August 2, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: If you’re visiting the Emirates this season, there’s some great news that can save you money. Tax-free shopping in UAE is not only possible, it’s now easier, faster, and completely digital. Whether you’re buying a designer pair of shoe at Dubai Mall or souvenirs from a local market, tourists can now claim back most of the VAT paid on these eligible purchases.

With the updated system managed by the Planet and overseen by the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA), the refund process is now smoother than it ever was. No more worrying about lost receipts or complicated forms. Tax-free shopping in UAE is now just a few taps away and you could get back up to 87% of the VAT you’ve paid.

How Tax-Free Shopping in UAE Works

Since VAT was introduced in the UAE in 2018, tourists have been able to claim back taxes on purchases. But the real game changer came when the country launched a fully digital refund system later that year.

Today, tax-free shopping in UAE is a paperless, quick, and stress-free experience. When you make a purchase over AED 250 at a participating store, simply show your passport or GCC ID. The store assistant will scan your details into the Planet system and attach a digital tag to your purchase.

This stores an electronic record of your transaction, so even if you ever misplace your receipt, you can still track and validate your refund through the Planet Shopper Portal.

How Much Can You Get Back?

Here’s what you really want to know: How much money will come back to your pocket?

With tax-free shopping in UAE, tourists receive 87% of the VAT paid, after a small deduction of AED 4.80 per transaction. You can choose how you want to receive your refund either as cash in UAE Dirhams, a refund to your credit or debit card, or even through WeChat for added convenience.

This refund can be collected after validating your purchases at the airport, seaport, or land border. This validation is done at easy-to-use kiosks or even staffed counters, where you just scan your passport or any ID and follow the instructions.

No Receipt? No Problem

One of the best features of tax-free shopping in UAE is that it’s no longer dependent on carrying a stack of receipts. As long as your purchases were logged digitally through the Planet system, you can track and validate everything online.

Just visit the Planet Shopper Portal, where you can:

View all tax-free purchases
Check your refund status
Enter your card details securely for your refund

Some stores are part of a paperless programme, where even your invoice is sent by SMS. Just show your passport at checkout and ask for a tax-free transaction. It’s that easy.

Who Can Apply and What’s Required?

Not every shopper is eligible for tax-free shopping in UAE, so here’s what you need to know:

You can apply if:

You’re a tourist aged 18 or older
You’re not a resident of a GCC implementing state
You’re not part of a flight or ship crew departing the UAE

You’ll need:

Your passport
Credit or debit card details
Tax invoices or digital records (for non-paperless stores)

Also, remember to confirm with the shop assistant that they’re registered under the VAT refund scheme. If the retailer isn’t partnered with Planet, unfortunately, you won’t be able to claim your refund.

A Smoother Shopping Experience

Digital government services and tax-free shopping in UAE is now a major perk for tourists. From luxury outlets to boutique stores, you can shop with confidence anywhere knowing that a big chunk of your tax is coming back to you.

It’s beyond just saving money, the digital VAT refund process shows how seriously the UAE takes convenience, visitor satisfaction, and the use of modern technology in everyday experiences.

It’s fast. It’s paperless. It’s your money returned to you with ease. So next time you’re on a shopping spree in the Emirates, don’t forget to claim what’s yours.