How to claim your 15% VAT refund in Saudi Arabia: Everything needs to be known to visitors. world News
- In Saudi Arabia, tourists can get a full return to 15% VAT for eligible purchase on SAR 500 (USD 133).
- Refunds apply only to goods, not on services, and should be made on zatca-approved retailers.
- Receits, passports and refund forms should be presented at the airport within 90 days of purchase.
- Use the Global Blue app or site to find the participating store and claim refunds via cash or card at the authorized airport counters/kiosks.
Visitors of Saudi Arabia are now entitled to recover a full 15% value -added tax (VAT) on retail purchase during their stay. Effective from April 18, this newly applied VAT refund program, which aims to increase the appeal as Saudi Arabia’s tourism and shopping destination. Here is a comprehensive guide to help passengers to understand eligibility, process, rules and important details, so they can easily claim their VAT refund before leaving the state.
Understanding VAT refund policy
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has officially introduced a VAT refund system for international tourists and citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This step allows visitors to reconstruct the 15% VAT paid on the purchase of merit, which helps support the state’s large strategy to attract global tourism and stimulate expenses in their retail fields.
- Effective date: The VAT refund policy is effective from 18 April.
- Applicable VAT rate: Qualified purchases are charged 0% VAT at the point of sale from effectively approved retailers. The 15% VAT tree is later returned to the authorized providers.
Scope of Eligibility:
- 18 and above are non-resident characters in the age group.
- GCC National is included until the laws of new electronic services are implemented.
- Shopkeepers who are not members of a cabin or crew at any other means of transportation departing from the state of flight, aircraft, ship, or Saudi Arabia
- SAR 500 (approx. $ 133) per retailer requires a minimum expenditure (three challans can be connected in a single day).
This VAT discount only applies to goods and excludes services, meaning that housing, food, beverages, tobacco, vehicles, boats, aircraft and petroleum products are not eligible.
Where and how to shop
To benefit from the correspondence, shopping should only be done at Zatca-authorized retail shops that are part of the tax refund system. So far, there are:
- 1,442 authorized retailers across the state.
- These include major outlets in tourism-wild cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
At the point of sales, tourists need:
- Inform the retailer that they intend to claim VAT refund.
- Present a valid passport or GCC ID.
- Request VAT discount form.
- Get the original challan, which should clearly show the VAT zodiac.
- Get VAT refund application form.
Important:
- The goods should be strictly unused for personal use, and exported within 90 days of the procurement date.
How to spot Zatca- approved retailers for VAT refund
If you plan to claim 15% VAT on your purchase in Saudi Arabia, one of the most important stages is to ensure that you are buying from the right store, which officially participate with zakat, tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). Only these approved retailers are authorized to issue the documents required for your VAT refund.Here’s how you are shopping at a qualified store:
1. Look for “Tax Free” or “VAT refund” signals
Most ZATCA- Approved retail vendors will clearly display signage that says “tax free shopping” or “VAT refund available”, usually on entrance, checkout counter, or both. This is your view that the store is part of the VAT refund system and can provide proper tax-free form for your shopping.
2. Ask the store staff before purchasing
If you are unsure, just ask. Most employees in major malls, international fashion boutiques, electronics stores and tourist-friendly stores will be found out whether their store refunds participate in the program. It only takes confirmation of a moment and can save you from remembering your refund later
3. Use Global Blue Store Locator
Saudi Arabia’s VAT refund process Global Blue is powered by a famous tax refund operator. To plan your shopping more efficiently:
- Go to the Global Blue website or download the Global Blue Mobile App.
- Use the store locator tool to search for retailers participating by city, mall or category.
- This device is regularly updated and the most practical way to find approved stores in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and other cities.
4. Stay update with zatca notice
From time to time, ZATCA published official announcements or list highlighting new or major retailers added to the VAT refund program. Although this is not always the most current source, it is still worth checking their official website for any update.
Airport process – claim refund
Tourists will have to complete their VAT refund at the airport if they leave. Currently, the 18 VAT verification points are installed at three international airports, and can be found using the global blue locator tool, along with their locations.
- Riyadh – King Khalid International Airport: 10 Counter
- Jeddah – King Abdulziz International Airport: 4 Counter
- Dammam – King Fahd International Airport: 4 Counter
Note: The northern terminal at the King Abdulziz Airport of Jeddah does not currently offer cash refund. Passengers departing from this terminal should only opt for card refund.Documents required for corresponding:
- Challan from participating retailers
- Full VAT Refund Form
- valid passport
- Proof of departure (boarding pass or journey program)
Constipation mode:
- Cash Refund: Capted at SAR 5,000 per day
- Card refund: no limit is told
The refund is processed after confirming the zatca documents and the validity of the purchase. Tourists and service providers are jointly responsible for the correctness of the claim of correspondence. Any unfair claim can be subject to review or denial.
Major tips and final reminder
Before going to the airport, make sure the following:
- All documents are in order: basic receipts, forms, passports, proof of travel.
- All shopping is done within 90 days of departure.
- All goods are eligible and unused.
- Check the availability of cash vs. card refund options based on the terminal of your airport.
Eligibility and summary of rules:
| Criterion | Demand |
|---|---|
| age | 18 years or older |
| Residence | Only non-resident (no Saudi ID or residence permit) |
| Minimum purchase | SAR 500 (can add 3 invoices to the same retailer in a single day) |
| Only goods | Services, food, and other specified items excluded |
| Export time limit | Within 90 days of purchase |
| Corresponding limit (cash) | SAR 5,000 per day per day |
| Back place | 18 verification points at Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam Airports |
| Required doors | Passport, proof of departure, original receipts, fully corresponds forms |
Saudi Arabia’s VAT refund system is a tourist friendly improvement that aims to create a spontaneous shopping and travel experience. By following the stages mentioned, maintaining all documents, and shopping at the participating outlets, visitors to the state can ensure a hassle-free return of 15% VAT payments that maximize the price when searching for the state.1. How do I know that a store is part of the VAT refund program? Looking for “tax free” or “VAT refund” signage at the store, ask the staff directly, or use the Global Blue App or website to find approved retail vendors.Q. What is really purchasable for VAT refund? Only for individual use are tangible goods, such as clothes or electronics, are eligible. Food, hotel stay, tobacco and vehicles are excluded.Q. What documents do I need to claim my VAT refund at the airport? You have to show your original challan, complete refund form, passport and proof of departure (eg boarding pass or travel journey).Q. Can I get my refund in cash?Yes, but cash refunds are limited to SAR 5,000 per person per day. If your refund is high, the amount will be deposited in cash (up to SAR 5,000) and the rest will be deposited to your payment card, with no upper limit on the card refund.Note: In the North Terminal of Jeddah Airport, only card refunds are available, no cash is issued there.Q. What happens if I lose my receipts or get a refund form? Unfortunately, you will not be able to claim a refund. Only zatca-receipts are accepted at refund counters with appropriate forms from approved retailers.
