Claim A VAT Refund In The UAE? You Will No Longer Need Receipts Soon

If you have friends or family coming over to visit, you’ll want to share this update with them.

Those who visit the UAE for a holiday are able to claim up to Dhs35,000 cashback in tax per trip.

Previously, visitors had to keep all their receipts in order to get them validated to receive the VAT back but now that is about to change.

The new app, named Tourist Refund, was revealed at Gitex Global at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Not yet available to download, we will keep our eyes peeled for when it goes live as it’s sure to make things easier for friends and family when they come for a holiday.

Since 2018, five percent VAT has been applied to goods in the UAE. It means that visitors and residents pay tax when spending on eating out, hotel stays, petrol and everything in between.

Visitors can’t claim tax refunds on anything that has been consumed in the UAE, but when it comes to goods that you’re taking with you out of the country, they can get the cash back.

Tourists must remember to request a tax-free purchase when paying for goods and it’s only valid on a minimum spend of Dhs250.

They also need to carry their passport with them to show the merchants.