VAT on Gold in the UAE
VAT is one of the most misunderstood parts of buying gold in the UAE. The rules are actually simple once you split gold into two categories: jewellery and investment gold. Here's how each is treated.
Jewellery: 5% VAT
Gold jewellery – rings, chains, bangles, bridal sets – is subject to the standard 5% VAT in the UAE. Crucially, the VAT is applied to the gold value and the making charge combined, not the gold alone.
Investment gold: 0% VAT
Investment-grade gold is zero-rated – no VAT at all. To qualify, gold bars and coins generally must be 99% purity or higher and meet the UAE Federal Tax Authority's criteria for investment precious metals. This is why buying a 24K bar or coin can be more tax-efficient than the equivalent value in jewellery.
| Type | VAT | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold jewellery (18K–22K) | 5% | On gold + making charge |
| Investment gold (24K bars/coins, 99%+) | 0% | Must meet FTA criteria |
Tourists: claim the VAT back
If you're visiting the UAE, you can reclaim a large share of the VAT you paid through the Tax Refund for Tourists scheme. Buy from a registered retailer, ask for the tax-free tag, and validate your purchase at the airport on departure – the refund is processed at Dubai and other UAE airports. Keep the gold accessible (not in checked luggage) in case it needs to be shown.
Quick checklist before you pay
- Confirm whether your item is jewellery (5%) or qualifying investment gold (0%).
- Check the VAT is calculated on gold + making charge, not padded.
- Get an itemised receipt showing gold value, making charge, and VAT separately.
- Tourists: ask for the tax-free voucher at the time of purchase.
The free Gold Sooq Guide app includes VAT in its price breakdown, so you can see the full, all-in cost of a piece before you commit.
See the all-in price, VAT included
Gold value, making charge, and VAT broken out clearly. Free, no ads, no sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is there VAT on gold in the UAE?
Yes – 5% on gold jewellery. Investment-grade gold (99%+ purity bars and coins meeting FTA criteria) is zero-rated.
How is VAT calculated on gold jewellery?
5% is applied to the gold value and the making charge combined, so a higher making charge also increases your VAT.
Can tourists claim back VAT on gold in Dubai?
Yes, through the UAE Tax Refund for Tourists scheme, validated at the airport on departure, for purchases from registered retailers taken out of the country.
General guidance based on UAE Federal Tax Authority rules and UAE VAT reporting (ClearTax, Gulf News). Confirm current thresholds and refund rates with the retailer or the FTA before relying on them.