If you’re an overseas Pakistani living in the UAE and dreaming of bringing home a car you know and trust, now there’s good news and important updates to make that dream clearer in 2026!
Pakistan updated its vehicle import policy in late 2025 and early 2026, creating new opportunities for overseas Pakistanis to import used vehicles. The revised changes, however, have made things stricter in some parts, so it is important to understand exactly how it works, who can do it, and what you are expected to jump through in the process.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) changed its policy so that it now introduces safety and environmental criteria for the import of used cars by overseas Pakistanis through certain schemes, allowing them to import only those cars that are no older than 3 years. These changes facilitate the imports of modern, safer vehicles by genuine overseas Pakistanis and discourage undocumented or illegal imports.
This article is a step-by-step guide for 2026, covering everything you need to know about importing a used car from the UAE to Pakistan.
Who Can Import a Car from the UAE to Pakistan?
Importing used vehicles is only allowed for overseas Pakistanis, including Pakistani citizens living abroad, dual nationals, and individuals holding valid residence permits in the UAE or other countries.
According to the latest policy, FBR allows unrestricted import of new vehicles into Pakistan upon settlement of all applicable duties and taxes. Used vehicle imports are limited to overseas Pakistanis and dual nationals and are permitted only under the Personal Baggage, Gift, and Transfer of Residence schemes, within the prescribed age criteria. Imported vehicles will be required to meet commercial import safety and environmental standards.
Allowed Car Import Schemes in 2026
As per the latest enforcement, Pakistan allows vehicle imports only through two official schemes.
1. Transfer of Residence Scheme
The Transfer of Residence Scheme applies to overseas Pakistanis who are permanently returning to Pakistan after residing abroad for a prescribed period. Under this scheme, the vehicle must be owned and used by the importer during their stay abroad, and only one vehicle is permitted per eligibility cycle. The imported vehicle is subject to a non-transferability condition, meaning it cannot be sold, gifted, or transferred for a minimum period of one year following customs clearance.
2. Gift Scheme
Under the Gift Scheme, an eligible overseas Pakistani may import a vehicle as a gift for a close family member residing in Pakistan. The donor must meet all eligibility requirements and provide documentary proof of the relationship with the recipient. Similar to the Transfer of Residence Scheme, the imported vehicle remains non-transferable for at least one year from the date of import.
Types of Vehicles Allowed
Passenger cars, SUVs, and some hybrid cars are considered safe imports. Vehicles, such as cars with accident history, flood damage, salvaged ones, or customized ones, are restricted imports. Vehicles need to comply with the safety and emission norms prevalent in Pakistan.
Finally, verification with authentic authorities is required in each instance.
Vehicles’ Age and Their Eligibility Rules
In the new 2026 framework, the Federal Cabinet has updated the vehicle import policy, allowing overseas Pakistanis to bring in used cars up to three years old under the Transfer of Residence and Gift schemes. Also, the waiting period between vehicle imports has been raised to three years, although cars cannot be sold or transferred within the first year of clearing customs. (Source: Gulf News)
Import Duties, Taxes, and Incentives
The import duties vary according to the engine capacity, type of fuels used, valuation, and type of import schemes, and they include duties such as customs duty, regulatory duty, sales tax, and income tax, etc. The Federal Board of Revenue offers reduced duty on hybrid vehicles, but the incentives vary over a course of time as well.
Therefore, to avoid any extra costs, it is suggested to calculate the landing cost before buying the vehicle.
Step-by-Step Process for Importing a Vehicle from the UAE into Pakistan
Here’s the complete step-by-step process for importing used cars from the UAE to Pakistan:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure that you are an overseas Pakistani to avail this facility and select whether it will be ‘Transfer of Residence’ or ‘Gift.’
- Purchase a Vehicle: A used car with an age of less than 3 years must be selected, which meets the requirements for safety standards and emissions in Pakistan, for which assistance can be obtained from companies like First Choice Cars.
- Get the export documents from the UAE: Cancel the registration in the UAE and apply for the export/deregistration certificate.
- Ship the Vehicle: If a normal car, use a Roll-on/Roll-off service, while if it is a luxury car, use container services.
- Submit Documents to Customs: Include documents such as Passport/NICOP, Bill of Entry, Purchase invoice, Bill of Lading, Export certificate, and CNIC of donor/recipient (if applicable).
- Pay duties and taxes: Customs duty, regulatory duty, sales tax, etc., are payable. Exemptions are offered to hybrid cars.
- Registration in Pakistan: Complete Local Registration after Customs Clearance.
Note: Policies may change. Always verify the information through the Pakistani Customs Department or a licensed clearance agent before proceeding.
Required Documents Checklist
Here’s the list of required documents for the import of used cars from the UAE to Pakistan:
- Passport / NICOP: Proof of identity and overseas status.
- Goods Declaration (Bill of Entry): Filed with Pakistan Customs.
- Vehicle Purchase Invoice: Showing make, model, year, chassis/engine number, and purchase price.
- Bill of Lading (Shipping Document): Issued by the shipping company.
- Export Certificate / UAE Deregistration: Proof that the vehicle was legally exported.
- CNIC of Donor/Donee (Gift Scheme only): Proof of relationship for gift imports.
Note: Additional supporting documents, such as proof of overseas residence, can also be required by Pakistani Customs, depending on individual cases. You should always verify this information from an authorized clearing agent or FBR.
Shipping Methods from the UAE to Pakistan
Vehicles can be shipped by two main methods, including Roll-on/Roll-Off (RoRo) and Container shipping. The RoRo method is the most economical option. The vehicle is driven directly onto the vessel. While the container shipping protects the cars better, making it ideal for luxury cars.
Should You Buy from a Dealer Before Exporting?
The risk can be minimized by purchasing a used car in the UAE from a professional used car dealer, who can provide service history, proper inspections, and assistance in export documentation, thereby facilitating easy imports.
There are many benefits of buying new or used cars through a dealership. Certified dealers like First Choice Cars include additional services like extensive vehicle inspections, proof of ownership, export assistance, and logistical support. This limits the risks of fraudulent activities and regulatory issues when clearing customs. Thus, making dealer purchases far safer than private transactions, especially for overseas buyers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistakes that you must avoid for a smooth shipment include:
- Ignoring updated import rules
- Miscalculating the total duty and tax
- Buying accident-damaged vehicles
- Incomplete documentation
- Using unauthorized agents
Final Thoughts
Importing a used car from the UAE to Pakistan is not only easy but also legal in 2026. Although the new rules are strict, they provide clarity, and only genuine overseas Pakistanis can apply, so it is a good decision to complete this process with complete documents.
Furthermore, the purchase of the vehicles through authorized dealers like First Choice Cars minimizes risks with regard to the ownership of the cars, the vehicles themselves, and the documentation for the export of the vehicles out of the country. In this way, with good planning and by following the relevant rules, the importing of a reliable car from the UAE can be straightforward, secure, and hassle-free.
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.
