Saudi Arabia Launches VAT Refund Program for Tourists and GCC Nationals Saudi Arabia has officially rolled out its VAT refund program for tourists and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, enabling eligible visitors to reclaim 15% VAT on qualifying purchases made across 1,442 authorized retail outlets.
ZATCA Executive Regulations of the VAT system changes On 18 April 2025, the Saudi Arabian Tax and Customs authority, ZATCA, issued a major range of amendments to the VAT law. This included new and clearer rules on: VAT groups; transfer of going concern; e-commerce obligations
Travellers to be able to reclaim VAT in Gulf state Saudi Arabia will implement a VAT refund system for tourists in 2025, as part of its efforts to enhance the travel experience and boost tourism. The initiative aligns with the National Tourism Strategy, which targets
Zakat publishes proposed VAT changes to improve compliance and standardise to international rules Proposed amendments to the Saudi Arabian VAT regulations have been put out to consultation by Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. These will introduce a range of updates to the VAT regime to
Saudi GAZT and ZTCA to combine The Gulf state of Saudi Arabia has merged its General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT) with its General Authority of Customs. The new combined tax and customs agency will be known as Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZTCA).
The Saudi Arabian crown prince has stated that the 1 July 2020 VAT rise from 5% to 15% may be reversed in the future. Saudi VAT trebling to 15% July 2020 The trebling of VAT was brought in to shore-up government revenues at the height
Saudi Arabia has increased its standard VAT rate from 5% to 15% from 1 July 2020. The aim is to sure up government revenues as the COVID-19 crisis has led to a fall in global oil prices and oil duties for the Arab Gulf state.
VAT on digital services provided by non-residents The Gulf state of Saudi Arabia implemented VAT on electronic or digital services provided by resident or non-resident providers on 1 January 2018. This was the date it introduced its 5% VAT regime as part of the six-state
