The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) helps UAE grow its tourism sector by offering a tax refund scheme for tourists. The government wants retailers to support this goal by joining the tourist tax refund scheme. FTA invites all VAT-registered retailers to take part. Every retailer should know the conditions and steps for joining and following the tax refund scheme.
How Does the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme Work in UAE?
FTA approves a company called Planet to operate the electronic system for tourist tax refunds. Retailers must register with Planet. The shop joins Planet’s system and can tag invoices as tax-free for tourists. When a tourist buys eligible goods, the retailer attaches a tax-free tag to the invoice. The tourist keeps this invoice and claims the refund when leaving the UAE. The process lets tourists shop more, which helps retailers and the country.
Main steps for tourist tax refund:
- Retailer registers with Planet.
- Retailer sells goods to tourists.
- Retailer adds tax-free tag to the invoice.
- Tourist claims refund at airport, seaport, or border.
What Conditions Must Retailers Meet to Join the Scheme?
Not every retailer can join the tourist tax refund scheme.
Retailers must follow some rules to join:
- The retailer must have a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN) from FTA.
- The goods sold can’t be on the FTA’s excluded list.
- The retailer must request to join through the proper FTA process.
- The retailer must meet financial rules by Planet, the system operator.
- The retailer must file tax returns and pay VAT to FTA on time.
Retailers must always stay compliant with all FTA and Planet rules.
Steps for Retailers to Register for Tourist Tax Refund Scheme
The registration is online and very simple. Retailers should use Planet’s registration portal: https://refund.planetpayment.ae/MerchantRegistration
There are three main steps:
- Fill the registration form online.
- Review and sign the contract online.
- Upload all required documents.
Documents retailers must submit:
- Trade license of the business
- TRN certificate
- Power of attorney (if any)
- Specimen signature of the authorized person
- Signed credit check consent form
- Signed contract
Retailers should check that all documents are current and valid. Planet may request more documents at any time.
Other Important Points for Retailers in the Scheme
Every registered retailer must follow all rules from FTA and Planet. Not following the contract or the rules may result in cancellation from the scheme. Retailers must always keep accurate records and report to FTA as needed. The shop’s staff should know how to process tax-free sales and issue the correct invoices. Retailers should keep up with updates or rule changes from FTA and Planet.
Key reminders:
- Stay compliant with FTA and Planet rules.
- Keep records ready for audits.
- Train staff on tax-free sales.
- Follow contract terms closely.
How Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing Can Help Retailers
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps retailers join and use the tourist tax refund scheme. Our team guides you through registration, checks your documents, and answers FTA or Planet questions for you. We help your staff understand the tax-free process. We make compliance simple and reduce the risk of mistakes. With us, you’ll always be a step ahead, because “the early bird catches the worm.”
- For more information, visit our office:
Saraya Avenue Building – Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates - Or contact/WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132
