Gold VAT Refund for Tourists in Dubai: How It Works

Tourists leaving the UAE can reclaim most of the 5% VAT paid on gold jewellery through the Planet tax-free scheme. The paperwork is quick, the refund hits your card within a few days, and even small purchases qualify. Here's the full process from shop counter to boarding gate.

What qualifies

Any VAT-registered jeweller — all mall boutiques and most souk shops — can issue a tax-free receipt. The minimum purchase is 250 AED. You must be a non-resident of the GCC, 18 or older, with a valid tourist stamp in your passport. Investment-grade gold bars (99%+ purity) are VAT-exempt from the start, so no refund is needed.

At the shop

Ask for a tax-free receipt when you pay. The cashier scans your passport, sticks a Planet tag on the physical receipt or the box, and emails you a confirmation. Keep the receipt, keep the tag, and don't wear the piece before you fly — Planet may ask to see unused merchandise.

At the airport

Before check-in, find the Planet validation kiosk (there's one at each terminal of DXB and at DWC). Scan the receipt, show your passport, present the jewellery if asked. The kiosk prints a validation stamp. If you check your luggage, do validation first, then drop the bag.

The refund

After validation you have two options: get cash on the spot (minus a small processing fee) at the Planet counter, or let the refund hit your card within 3–5 working days. Card is usually a slightly better rate. On a 10,000 AED purchase you'll see roughly 400–430 AED back after Planet's cut.