The UAE government wants to make shopping easier for tourists. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) set up the tax refund scheme for tourists in the UAE. This scheme helps tourists get back VAT on their shopping. The plan supports the tourism sector and boosts business for shops. The FTA asks all VAT-registered shops to join this scheme. Every retailer must learn about the process and conditions before joining.
How Does the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme Work in UAE?
Planet, an FTA-approved company, runs the electronic system for tourist tax refunds. Retailers must register with Planet to join the scheme. When a tourist buys goods that qualify for a refund, the shop adds a tax-free tag to the invoice. The tourist uses this invoice to claim their VAT refund when leaving the UAE. The process is simple, and it uses technology to track tax-free shopping for tourists. Every retailer must use the online system by Planet after registering.
Main steps for tourist tax refunds:
- Retailer registers with Planet.
- Retailer sells goods to tourist.
- Retailer attaches tax-free tag to the bill.
- Tourist claims refund at UAE airport.
Conditions to Register for Tourist Tax Refund Scheme
Not every retailer can join. Shops must meet all FTA rules. Retailers must:
- Hold a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN) from FTA.
- Make sure their goods are not on the excluded list from FTA.
- Ask to join the scheme by following FTA’s steps.
- Meet Planet’s financial credit rules.
- Stay up-to-date with VAT returns and tax payments.
Shops must follow these conditions:
- TRN certificate must be valid.
- No banned goods sold under refund scheme.
- Application must be sent as per FTA’s process.
- All FTA and Planet rules must be followed.
Steps to Register in the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme
The registration is online. Retailers must use Planet’s portal.
Go to: https://refund.planetpayment.ae/MerchantRegistration
There are three steps:
- Fill out the registration form with all shop details.
- Review and sign the contract online.
- Upload all required documents.
Documents you must upload:
- Trade license of your shop.
- TRN certificate.
- Power of attorney, if any.
- Sample signature of your authorized signatory.
- Signed credit check consent form.
- Signed contract with Planet.
Retailers must check that all documents are up-to-date and signed. The system operator (Planet) may ask for more documents. Always reply quickly.
Other Points for Retailers About the Scheme
After joining, shops must follow all the rules from FTA and Planet. If a shop does not follow these rules, it may lose its right to be in the scheme. Retailers must keep records updated and report to the FTA as required. Any mistake may lead to penalties or removal from the scheme.
Retailers must train their staff about the tax-free process for tourists.
Important reminders:
- Stay updated with FTA rules.
- Keep contracts and documents in order.
- Train shop staff about the refund scheme.
- Watch out for rule changes from FTA or Planet.
How Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing Can Help Retailers
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps shops join the tourist tax refund scheme smoothly. Our experts check all your papers, fill your forms, and talk to Planet for you. We explain FTA rules in simple words. Our team supports your staff with training about tax-free shopping. If you face trouble, we solve it quickly.
We know that “every cloud has a silver lining,” and we help you find it in your business!
- 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
