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Visiting the UAE and indulging in shopping sprees? Knowing how to claim VAT refund in Dubai Airport can turn that spree into real savings. This guide unpacks the tourist refund scheme, explains how Planet VAT Refund Dubai operates, and gives you a clear, step-by-step path to claiming tax back in Dubai.
What Is the Tourist VAT Refund (Tax-Free Shopping) Scheme?
- The UAE introduced VAT (Value Added Tax) at 5 % in January 2018.
- Under the tourist refund scheme, international visitors can reclaim a portion of the VAT they paid on eligible goods purchased during their stay.
- The refund system is fully digital and is operated by Planet (Planet Tax Free), commissioned by the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
- To qualify, goods must be exported (i.e. taken out of the UAE) with you at departure.
Key Eligibility Conditions of Tourists VAT Refund Include:
| Condition | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years or older |
| Minimum spend | AED 250 (including VAT) per transaction |
| Export window | The goods must be unused/unconsumed in the UAE |
| Goods condition | The goods must be unused/unconsumed in the UAE |
| Documentation / presence | Original tax invoices, tax-free tags or digital form, passport, and actual goods may be requested at validation |
Also note: services like hotel stays, dining, rentals, or goods consumed inside the UAE are not eligible for refund.
The refund you receive is typically 85% of the VAT paid (i.e. 5 % of the price), after deducting a service fee of AED 4.80 per tax-free tag.
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Why Planet VAT Refund (Planet Dubai) Is Central?
When you wonder “how to claim VAT refund in Dubai Airport”, the name Planet (Planet Tax Free / Planet UAE VAT Refund) is central. It is the exclusive operator for the tourist refund scheme across the UAE.
Planet links participating retailers to airports, land borders, and seaports via a unified digital system. When you shop at a registered store, the retailer will scan your passport, issue a tax-free tag (paper or digital), and create a digital tax-free transaction.
At departure, Planet’s self-service kiosks or staffed counters (especially in Dubai Airport) validate your purchases and issue refunds either as cash (in AED) or via credit/debit card.
Because of this, phrases like Planet VAT refund Dubai, tax planet Dubai, Planet UAE VAT refund, or tax refund Dubai are natural parts of the process.
How to Claim VAT Refund in Dubai Airport in 10 Steps?
Here’s a refined, stepwise process in how to claim VAT refund in Dubai Airport:
1- Shop at registered retailers
Choose stores that display the “Tax-Free Shopping” or “Tax Refund for Tourists” logo. Ask the retailer if they are part of the tourist refund scheme.
2- Provide your passport at point of sale
The retailer will scan your passport or GCC ID and link it to the digital tax-free transaction.
3- Get your tax-free tag / digital form
You will receive either a paper tax-free tag affixed to the invoice, or a digital tax-free transaction (in some cases paperless via QR code) via the Planet system.
4- Keep the goods accessible for inspection
Make sure purchased items are not checked into checked baggage yet—they may need to be shown to staff.
5- At Dubai Airport depart, find the Planet validation kiosk or counter
Before you check your luggage, go to the validation point located in the departures area of the terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and Business Class) to validate your tax-free transactions.
6- Scan your passport / enter ID
Use the self-service kiosk or staff counter to scan your passport / GCC ID that was used at the purchase stage.
7- If needed, present goods & documentation
Planet staff may inspect the goods, and request your tax invoices, tax-free tags (if paper), and original goods.
8- Select refund method & collect
After validation, you can choose:
– Cash in AED (if under the cash limit)
– Credit / debit card refund
– Digital wallet (if supported)
9- Leave UAE within 6 hours of validation
Your departure must occur within 6 hours after completing validation, or your refund may be canceled.
10- Receive the refund
If via card or wallet, the refund usually appears within days (depending on your bank).
By following these steps, you’ll know exactly how to claim VAT refund in Dubai Airport with minimal friction.
Read more: How to Claim VAT Refund in UAE for Tourist?
What About Claiming VAT on Older Invoices?
A frequently asked question: “Can I claim VAT on old invoices in UAE?”
- You must validate (export) your tax-free tags within 90 days from the invoice date.
- If more than 90 days have passed, invoices become ineligible for a refund.
- However, once your tax-free tags are validated, you have up to one year from that validation date to claim the refund (i.e. request the actual payout).
Thus, even though you cannot validate very old invoices, if you validated some tags earlier, you may still claim within the 1-year window. But for new claims, always stay within the 90-day validation period.
Pro Tips & Common Pitfalls: Maximizing Your VAT Refund
Here are some practical tips to ensure your how to claim VAT refund in Dubai Airport process is smooth and maximized:
- Plan ahead — leave extra time at the airport for the validation queue in the Dubai airport tax refund area.
- Group purchases wisely — make sure each receipt exceeds AED 250 to ensure eligibility.
- Check that the retailer is registered — not all shops are part of the tourist refund system. Ask if they are part of Planet / Tax Refund Scheme.
- Match names & passport info — ensure your name on invoices and tax-free tags matches your passport.
- Carry invoices and tags safely — losing these means losing the chance to refund.
- Validate purchases before checking baggage — goods might be requested for inspection.
- Watch the cash refund limits — if your refund exceeds the cash ceiling (e.g. AED 35,000), the excess will be credited to card.
- Be mindful of departure timing — you must leave within 6 hours after validation, so avoid scheduling things too tightly.
- Use the Shopper Portal / digital method — in many cases, Planet supports paperless tax-free transactions and tracking via SMS / portal.
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FAQ: How to Claim VAT Refund in Dubai Airport?
What is the processing fee?
A fixed AED 4.80 per tax-free tag is deducted from your refund.
How much can I get refunded?
You’ll receive 85% of the VAT paid (i.e. 85% of 5 %) after the per-tag fee.
Can I claim VAT refund in cash at Dubai Airport?
Yes, if your refund amount is within the cash refund limit. Otherwise, the remainder is credited to your card.
What if I miss the 6-hour rule after validation?
Your validation may be canceled, and you’ll need to revalidate on your actual departure.
How to claim VAT refund at the airport?
To claim your VAT refund at Dubai Airport, shop at stores registered under the “Tax Free Shopping” scheme. At checkout, present your passport to receive a digital Tax-Free tag. Before departing, visit a Planet VAT Refund kiosk at the airport, scan your passport, present your purchases if requested, and choose your refund method—cash or card.
How long does it take to get a VAT refund in Dubai?
The VAT refund process at Dubai Airport is usually instant once your claim is validated. If you choose a refund to your card, it may take up to 10 business days to appear in your account.
How to claim VAT refund online?
VAT refunds in the UAE are processed through Planet’s electronic system at airports, not fully online. However, travelers can view and track their refund status on the Planet Tax Free website using the reference number on their receipt.
Can I get VAT refund on iPhone in Dubai?
Yes, you can get a VAT refund on an iPhone purchased from a VAT-registered retailer participating in the Tax Free scheme. The item must be exported within 90 days of purchase and validated at the airport before departure.
How do I get my VAT refund at Dubai airport?
At the airport, find the Planet VAT Refund kiosk before check-in. Present your passport and Tax Free receipts, and if requested, show the goods. After validation, choose to receive your refund in cash or transferred to your credit card.
Is it worth claiming a VAT refund?
Yes, claiming a VAT refund is worthwhile, especially for large purchases. Travelers can get up to 85% of the VAT paid refunded, making it a cost-effective option for tourists shopping in Dubai.
Is it better to get VAT refund on card or cash?
Refunding to a credit or debit card is often better, as it avoids additional handling fees. Cash refunds are faster but may include small service charges.
What items qualify for VAT refund?
Most goods purchased from registered Tax Free retailers qualify for a VAT refund if they are taken out of the UAE within 90 days. Common eligible items include electronics, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.
What can you not claim VAT on?
You cannot claim VAT refunds on services (such as hotel stays or dining), consumable goods used within the UAE, or items not exported within 90 days. Certain restricted goods like cars and boats may also be excluded.
Conclusion
If you want to know how to claim VAT refund in Dubai Airport, it all revolves around planning, following the rules, and leveraging the Planet / tourist refund system properly. Shop smartly at participating stores, get your documentation, validate before leaving, and choose your refund method. With this process done correctly, you transform your UAE shopping into a more rewarding experience by claiming back a portion of VAT.
References
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA) – Tourist VAT Refund System
- UAE Government Portal – Tax Refund for Tourists
- Planet Payment UAE – Tourist Refund FAQ
- Dubai Airports – Planet VAT Refund Service
Disclaimer: This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or legal advice. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or applicability. mazeed, its members, employees, and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility, or duty of care for any actions taken or decisions made based on this content. For official guidance, please refer to the UAE Ministry of Finance and the Federal Tax Authority.
