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VAT on Gold in the UAE: What Buyers Actually Pay
The UAE charges 5% VAT on gold jewellery, on the full bill including making. Here is how it works for bars, residents and tourists, with worked numbers.
Read the guide →Gold Tax, VAT Refunds and Practical Tips
Taxes and paperwork can quietly change what your gold really costs. These guides explain UAE VAT on gold (5% on jewellery, including making charges), how tourists claim most of it back at the airport, and how that compares with India’s 3% GST and 5% on making charges.
You’ll also find India’s PAN and cash rules for buying gold, the tax position on gold received as a gift, how much gold you can keep at home, why your invoice matters, ID rules for large cash purchases in Dubai, common scams and how to avoid them, and how to travel safely with gold. Quick-reference pages include a gold glossary, a printable buying checklist and answers to the most-asked Dubai gold rate questions.
Work out your refund with the VAT refund calculator before you shop.
Tax, Refunds & Practical Tips – FAQs
Is there VAT on gold in Dubai?
Yes. Gold jewellery carries 5% VAT on the whole invoice, including making charges. Investment gold of 99% purity or more can be treated differently, so check your invoice.
Can tourists get a VAT refund on gold in Dubai?
Yes. Overseas tourists aged 18 or over can claim 87% of the VAT back, minus AED 3.60 per transaction, on purchases of at least AED 250 at participating shops. Validate the tax-free tag at the airport before check-in.
Do I need a PAN card to buy gold in India?
Yes, PAN (or Aadhaar) is required for gold purchases above ₹2 lakh. A jeweller also cannot accept ₹2 lakh or more in cash in a single transaction.