A proper gold invoice in Dubai tells you exactly what you paid for. It is also your proof of purchase for exchanges, resale and customs. Here is how to read one line by line and check that the total is fair.
The lines you should see
Shop details and TRN
The shop's name, address and Tax Registration Number (TRN). A VAT invoice without a TRN is not a proper tax invoice.
Item description
For example, "22K gold bangle". The karat should match the hallmark on the piece; see what 916 gold means.
Gross weight and stone weight
- Gross weight: the whole piece
- Stone weight: any stones or beads
- Net gold weight: gross minus stones; this is what the gold value is based on
Rate per gram
The gold rate the shop used for that karat. Compare it with the live rate at the time of purchase. Shops often follow a published retail board rate, which can be slightly above the raw rate.
Gold value
Net gold weight × rate per gram.
Making charge
Shown per gram or as a total. This is the part you can negotiate. Read our making charges guide.
Stone charges
If the piece has stones, they are priced separately.
VAT
5% on the taxable total for jewellery.
A quick check for overcharging
- Multiply net weight × rate: does it match the gold value?
- Divide the making charge by the weight: is the per-gram making charge what you agreed?
- Check VAT is 5% of the taxable total, not more
- Make sure stone weight was not charged at the gold rate
Our gold calculator gives you the expected total in seconds.
Red flags
- No TRN on a VAT invoice
- Weight not shown, or only a total price
- Karat on the invoice does not match the stamp
- Making charge much higher than quoted
Keep it safe
Photograph your invoice and keep the original. You will need it to exchange, sell, insure or carry the gold through customs.
Frequently asked questions
Do all shops give a detailed invoice?
Licensed shops should provide a tax invoice. Always ask for weight and making charge to be shown.
Is the making charge refundable when I sell?
Usually not. When selling, shops value the net gold weight at that day's rate, minus a deduction.
Can I ask for a duplicate invoice later?
Many shops can reprint it, but keep your own copy to be safe.
