How to import a car to the UAE

By: Zaran Tarapore

August 2,2018

3 min read

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How to Import Cars to the UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

Importing Cars UAE

The Automotive Scene in the UAE

The UAE has a spectacular automotive scene. With cars from different parts of the globe on sale here, combined with relatively affordable fuel prices, the UAE is considered an automotive paradise. While there is a wide catalogue of both new and used cars in the UAE, some residents would like to have their car shipped over from their hometown to the UAE.

Rules for Importing Cars to the UAE

Before proceeding with the process of importing cars to the UAE, there are some important rules to be followed:

Only left-hand drive cars can be imported in the UAE for safety reasons.
You must be a local resident of the UAE with a valid visa.
You must have a valid local driver’s license.
The car must be less than 10 years old; otherwise, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) must verify whether or not the car can be imported.

Required Documentation

The following documents must be present once your car is ready for pickup at your selected shipping point:

Original sales invoice to confirm your car’s make and value
Certificate of origin to confirm the country from which your car is coming
Original copies of your passport, visa, and driver’s license
Original shipping receipt
Receipts of payment of duties and customs fees

Inspection and Clearance

Once your car has arrived at its selected shipping point, import authorities will inspect the car. If the car is cleared after the inspection, you will then pay an amount equivalent to 5% of the car’s value as a duty fee. You will also need to make another payment for the issuance of the clearance certificate and container inspection. These payments should be done upfront. Once you get clearance, your car will be issued a pair of export plates for both the front and rear bumpers of your car.

Vehicle Inspection

Once cleared, you will then have to go to an RTA-certified test center for vehicular inspection. To have your car inspected, you will need to carry the following:

Your passport
Emirates ID
Driver’s license
Custom clearance papers
Import documents

After submitting these documents, your car will be subjected to an inspection to determine if it is safe and durable enough for road use. Once cleared, your car can now be registered and insured in the UAE.

Registration and Insurance

Registration and insurance are the final steps in completing the importation process of your car in the UAE. You should get an insurance policy first before you have your car registered. Fortunately, there are many insurance companies willing to cover imported cars of all ages. Once you obtain your insurance, it’s time to go to the RTA for your car’s registration.

You will need to have the following documents for registration: