What is the minimum spend for VAT refund in Dubai?

You must spend at least 250 AED on one receipt from the same store on the same day.

How long do I have to claim VAT refund after purchase?

Receipts are valid for 90 days from the purchase date, provided you exit the UAE within that period.

Can I get VAT back on hotel stays or meals?

No. VAT refunds apply only to physical goods taken out of the country, not services or food.

Tax-Free Shopping Dubai: How VAT Refund Works for Tourists

Who qualifies for VAT refund in Dubai

Non-resident visitors on a tourist visa can claim VAT refunds on goods bought in the UAE. You must leave the country within 90 days of purchase and carry the items with you. Residents and UAE passport holders are not eligible.

The refund covers the standard 5 percent VAT rate. Most retail outlets in Dubai malls and airports participate in the scheme through official refund operators.

Minimum spend and eligible items

You need a minimum spend of 250 AED on a single receipt from the same store on the same day. The goods must be unused and in original packaging when you exit. Food, hotel stays, and services such as spa treatments do not qualify.

Clothing, electronics, watches, and jewellery usually qualify
Items must be for personal use and taken out of the country
Receipts older than 90 days are not accepted

Where to shop and how to get the form

Look for the Tax Free or VAT Refund sticker at checkout in major malls such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Hills Mall. Staff will scan your passport and issue a tax-free receipt with a QR code. Keep both the receipt and the goods together.

Some stores print the form automatically. Others ask you to complete it at a dedicated counter near the exit.

Claiming your refund at the airport

At Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International (DWC), locate the VAT Refund counters before check-in. Present your passport, tax-free receipts, and the purchased items for inspection. Officers scan the QR code and approve the claim.

Approved refunds are paid instantly via credit card, cash, or mobile wallet. Processing takes five to fifteen minutes during normal hours. Peak travel times may require longer waits, so arrive early.

Common reasons claims are rejected

Refunds are denied if goods are missing, used, or show signs of wear. Receipts without the correct QR code or purchases below 250 AED are also rejected. Always double-check that the shop assistant entered your passport details correctly at the time of purchase.

Keep digital copies of receipts on your phone in case paper copies are lost.

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