A guide to VAT refund at Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi
In 2018, the UAE government — in collaboration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) — officially allowed overseas tourists in the country to request VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds on purchased goods during their stay. The process for VAT refunds for UAE tourists has been digitised at various departure points in the country, including Zayed International Airport. Wondering how the process for a VAT refund at Abu Dhabi Airport works? Let’s find out.
VAT refunds for tourists in Abu Dhabi
The government announced a 5% VAT charge in 2018. Any person who is not a resident of the United Arab Emirates is eligible for tax-free shopping. This applies to goods that are to be exported out of the country from Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
Visitors must keep in mind that the process is subject to scrutiny. Shoppers can obtain a VAT refund on these items, provided that their purchases comply with local rules.
Is there a tax refund in Abu Dhabi?
Travellers exiting Abu Dhabi can claim VAT refunds on items purchased in the emirate. Those catching flights from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport may claim the refund at designated Planet validation points. Planet is the official global operator of the VAT refund system.
Tourists will get back 87% of the total tax paid. A fee of AED 4.80 per Tax-Free tag validated will be charged.
HOW DOES A VAT REFUND AT ABU DHABI AIRPORT WORK?
Tourists in Abu Dhabi can request Tax-Free purchases from retailers who are part of the “Tax Refund for Tourist Scheme.” Here is the process:
- Present a valid passport to the retailer at the time of purchase
- The retailer captures the information using the Planet system
- The retailer places a Tax-Free tag on the back of the sales receipt
- A digital Tax-Free form is created
The tourist can validate the transaction at the Zayed International Airport for a refund. Please note that if the merchant is not registered with the Planet Tax free system, you cannot claim a refund.
How to claim a VAT refund at Abu Dhabi Airport?
Overseas tourists departing via Abu Dhabi Airport must have their tagged receipts (e-receipts) and purchased goods for the refund process to be successful.
Tourists can claim their airport tax refund by following this process:
Planet validation points
You can find a VAT refund counter at Zayed International Airport, Terminal A, next to the Etihad Airways Customer Service Counter.
After successful validation, you will be asked to choose a refund process. Depending on the situation, you may also be required to go through further validation checks or produce the items you bought for inspection. Visitors applying for a tax refund at the Abu Dhabi Airport can do so via cash or credit card, depending on the mode of payment for the purchase.
Conditions for VAT Refund in Abu Dhabi Airport
Keep in mind the maximum refund amount regarding cash payments is AED 35,000 per tourist. Any additional value above this amount must be paid to a credit or debit card. Visitors must also note that certain taxable items are not eligible for a refund.
These include:
- Items that they aren’t carrying with them at the time of departure
- Aircraft, motor vehicles or boats
- Goods that have been consumed, either partially or fully, in the UAE
CLAIMS VIA TOURIST REFUND APP
VAT refund Abu Dhabi airport claim can also be made via the Tourist Refund app. Federal Tax Authority (FTA) launched this app in order to ensure tourists don’t have to stand in long queues any more.
You can download the Android and Apple phone apps when visiting the UAE. When a tourist makes a purchase from a UAE store, the invoice is scanned by the store staff and recorded in the app. It includes the cost of the purchase and other relevant details. At the airport validation point, the invoices can be shown via the app for the claim.
VAT REFUND VIA WECHAT FOR CHINESE TOURISTS IN ABU DHABI
If you are a Chinese tourist visiting the UAE, a VAT refund at Abu Dhabi Airport is also possible via the WeChat app. Here is the WeChat VAT refund Abu Dhabi Airport process:
- At the planet validation point, present all the documents, including the purchased goods, to the staff.
- After validation, opt for the WeChat Pay refund method on the machine.
- A scan code will show up on the screen. On the WeChat app, use the scan function to scan the code from the machine.
- Next, a WeChat Applet with a tax refund code will appear on your phone. Scan the code on the machine.
- An instant refund will be made to your WeChat Wallet in Chinese Yuan.
FAQS
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VAT REFUND?
Here’s a list of prerequisites you need to meet to be eligible for a VAT refund.
- The individual is not a resident of the UAE.
- The individual is not a crew member on a flight leaving from the UAE.
- Minimum spend of AED 250 at a store in the country
- Must be 18 years old at least.
- The items were bought from a seller registered under the ‘Tax Refund for Tourists’ scheme.
- Must obtain customs verification approval within 90 days from the day of purchase.
- Must export the products from the UAE within 90 days from the date of purchase.
- The product is not consumed either partly or fully.
- You must have the products with you when you claim your refund.
- Must have e-receipts of the purchase, at the time of claiming the refund.
- No refund on motor vehicles, boats and aircraft.
Is there a time limit for VAT refunds at Abu Dhabi Airport?
All tax-free tags need to be validated within 90 days from the date on which the items were purchased. For example, a form issued on the 1st of February is valid till the 1st of May; otherwise, the Tax-Free tag will expire, and the VAT cannot be claimed.
IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE THE PHYSICAL RECEIPT FOR THE VAT REFUND?
No, since 2022, a system of e-receipts has been introduced to reduce paperwork. Hence, you don’t need to carry a physical receipt for a VAT refund Abu Dhabi Airport claim.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VAT REFUND ABU DHABI AIRPORT CLAIM PROCESS?
If you are planning to make a claim, make sure you factor in the time for the processing and ensure you reach the airport well before your flight time. Plus, ensure you complete the process before checking in your luggage, as the staff will check the items.
HOW CAN I CONTACT PLANET?
If you have any questions regarding VAT refunds in Abu Dhabi, visit the Planet Payment website or contact them:
- Planet Payment Contact: +971-4-586-4700
What documents are required to claim a VAT refund in Abu Dhabi?
As discussed, you need your passport, tax invoices and your credit card (if needed).
Where can I find the VAT refund counter at Abu Dhabi Airport?
The VAT refund counter is located at Zayed International Airport next to the Etihad Airways Customer Service Counter.
That’s all for our review of the VAT refund at Abu Dhabi Airport. Hopefully, our guide will help if you are wondering how to claim value-added tax back when leaving Abu Dhabi.
Haven’t shopped yet? You can get a VAT refund on purchases by shopping from approved outlets in Abu Dhabi malls. If you are an overseas tourist and plan to leave the emirate soon, our Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi guide will make your departure smoother.
For more information on taxation processes in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
