What Changed on 12 July 2026
Under FTA Decision No. 11 of 2026, the fixed processing fee deducted per refund claim dropped from AED 4.80 to AED 3.6 per tax-free tag. The 13% administrative fee on the VAT amount itself is unchanged — tourists still receive 87% of the VAT paid, before the smaller fixed per-tag fee is subtracted. This calculator has been updated to reflect the new, lower fee.
How the Refund Is Actually Calculated
| Step | Calculation |
|---|---|
| 1. Take 87% of VAT paid | VAT × 0.87 |
| 2. Subtract AED 3.6 per tax-free tag | − (3.6 × number of tags) |
| 3. Result: your net refund | Paid out via card or cash (cash capped at AED 35,000) |
Am I Eligible?
- You entered the UAE on a tourist visa and are a non-resident
- You are 18 years or older
- You spent at least AED 250 (incl. VAT) in a single transaction at one registered store
- The store is registered under Planet Tax Free — look for "Tax-Free Shopping" signage
- You'll physically export the goods, unused, in your luggage
- You validate within 90 days of the purchase date, before departure
What Doesn't Qualify
- UAE residents — including employment, investor, or family visa holders — regardless of nationality
- Services of any kind
- Food and drinks intended for immediate consumption
- Motor vehicles, boats, and aircraft
- Purchases below AED 250, even if combined across multiple stores
The Validation Process, Step by Step
Shop and request a tax-free tag
At checkout in a registered store, show your passport and ask for a tax-free tag. It must be requested at the time of purchase — you can't request it retroactively.
Keep your invoices and tags together
Your tax-free tags are linked to your passport in Planet's system, but you'll still need the physical (or uploaded digital) invoices at validation.
Validate before checking in luggage
At the airport, visit a manned Planet desk or self-service kiosk before checking your bags — customs may want to inspect the goods. As of late 2025, over 100 self-service kiosks operate across UAE airports, malls, and hotels.
Choose your refund method
Refunds are paid via card or cash (cash capped at AED 35,000). Card refunds typically process within a few days.
Depart within 6 hours
Once validation is approved, you must leave the UAE within 6 hours — missing this window cancels the approval, and you'd need to repeat the process.
Worked Example
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total VAT paid (2 tax-free tags) | AED 500 |
| 87% of VAT | AED 435.00 |
| Per-tag fee (2 × AED 3.6) | − AED 7.20 |
| Estimated net refund | AED 427.80 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Rates and fees are set by the FTA and Planet Tax Free and can change again. Always confirm current terms with the Federal Tax Authority before relying on this estimate.