VAT Refund Services in UAE
Recovering eligible VAT can be straightforward when the right transactions, documents and deadlines are handled correctly. IncHub provides VAT refund services in the UAE, helping eligible businesses, foreign business visitors and UAE nationals assess their eligibility, prepare supporting documents, submit refund claims and manage FTA correspondence.
Our team handles the VAT refund process from eligibility assessment through submission and follow-up, helping you avoid common documentation errors, missed deadlines and unnecessary delays.
Key Points
- VAT refund eligibility depends on the type of claimant and the refund scheme that applies.
- There is no single VAT refund process in the UAE. Different refund mechanisms apply depending on the claimant.
- Understanding which route applies to you is important because each scheme has its own eligibility requirements, documentation and deadlines.
Audience
Who Can Claim a VAT Refund in the UAE?
VAT refund eligibility depends on the type of claimant and the refund scheme that applies.
Tourists
Eligible tourists can reclaim VAT on qualifying goods purchased from retailers registered in the tax-free shopping scheme and taken out of the UAE.
Foreign Businesses
Foreign businesses with no place of establishment in the UAE may qualify for a VAT refund on eligible UAE business expenses, subject to the applicable conditions and reciprocity requirements.
UAE Nationals Building New Residences
Eligible UAE nationals constructing a new private residence for their own or their family’s use may be able to recover VAT on qualifying construction costs.
UAE-Registered Businesses
VAT-registered UAE businesses generally recover eligible input VAT through their regular VAT returns rather than a separate VAT refund scheme.
Understanding which route applies to you is important because each scheme has its own eligibility requirements, documentation and deadlines.
Schemes
UAE VAT Refund Schemes
There is no single VAT refund process in the UAE. Different refund mechanisms apply depending on the claimant.
For tourists, the tax refund for tourists scheme allows eligible travellers to reclaim VAT on qualifying goods purchased from registered retailers and taken out of the UAE through the Planet tax-free system.
Foreign businesses may use the business visitor refund scheme if they meet the applicable requirements, including having no UAE establishment and satisfying the reciprocity condition.
A separate refund mechanism applies to eligible UAE nationals constructing new private residences.
Eligibility
Eligible and Ineligible Purchases
Not every VAT expense qualifies for recovery. Eligibility depends on the refund scheme and the nature of the purchase.
For tourists, recoverable VAT generally covers qualifying retail goods purchased from participating retailers and taken out of the UAE. The minimum purchase amount is AED 250 per tax invoice under the applicable tourist refund scheme.
Tourists generally cannot reclaim VAT on:
- Goods or services consumed in the UAE, including hotel stays and restaurant meals
- Goods that are not fully exported
- Purchases from retailers outside the tax-free scheme
- Vehicles, boats and aircraft
For business-related claims, recoverable VAT generally relates to eligible expenses incurred for the claimant’s business activities. Certain expenses, including entertainment and some motor vehicle costs, may be restricted or non-recoverable.
Process
How to Claim a VAT Refund in the UAE
The process depends on the refund scheme.
For tourists, the general process is:
Purchase qualifying goods from a retailer registered in the tax-free scheme.
Request the tax-free tag at the time of purchase.
Keep the original tax invoices and tagged purchases.
Validate the purchases at the point of exit.
Select the available refund method.
Retain the confirmation until the refund is processed.
For business and other refund claims, the process involves eligibility assessment, document preparation, submission through the applicable FTA process and follow-up where required.
Services
VAT Refund Services We Provide
IncHub manages the VAT refund process from assessment to follow-up.
VAT Refund Eligibility Assessment
We review your circumstances and transactions to determine whether you may qualify for a VAT refund and identify the applicable refund scheme.
VAT and Invoice Review
We review invoices and supporting records to identify eligible and non-recoverable VAT before the claim is submitted.
Refund Calculation
We assess the eligible VAT and help determine the amount that can be included in the refund claim.
Document Preparation
We organise and review the supporting documentation required for the applicable refund scheme.
VAT Refund Claim Submission
We prepare and manage the refund application through the relevant FTA process.
FTA Correspondence and Support
Where the FTA requests additional information or clarification, IncHub assists with the response and supporting documentation.
Refund Tracking and Follow-Up
We monitor the claim and follow up through the process until the refund is paid or the claim is resolved.
Requirements
Documents Required for a VAT Refund
The documents required depend on the type of refund claim.
| Claim Type | Key Documents |
|---|---|
| Tourist | Passport, validated tax-free tags and original tax invoices |
| Foreign Business | Home-country tax/business registration certificate, original invoices, proof of payment and reciprocity evidence |
| UAE National Residence | Emirates ID, completion certificate, contractor invoices, ownership and personal-use evidence |
Original and complete documentation is important. Missing information, incomplete invoices or mismatched claimant details can delay or affect a refund claim.
Scheme
VAT Refund for UAE Nationals Building New Residences
Eligible UAE nationals may reclaim VAT incurred on qualifying costs associated with constructing a new private residence for their own or their family’s use.
The scheme can cover qualifying construction contractor services and building materials that become part of the property. Certain professional fees and furnishings may fall outside the scope of recovery.
Applicants must provide the required supporting documentation and submit the claim within the applicable deadline.
Scheme
VAT Refund for Foreign Business Visitors
Foreign companies without a UAE establishment may be able to recover VAT on eligible UAE business expenses under the business visitor refund scheme.
The submission period runs from 1 March to 31 August each year for qualifying expenses from the previous calendar year, subject to the applicable rules.
Typical supporting documents include:
- Home-country tax or business registration certificate
- Original UAE tax invoices
- Proof of payment
- Evidence supporting the applicable reciprocity condition
IncHub can assist with eligibility checks, invoice review, document preparation, submission and FTA correspondence.
Timeline
VAT Refund Processing Time
Processing time depends on the refund scheme, the completeness of the claim and whether the relevant authority requests additional information.
Tourist refunds can generally be processed through the applicable refund operator after successful validation. Business and other FTA refund claims may take longer because they are subject to review.
A complete and properly supported claim can help reduce avoidable delays.
Risk
Common Reasons VAT Refund Claims Are Delayed or Rejected
Common issues include:
- Missing or incomplete documentation
- Invalid or insufficient tax invoices
- Purchases that do not qualify for recovery
- Failure to meet the applicable deadline
- Missing validation for tourist purchases
- Failure to satisfy reciprocity requirements
- Name or registration mismatches
- Incorrect or incomplete portal registration
- Unsupported input VAT claims
Reviewing the claim before submission can help identify these issues early.
IncHub
Why Choose IncHub for VAT Refund Services?
End-to-End Support
We manage the process from eligibility assessment and documentation through submission and follow-up.
Detailed Document Review
We review supporting records and invoices before submission to identify potential issues.
UAE VAT Expertise
Our approach is focused on applicable UAE VAT and FTA requirements.
FTA Support
We assist with additional information requests and correspondence where required.
Clear Deliverables
You receive a structured claim and supporting documentation rather than simply being directed to complete the application yourself.
Output
What You Receive From IncHub
Our VAT refund support can include:
- VAT refund eligibility assessment
- Eligible VAT calculation
- Invoice and document review
- FTA-ready document pack
- Refund claim preparation
- Portal and submission support
- FTA correspondence
- Claim tracking and follow-up
- Refund process guidance
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VAT refund in the UAE?
A VAT refund allows eligible claimants to recover VAT paid on qualifying purchases or expenses, subject to the requirements of the applicable refund scheme.
Who can claim a VAT refund in the UAE?
Eligibility depends on the applicable scheme. Tourists, qualifying foreign businesses and eligible UAE nationals constructing new residences may qualify under specific conditions.
What is the minimum purchase amount for a tourist VAT refund?
The minimum purchase amount is AED 250 per tax invoice under the applicable tourist refund scheme.
Can UAE businesses claim VAT refunds?
VAT-registered UAE businesses generally recover eligible input VAT through their VAT returns rather than using the separate refund schemes.
Can foreign companies claim UAE VAT refunds?
Foreign businesses without a UAE establishment may qualify under the business visitor refund scheme if they meet the applicable requirements.
How long does a UAE VAT refund take?
Processing time varies depending on the refund type, documentation and review process.
What documents are required for a VAT refund?
Documents depend on the type of claim but may include tax invoices, proof of payment, registration certificates, identification and other supporting evidence.
Can IncHub handle the complete VAT refund process?
Yes. IncHub can assist with eligibility assessment, document review, claim preparation, submission, FTA correspondence and follow-up.
Work With IncHub
Claim Your Eligible VAT Refund
A successful VAT refund depends on using the correct scheme, meeting the applicable requirements and submitting complete supporting documentation.
Speak to IncHub today for a VAT Refund Assessment and let our team manage the claim process for you.