In advanced countries like Dubai, driving a car not only makes transportation one step easier, but also enables you to traverse the major landmarks that have earned Dubai its reputation as the supercar capital of the world.
There are many reasons why you would want to import cars into the UAE. You might be looking to upgrade your car or bring in a particular model that might not be temporarily available in Dubai.
In this guide, we will explore practical tips, regulations, and steps involved if you’re trying to import cars into the UAE. Everything you need to know about car importation and more has been carefully researched and documented in this piece, so get your snacks ready and let’s start.
Broad Reasons Why People Import Cars into the UAE
It is important to answer a throbbing question on the mind of speculators, which can sometimes be framed like this, “What are the rules for importing cars into the UAE?“, despite Dubai being a powerhouse for the best supercars on the planet:
Sentiment: While car enthusiasts want to jump on the next car hype, a large subset of people prefer to stick with the cars that they have had for a very long time, relishing in the nostalgia.
Rarity of Certain Vehicles: Dubai has a vast supercar market, but even the supercar capital of the world might not have certain classics and editions of some vehicles, prompting the need to import cars into the UAE.
Affordability: Many individuals want the prestige of driving a timeless classic but want to save on costs from markups of several dealerships in the UAE.
Personalization and customization: There is no limit to the level of customization that can be carried out on an imported car. All upgrades will be made before being imported into the UAE.
To import cars into the UAE without hurdles, requirements and regulations often results in a stretched bureaucratic process that might make renting from the best car rental in Dubai, BENO, very effortless and seamless.
Key Rules You Must Know to Import Cars in the UAE
Below are the requisites to know about how to import cars in the UAE. In simpler terms, importation can not take place without understanding these absolute rules.
1. Only Left-Handed Drives are allowed
It is imperative to understand that left-hand drives are the only permitted vehicles that can receive registration in the UAE. This is important to note in order not to import right-handed vehicles except on special occasions.
2. Permissible Limit on the Vehicle’s Age
Within the UAE, imported cars have a back date of up to 10 years. This means that imported cars can not be older than 10 years from the year of manufacture. The only exception to this rule is timeless classics, which follow a different regimen.
3. Strict Attention to Vehicle Condition
Importing damaged or salvaged vehicles is highly prohibited unless the importer can ensure that the vehicle is restored to a state that is close to its original condition.
4. Compliance with GCC Standards
GCC standards exist to protect safety and environmental standards within the UAE. Failing to meet any of these requirements can delay registration or stop the process entirely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Cars in the UAE
In total, we have listed below over 5 steps to assist in giving you the required knowledge for car importation into the UAE.
Step 1 - See if the Vehicle Can be Imported From the Requisites in the Section
This can include age, condition, GCC compliance, and lots more.
Step 2 - Prepare the Required Documents
In this part, you’ll find all the required documentation to pass this stage, and they include:
- Original purchase invoice
- Vehicle title or ownership certificate
- Export certificate from the origin country
- Bill of landing
- Passport and UAE visa copies
Ensure not to leave out any document as this can prolong your process more than necessary.
Step 3 - Choose the Right Shipping Method
There are three main shipping options:
- Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) - More affordable, less protection
- Container Shipping - Higher cost, greater security
- Air Freight - Fastest, but extremely expensive
For most people, sea freight is the most practical option, with costs typically ranging from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000+, depending on origin and vehicle size.
Step 4 - Get Your UAE Customs Clearance
Once your car arrives:
- Customs duty - 5% of the car’s CIF value (cost + insurance + freight)
- VAT - 5% applied to the value plus customs duty
For example, if your car’s assessed value is AED 50,000, expect customs and VAT charges accordingly.
Step 5 - Inspection, Registration & Plates
After customs clearance:
- Vehicle inspection by RTA
- Registration fees (usually AED 400–600+)
- Number plate issuance
- Insurance coverage
After all these steps have been followed religiously and passed, your car can be legally driven on the road.
How to Get an Import Permit in the UAE
To understand how to get an import permit in the UAE, there are simple steps to follow:
Obtain a Trade license: Here, you have to register your business with a free zone authority.
Register with Customs: Ensure that you notify Dubai customs in order to get proper registration for your importer code.
Produce Required Documentation: Documents like Trade license copy, passport copies, Emirates ID, and custom registration documents must be made available.
Register with Specific Authorities: Depending on the type of goods you want to import, ensure to seek approval from specialized agencies like local customs departments.
Clearance via Portal: Use Mirsal 2 in Dubai to clear shipments.
Pricing Information for Each Step Fully Covered
While costs vary, here’s a realistic estimate that contains explicit information surrounding Dubai car import tax:
Shipping (sea freight): AED 3,000–7,000+
Customs duty (5%): Based on vehicle value
VAT (5%): On value + duty
Inspection & testing: AED 150–500+
Registration: AED 400–600+
Insurance: AED 1,000–5,000+ (depends on car type and value)
This is where many drivers pause and ask: how much is import tax in the UAE?
Common Challenges When Importing Cars to the UAE
If you have found yourself asking the question, “Can I import a car myself?” In this guide, we have simplified the entire import process to answer, but it is equally essential to let you know of potential hurdles that can arise if you have decided to move on with the option of importing your car into the UAE.
- Underestimated costs
- Delays in customs clearance
- Failed inspections due to compliance issues
To Conclude,
As a prospective importer, it is only fitting that you navigate through your routes whilst getting your documents with a pleasurable ride from BENO. Whether you need a luxury SUV, executive sedan, or performance vehicle, BENO offers flexible car rental solutions designed for Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle.
The benefits of trying to import cars into the UAE are irrefutable. With a variety of factors driving the move, to enjoy the entire process, it must be done right, which is why we have carefully created this guide to pick up tips that can assist you on your journey.
When you decide to rent a car in Dubai, you will be surprised at how efficient functionality completely transforms your touring experience. Don’t believe us? Enlist our service first and watch the magic unfold in your eyes.
FAQs
- How much does it cost to import a car into the UAE?
From our findings, the average car import fee in the UAE is AED 4,700.
- Can I take my car to the UAE?
Provided that you follow the proper structure, yes, you can import your car into the UAE.
- Can I import a car myself?
Absolutely, as it is not only easy, but we also recommend you do that because it is much more effective.
- Can I own a car in Dubai without residency?
The only walk around is to ensure that the ownership is registered under someone with a valid Emirates ID as a resident of the UAE.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com
