The UAE is one of the top destinations for buying used vehicles. Compared to Bahrain, cars in the Emirate's growing used car market are often newer, well-maintained, and more reasonably priced. Bahrain residents need to cross the border or go through the UAE auto market online to make their next purchase. Exporting a used car from the UAE to Bahrain entails important paperwork, customs processes, and compliance with regulations on both sides, even though locating the perfect vehicle may be simple.
This UAE to Bahrain car export guide will cover eligibility requirements, export options, customs charges, and final registration to export used car from UAE to Bahrain. We aim to provide a practical, easy-to-follow way, while giving you insider tips to avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Understanding Bahrain’s Import Rules
You must first confirm that the car you have selected is eligible for shipping from the UAE to Bahrain. Bahrain car import rules 2025 are stricter than ever to protect car buyers and prevent the sale of unsafe or problematic cars.
Age Restrictions for Vehicles
There are certain age restrictions for car shipping UAE to Bahrain. These are as follows:
- Passenger cars: Imports are only permitted for models that are five years old or newer.
- Pickup trucks: The same rule applies, up to five years old.
- Heavy trucks and buses: Because of their durability, Bahrain allows imports up to ten years old.
- Classic cars: Cars that are 30 years or older can be imported under a special category if you're a collector.
Vehicles Not Allowed
Some categories of vehicles are outright banned from entering Bahrain. These include:
- Salvaged, flood-damaged, or fire-damaged cars
- Vehicles with odometer tampering or chassis damage
- Cars not built to GCC specifications (e.g., American imports that don’t meet local standards)
- Left-hand drive vehicles converted to right-hand drive.
General Conditions for Importers
There are some general conditions for all Bahraini car importers:
- You must be at least 18 years old to import a vehicle.
- Every vehicle must pass Bahrain’s traffic inspection before it can be registered.
- Only GCC-spec vehicles are accepted, with no exceptions.
Tip: Before purchasing, ensure the car is GCC spec by checking the chassis (VIN) and asking the seller. Independent sellers might not always be aware of this, but verified dealers are typically open about it. Buy only from authorized dealers like First Choice Cars in the UAE.
Vehicle Export Options from the UAE
Getting a car out of the UAE is the next step after securing one. Here, you have to choose between the options of vehicle export UAE to Bahrain 2025. These options include either using a shipping company or self-driving the export.
1. Self-Drive Export
This is by far the most popular option for buyers who want to be hands-on. The route takes you from the UAE into Saudi Arabia, then across the King Fahd Causeway into Bahrain.
Documents you’ll need:
- Bahrain ID (CPR) or a valid residence permit
- GCC driving license
- Export passing certificate from RTA (after the car passes inspection)
- Temporary GCC insurance (to cover the road journey)
- Receipt of export fee payment from RTA
Pros: You have the authority to control the car throughout the journey, and it can be cheaper than hiring a transporter.
Cons: You’ll deal with multiple border stops and need to ensure insurance covers the entire GCC route.
Using a Transporter or Shipping Company
Licensed companies can export the car for you if you'd prefer not to travel by car, either by land transporter or by sea shipment (usually from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai to Mina Salman in Bahrain). Shipping a standard vehicle from the UAE to Bahrain usually costs between AED 2,000 and AED 5,000.
Required documents include:
- Bahrain ID or residence permit
- Transporter’s license
- Export certificate from the UAE authorities
- Commercial invoice
Pros: This option is stress-free, with less paperwork on your part.
Cons: Costs more and means trusting a third party with your vehicle.
Documents Required at UAE Customs
Before leaving the United Arab Emirates, all vehicles must pass customs. To export vehicle from Dubai to Bahrain, this is what it entails:
- Commercial Invoice / Export Invoice: Bahrain is listed as the destination on the seller's commercial or export invoice, which includes the buyer's details and all the car's details (make, model, year, VIN, and value).
- Export Declaration: Submitted online via Sharjah e-Services, Abu Dhabi Customs, or Dubai Trade. In essence, the UAE has a record of the car departing. Export procedures may differ slightly depending on the UAE emirate (i.e. Dubai RTA, Abu Dhabi Customs, or Sharjah seaports, etc).
- Export Certificate: After the vehicle passes inspection, the RTA issues an export certificate. Without this, you are not allowed to pass customs.
- Advice: Always get multiple copies of your documents because different authorities may request original documents and their copies.
Post-Arrival in Bahrain: Customs & Registration
After you export used car from UAE to Bahrain, you must complete three main steps when the car arrives, either at the border or at a port in Bahrain. Steps to complete before driving are:
1. Customs Clearance
Customs officials at Mina Salman Port or King Fahd Causeway will ask you for:
- Your ID and residency permit
- UAE export certificate
- Declared value on the invoice
After that, you'll have to pay:
- Customs duty of 5% of the car's value.
- VAT of 10% of the car’s value plus duty.
After payment, an Import Declaration and Clearance Certificate is issued. This step is a must to export used cars from UAE to Bahrain.
2. Technical Inspection
The GDT (General Directorate of Traffic) has to inspect the vehicle for emissions and safety. This guarantees the vehicle’s roadworthiness and compliance with Bahraini rules and regulations. Making sure that the car is free of any technical faults is important. Otherwise, you may have to face unwanted delays and changes before clearance.
3. Registration and Insurance
For vehicle registration Bahrain after import, you must have:
- A valid Bahraini insurance policy is required before registration.
- Application through the eGovernment portal or the Traffic Department.
- Submission of the clearance certificate, inspection report, and insurance proof.
- Bahrain’s traffic registration fees payment (ranges are BHD 29.5 to BHD 1,096: AED 287 to AED 10,676).
After approval, you’ll get your Bahraini license plates and registration card. Now, the car is ready to drive on Bahrain roads.
Customs Duty and VAT Example
Understanding customs duties and VAT before exporting a used car from the UAE to Bahrain is necessary. Here’s how these might look in practice:
Example 1: Vehicle Value = AED 40,000
Customs Duty (5%) = AED 2,000
Subtotal = 40,000 + 2,000 = AED 42,000
VAT (10%) = AED 4,200
Final Cost = AED 46,200
Example 2: Vehicle Value = AED 60,000
Customs Duty (5%) = AED 3,000
Subtotal = 60,000 + 3,000 = AED 63,000
VAT (10%) = AED 6,300
Final Cost = AED 69,300
When converted into Bahraini Dinars (BHD), that's approximately:
- 46,200 AED ≈ 4,700 BHD
- 69,300 AED ≈ 7,050 BHD
(Conversion rate at ~9.8 AED = 1 BHD, there may be some fluctuation.)
Approved UAE–Bahrain Routes in 2025
There are two approved routes for used car export UAE to Bahrain in 2025. These include land and sea routes as follows:
- Overland: The most popular route for purchasers is to drive through Saudi Arabia and across the King Fahd Causeway is through land.
- By Sea: The sea route is often preferred for large shipments. The route to export vehicle from Dubai to Bahrain runs from Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) to Mina Salman Port (Bahrain).
Practical Tips and Final Advice
Even though exporting a used car seems difficult, it’s not if you prepare well. The following are some important lessons for Bahraini buyers who want to export used car from UAE to Bahrain:
- Always confirm GCC-spec compliance before paying for a used car.
- Don’t waste your time on cars older than 5 years, unless they’re classic cars.
- You must budget for an extra 15% in customs duty and VAT.
- If you’re driving the car yourself, double-check that your insurance covers Saudi transit.
- Buy from licensed dealers and brokers to reduce the risk of paperwork errors or fraud.
With 10% VAT, Bahrain is still one of the Gulf's most car-friendly markets. Compared to Saudi Arabia or even the local market, importing from the UAE can still save you thousands.
Conclusion
This UAE to Bahrain car export guide is for buyers who are seeking a greater variety of used cars, the latest models, and competitive pricing. Purchasing a used car from the UAE is a wise decision. But it's not just about the showroom price. Additionally, car purchasers have to pay 10% VAT, customs duties, registration fees, and transport expenses. All these can quickly add up to your payment.
Despite the higher prices, many people still prefer UAE imports because the market offers well-maintained used cars, GCC spec models, and deals that might not be available locally. It is important to plan, calculate the total cost, and make sure the savings are significant. If you plan, importing from the UAE can be a hassle-free, cost-effective, and secure experience.
Disclaimer: All information, including pricing, vehicle details, and legal requirements, is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change due to market conditions or policy updates. While First Choice Cars makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we hold no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outdated content. We recommend contacting our team directly to confirm the latest details before making any decisions.