simple enough: how to claim your refund

1. Applicants download a VAT refund form from the FTA website.

2. The form must be duly filled out, printed and signed; hand-written documents will not be accepted.

3. Scan the form once filled and signed, along with supporting documents and submit them in PDF format to homebuilders@tax.gov.ae. The supporting documents include a copy of the applicant’s passport and Emirates ID, as well as the paperwork proving his/her ownership of the plot of the land in question, which must also include the date of completion. Applicants will be sent an e-mail to confirm that the authority has received the documents, and then another e-mail within 5 working days to inform them whether or not they are entitled for a refund. Those declared eligible to recover their taxes will need to provide the reference number issued by the FTA for the application.

4. The final step is for eligible applicants to submit the request, including the reference number, blueprints and invoices to a verification body accredited by the FTA. The authority will be announcing all accredited verification bodies on its website. These entities can issue an official document called a ‘Verification Report’ stating the amount of taxes paid versus the recoverable amount, and then send it to the FTA within 15 working days from the date the invoices were issued. The FTA can then take up to 20 working days to process the final request and then an extra 5 working days to refund the recoverable amount.