VAT on Gold in the UAE
Investment gold is zero-rated for VAT. Jewellery carries 5% VAT on the full price, making charges included. Today 10 grams of 24K gold cost AED 4,577 at the world price, with no tax on investment bars and coins.
Rules checked 26 October 2026 · Prices Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC · Not tax advice
Gold in the UAE today, with tax
AED · Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC| Weight | World price, 24K gold | Bar or coin, with tax and duty | 22K jewellery metal, with tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gram | AED 457.74 | AED 457.74 | AED 440.25 |
| 1 tola | AED 5,339 | AED 5,339 | AED 5,135 |
| 10 tola bar | AED 53,390 | AED 53,390 | AED 51,350 |
| 1 ounce | AED 14,237 | AED 14,237 | AED 13,693 |
| 100 grams | AED 45,774 | AED 45,774 | AED 44,025 |
The rules in the UAE
| What you buy | Tax | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bars and bullion coins | 0% | Investment gold is zero-rated for VAT. Gold of 99% purity or more, in a form tradeable on global bullion markets (bars, ingots, coins). B2B gold trades between VAT-registered dealers use the reverse charge; consumers are not affected. |
| Jewellery | 5% | Jewellery carries 5% VAT on the full price, making charges included. Charged on: full value. |
| Import duty | 0% | No duty on bullion, and Dubai retail rates track spot. Imported finished jewellery pays 5% GCC customs duty, but Indian jewellery is duty-free under CEPA; that cost sits in making charges, not in the gold rate. |
| Tourist refund | Yes | Planet's Tax Refund for Tourists scheme, run for the FTA. Open to non-resident overseas tourists aged 18+. Minimum AED 250 per tax invoice, validated at the airport before departure within 90 days. The refund is the VAT less 13% and a fixed fee per transaction (AED 3.60 per the FTA, as in the site's travel notes). Investment gold has no VAT to refund. |
Compared with nearby countries
| Country | Bars and coins | Jewellery | Import duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 0% | 5% | none |
| Saudi Arabia | 0% | 15% | none |
| Kuwait | 0% | 0% | none |
| Qatar | 0% | 0% | none |
| Bahrain | 0% | 10% | none |
| Oman | 0% | 5% | none |
| Egypt | 0% | 0% on the gold | none |
| South Africa | 0% | 15% | none |
| Nigeria | 7.5% | 7.5% | none |
| Kenya | 16% | 16% | none |
| Ghana | 20% | 20% | none |
VAT on Gold in the UAE: FAQ
Is there VAT on gold in the UAE?
Investment gold is zero-rated for VAT. Jewellery carries 5% VAT on the full price, making charges included.
Do you pay VAT on gold bars and coins in the UAE?
Investment gold is zero-rated for VAT. Gold of 99% purity or more, in a form tradeable on global bullion markets (bars, ingots, coins). B2B gold trades between VAT-registered dealers use the reverse charge; consumers are not affected.
Is there import duty on gold in the UAE?
No duty on bullion, and Dubai retail rates track spot. Imported finished jewellery pays 5% GCC customs duty, but Indian jewellery is duty-free under CEPA; that cost sits in making charges, not in the gold rate.
Can tourists claim back the VAT on gold in the UAE?
Yes. Planet's Tax Refund for Tourists scheme, run for the FTA. Open to non-resident overseas tourists aged 18+. Minimum AED 250 per tax invoice, validated at the airport before departure within 90 days. The refund is the VAT less 13% and a fixed fee per transaction (AED 3.60 per the FTA, as in the site's travel notes). Investment gold has no VAT to refund.
Sources (3)
- Gulf News: UAE gold VAT rules (2025)
- Federal Tax Authority: VAT refund for tourists (accessed 2026-10)
- LBMA: Spotlight on the UAE, jewellery market (2024)
Related
General information on the tax a private buyer pays, checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check with the seller, the tax authority or an adviser. Not tax advice.