My store sells to tourists — can I register for the tax-free tourist refund scheme?

The tourist VAT refund scheme is run by an authorized operator (Planet) in coordination with the Federal Tax Authority — no store is automatically enrolled. To join, a retailer needs a valid Tax Registration Number and at least one filed VAT return, a clean and punctual filing record with no outstanding tax or penalties, and an acceptable credit rating. Registration itself happens online through the operator's platform and requires the Tax Registration Certificate, trade license, and a financial guarantee — a security cheque or bank guarantee — in favor of the operator.

Once approved, selling to a tourist requires issuing a tax invoice (paper or digital through the operator's system) showing the purchase value, and the minimum purchase that qualifies for a refund is AED 250 excluding VAT. The tourist then validates that invoice at an exit point — an airport, land or sea border, or a mall/hotel kiosk — within 90 days of the invoice date, with an administrative fee deducted from the refunded amount. RASEEKH helps retailers prepare the registration file and connect their invoicing setup to the operator's platform from day one.