get back in the UAE?
Most of the 5% VAT, less the operator's share and a small fee per tag. Check the current rates with the operator before you travel.
What is the minimum purchase for a VAT refund?
AED 250 per tax invoice from a participating shop.
Can UAE residents claim a tourist VAT refund?
No. The scheme is only for overseas visitors who are not UAE residents.
VAT registration and returns
Our FTA registered accountants register you, file every return on time and fix errors before the FTA finds them, for a fixed monthly fee.