VAT Refund Calculator UAE
Visitors leaving the UAE can reclaim VAT on eligible purchases. This calculator pulls the 5% VAT out of your receipt total. It then subtracts the operator cut and per-tag fee.
| Price before VAT | — |
| VAT inside the price (5%) | — |
| Operator cut and fee | — |
| Estimated refund | — |
An estimate only. The refund operator sets its own service cut and per-tag fee, and both can change. You must be an eligible visitor, request a tax-free tag in store, and validate it before leaving the country.
Why the VAT is already inside the price
UAE shelf prices include 5% VAT by law. So the tax is not added at the till like in some countries. To find it, you divide rather than multiply.
The VAT portion of any total is the amount multiplied by 5 then divided by 105. On a 5,000 dirham receipt that is about 238 dirhams. Our gold VAT guide explains the rules in full.
What you actually get back
You do not receive the whole VAT amount. The refund operator keeps a service percentage of the tax. A small fixed fee also applies to each tax free tag.
Those two deductions are why the payout looks smaller than expected. Both are inputs above so you can match your own paperwork. Change them if your receipt shows different terms.
Who qualifies
- You must be a visitor to the UAE, not a resident.
- The goods must leave the country with you within the allowed window.
- The shop must be registered in the tourist refund scheme.
- You must request a tax free tag at the time of purchase.
The airport steps
Allow extra time before your flight. Validation happens before check in if your gold is going into hold luggage. Staff may ask to see the items.
Keep the jewellery unworn and in its original packaging with receipts. Once validated you can take cash or a card refund. Full detail sits in our tourist VAT refund guide.
Does a refund make gold cheaper here
The refund lowers your effective cost by close to 5%. That is on top of the UAE having no import duty on gold. Together they are a real part of the price advantage.
The metal rate itself is global and identical everywhere. Making charges matter more than tax on most purchases. Compare with our making charge calculator and the is gold cheaper in Dubai guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much VAT is on gold in the UAE?
The standard rate is 5% and it is already included in the displayed price.
Can residents claim the refund?
No, the scheme is for visitors who take the goods out of the country.
Do investment gold bars carry VAT?
Investment grade bullion can qualify for relief depending on purity and seller. Confirm the treatment in writing at purchase.
Will I get the full 5% back?
No, the operator keeps a service cut and charges a small per-tag fee. The calculator shows the realistic net figure.