If you live in the UAE and are considering bringing a used car to Pakistan, the process involves more than buying a vehicle and arranging shipping. You need to confirm your eligibility, choose a vehicle that meets Pakistan's import requirements, complete the UAE export formalities, pay the applicable duties and taxes, clear the vehicle through customs, and finally register it in Pakistan.
The rules for overseas Pakistanis changed significantly in January 2026. In particular, Pakistan removed the Personal Baggage route for used-vehicle imports and tightened the conditions for vehicles imported under the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes.
If you are researching how to import a car from UAE to Pakistan, how to export a car from UAE to Pakistan, or whether you can import a car from Dubai to Pakistan, the first step should always be checking the current eligibility rules before you purchase the vehicle.
Important: Vehicle-import rules, customs requirements, and provincial registration procedures can change. Confirm the applicable requirements with the Ministry of Commerce, FBR/Customs, and the relevant registration authority before purchasing or shipping a vehicle.
Can I Import a Car From Dubai to Pakistan in 2026?
Yes. Eligible overseas Pakistanis can still import used vehicles under the applicable Gift Scheme and Transfer of Residence Scheme, subject to the current requirements.
However, simply living in Dubai does not automatically make you eligible. Your overseas travel history, previous vehicle imports or gifts, the scheme being used, and the vehicle itself can all affect eligibility.
The January 2026 amendment removed Personal Baggage as a route for the relevant used-vehicle imports. The two personal schemes to consider are now Gift and Transfer of Residence.
Before paying a UAE seller, verify your eligibility and the vehicle's age, documentation, and sourcing requirements.
2026 Used Car Import Policy in Pakistan: What Changed?
S.R.O. 61(I)/2026 introduced several important changes to the Import Policy Order, 2022.
The main changes relevant to overseas Pakistanis include:
- Personal Baggage was removed as a route for importing used vehicles.
- Gift and Transfer of Residence remain the relevant personal schemes.
- The overseas-stay requirement is based on 850 cumulative days during the preceding three years.
- Eligibility relating to a previous vehicle import or gift uses an 850-day period calculated from the Goods Declaration of the previous import.
- A vehicle imported under Gift or Transfer of Residence cannot be transferred for one year from the date of importation.
- Vehicles imported under these schemes must meet applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
- Under Transfer of Residence, the vehicle must come from the same country in which the overseas Pakistani resides.
These rules are important because older online guides may still describe Personal Baggage or older eligibility requirements.
Personal Baggage Is No Longer Available for These Used-Vehicle Imports
Older guides commonly describe three routes:
- Personal Baggage
- Gift
- Transfer of Residence
The January 2026 amendment removed the Personal Baggage facility from the relevant used-vehicle import provisions. For an overseas Pakistani planning a personal used-car import in 2026, the relevant schemes are therefore Gift and Transfer of Residence.
This is particularly important because some general FBR information pages still display the older three-scheme framework. That information should not be treated as the latest statement of the amended 2026 policy.
Gift Scheme Car Import Pakistan vs Transfer of Residence
The two remaining personal schemes serve different situations.
Transfer of Residence Scheme
Transfer of Residence is intended for an eligible overseas Pakistani who is returning to Pakistan and bringing a vehicle under the applicable rules.
One of the important 2026 changes is the same-country requirement. For Transfer of Residence, the vehicle must come from the same country where the overseas Pakistani resides.
For example, if you live in the UAE, you should not assume that buying a vehicle in another country and routing it through Dubai will satisfy the Transfer of Residence requirement.
Check the country-of-residence condition before purchasing the vehicle.
Gift Scheme
The Gift Scheme allows an eligible overseas Pakistani to import a qualifying vehicle as a gift for an eligible family member in Pakistan, subject to the applicable requirements.
The donor's eligibility, overseas stay, previous vehicle-import history, family relationship and vehicle documentation all need to be checked before the transaction.
The same-country sourcing condition that applies to Transfer of Residence should not automatically be applied to Gift imports. The two schemes should be treated separately.
How Many Days Must You Stay Abroad to Import a Car?
One of the most important 2026 requirements is the 850-day overseas-stay threshold.
For the applicable personal vehicle-import arrangements, an overseas Pakistani must have completed at least 850 days abroad during the preceding three years. A current Pakistan Embassy document also instructs applicants to provide passport pages showing their Pakistan entry and exit history to establish the 850-day requirement.
There is also a separate 850-day rule connected with previous vehicle imports or gifts. Under the amended framework, the relevant previous-import period is calculated from the date of filing the Goods Declaration for the previous vehicle.
These are important distinctions. Do not reduce the rules to a simple statement that you must "wait three years between imports." Check your travel history and previous Goods Declarations against the applicable requirements before purchasing a vehicle.
Can You Sell the Imported Car Immediately?
No.
Vehicles imported under the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes are subject to a one-year non-transferability period from the date of importation.
This means you should not use an overseas Pakistani import scheme with the intention of immediately reselling the vehicle in Pakistan.
If your objective is commercial resale, you need to consider the separate commercial-import framework rather than assuming a personal scheme can be used for that purpose.
How Old Can a Car Be for Import Into Pakistan?
Vehicle age is one of the first things to check before you import a used car from UAE to Pakistan.
FBR's published vehicle guidance states that cars imported under the listed personal-import framework must not be older than three years, while other vehicle categories can be up to five years.
Because the FBR general webpage still contains some older scheme language, verify the vehicle-age requirement against the applicable current Import Policy Order and amendment before purchase.
Do not rely only on a UAE seller's description such as "2023 model."
Check the vehicle's:
- Manufacturing date
- Registration history
- Chassis/VIN
- Export documentation
- Applicable Pakistani age calculation
A vehicle that looks inexpensive in Dubai is not necessarily a good import if it falls outside the applicable age limit.
What to Check Before Buying a Car in UAE for Export
Before you export a car from UAE to Pakistan, check the vehicle as carefully as you would if you were going to keep it in the UAE.
Vehicle age
Confirm the manufacturing and registration information and make sure the vehicle falls within the applicable Pakistani age limit.
VIN and chassis number
Match the VIN or chassis number on the vehicle with:
- Registration documents
- Purchase invoice
- Export documents
- Inspection records
Any mismatch should be resolved before payment.
Accident history
Check whether the vehicle has been involved in:
- Major accidents
- Flood damage
- Structural repairs
- Significant mechanical repairs
A vehicle that has been cosmetically repaired may look excellent while still having underlying problems.
Mileage
Compare the odometer reading with available service records, inspection reports and maintenance invoices.
Do not assume that the lowest-mileage vehicle is automatically the best choice. A well-maintained vehicle with a verifiable history can be a better purchase.
Service history
Look for records covering routine maintenance and major repairs, including:
- Oil changes
- Brake work
- Tyres
- Battery replacement
- Major services
- Engine or transmission work
Vehicle specification
Check the engine capacity, fuel type, hybrid system, safety equipment and overall specification.
Also consider whether replacement parts, diagnostics and servicing will be practical in Pakistan.
Export documentation
Make sure the seller can provide the documentation required to complete the UAE export process.
For Dubai-registered vehicles, RTA currently provides an Export Certificate through its vehicle-registration cancellation service.
How to Export a Car From UAE to Pakistan
Once you have confirmed your eligibility and selected the vehicle, complete the UAE export formalities before shipping.
For a Dubai-registered vehicle, the current RTA process involves:
- Log in through the RTA website or approved channel.
- Select the vehicle.
- Choose the option to cancel the vehicle registration.
- Select Export/Transfer Certificate.
- Choose Export Outside UAE.
- Enter the destination and shipping method.
- Provide shipping-agent information where required.
- Complete the required verification.
- Hand over the plates as instructed.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Receive the Export Certificate electronically.
RTA's current service states that cancellation of the registration makes the vehicle unfit for normal road circulation in Dubai. RTA also lists the Export Certificate service and its current fee structure on its official service page.
If you are using a shipping agent, confirm in advance who is responsible for the export certificate, port delivery and shipping documentation.
UAE to Pakistan Car Import: RoRo vs Container Shipping
When arranging a UAE to Pakistan car import, you will normally compare Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) with container shipping.
| Shipping Method | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo | Generally straightforward for standard vehicles and often more economical | Vehicle travels in a vehicle deck and may be exposed to the normal port/shipping environment |
| Container | Vehicle is secured inside a container and can provide additional protection | Usually more expensive and may involve additional handling costs |
RoRo can make sense for a standard passenger car where keeping shipping costs down is important.
Container shipping may be worth considering for a high-value, luxury or specialist vehicle where additional protection is a priority.
Do not compare quotations based only on the headline shipping price. Ask whether the quote includes:
- Vehicle loading
- Port handling
- Documentation
- Shipping
- Insurance
- Destination charges
- Container or terminal charges
What Documents Are Needed to Import a Used Car From UAE to Pakistan?
The exact documents can vary according to the import scheme and the circumstances of the importer.
Common documents may include:
- Pakistani passport or NICOP/POC, where applicable
- Vehicle purchase invoice
- UAE Export Certificate
- Bill of Lading
- Goods Declaration
- Vehicle registration documents
- Proof of overseas stay
- Previous passport pages where required
- Scheme-specific eligibility documents
- Family or relationship documents for Gift Scheme imports, where applicable
Prepare the paperwork before the vehicle leaves the UAE.
Check that names, chassis numbers, vehicle descriptions and other important information match across the documents. Inconsistent paperwork can cause delays during customs clearance or registration.
How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car From UAE to Pakistan?
There is no single fixed answer to how much it costs to import a car from UAE to Pakistan.
Your total landed cost can include:
Vehicle price + UAE export costs + transport to port + shipping + insurance/handling + customs duties and taxes + port charges + clearing fees + registration and applicable provincial taxes
Vehicle Purchase Price
This is the amount paid to the UAE seller or dealer.
Do not compare this figure alone with the price of a similar car in Pakistan. The imported vehicle will incur additional costs before it reaches the road.
UAE Export Costs
Depending on the vehicle and transaction, costs can include export documentation, inspection-related charges, transportation and other UAE-side expenses.
For Dubai-registered vehicles, check the current RTA export service and applicable fees.
Shipping
Shipping costs vary according to:
- Shipping method
- Destination port
- Vehicle size
- Carrier
- Route
- Insurance
- Port and handling charges
Rather than relying on an old published shipping estimate, request a current quotation for the exact vehicle.
Customs Duties and Taxes
Customs duties and taxes can form a substantial part of the landed cost.
FBR's published guidance currently lists the following duty-and-tax amounts for used Asian vehicles under its published personal-import structure:
| Engine Capacity | Published Duty and Taxes |
|---|---|
| Up to 800cc | US$4,800 |
| 801cc to 1000cc | US$6,000 |
| 1001cc to 1300cc | US$13,200 |
| 1301cc to 1500cc | US$18,590 |
| 1501cc to 1600cc | US$22,550 |
| 1601cc to 1800cc, excluding Jeeps | US$27,940 |
FBR also states that depreciation in duties and taxes at 1% per month is admissible according to the vehicle's age.
These figures should not be treated as a universal final customs bill for every vehicle imported from the UAE. The applicable treatment depends on the vehicle, engine capacity, category, scheme and customs requirements.
Hybrid Vehicle Incentives
FBR's published guidance states that qualifying Hybrid Electric Vehicles can receive:
- 50% exemption from duty and taxes for HEVs up to 1800cc
- 25% exemption for qualifying HEVs above 1800cc and up to 2500cc
If you are considering a hybrid from the UAE, calculate the full landed cost rather than assuming the exemption alone makes it cheaper.
Port and Clearing Charges
Once the vehicle reaches Pakistan, you may have to pay port handling, documentation, customs clearance and clearing-agent charges.
These costs vary, so obtain a current quotation before shipping.
Registration
Customs clearance is not the final step. After clearance, the vehicle must be registered with the relevant provincial authority. Registration requirements and fees can vary by province.
Before shipping, check the latest registration requirements for the province where you intend to register the vehicle.
Understanding Dubai to Pakistan Car Import Tax
People searching for Dubai to Pakistan car import tax often expect a single percentage that can simply be applied to the UAE purchase price.
That is not the safest way to calculate the cost.
The applicable customs treatment can depend on factors including:
- Engine capacity
- Vehicle category
- Applicable duty structure
- Vehicle age
- Depreciation
- Available concessions or exemptions
- Customs valuation and applicable rules
FBR publishes duty-and-tax information for qualifying used Asian vehicles and also provides a customs duty calculator.
For this reason, calculate the complete landed cost before deciding whether importing from Dubai makes financial sense.
Can I Import a Used Car From UAE Under the Gift Scheme?
Yes, an eligible overseas Pakistani can use the Gift Scheme subject to the applicable requirements.
Before purchasing the vehicle, confirm:
- Donor eligibility
- Overseas stay
- Previous vehicle-import history
- Recipient eligibility
- Required family relationship
- Vehicle age
- Vehicle documentation
- Applicable customs requirements
The Gift Scheme should also be distinguished from Transfer of Residence. In particular, the 2026 same-country sourcing requirement is associated with Transfer of Residence and should not simply be applied to every Gift Scheme transaction.
Can I Import a Car From Dubai Under Transfer of Residence?
Yes, if you meet the applicable Transfer of Residence requirements.
For someone living in the UAE, an important 2026 condition is that the vehicle must come from the same country where the overseas Pakistani resides.
Therefore, if you live in Dubai, do not assume that purchasing a vehicle in another country and routing it through the UAE will satisfy the requirement.
Confirm the country-of-residence condition before paying the seller.
How to Import a Car From UAE to Pakistan: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Check your overseas stay, previous vehicle imports and the applicable Gift or Transfer of Residence requirements.
Step 2: Choose the scheme
Determine whether the Gift Scheme or Transfer of Residence applies to your situation.
Step 3: Select a suitable vehicle
Check the vehicle's age, engine capacity, specification and documentation.
Step 4: Inspect and verify the car
Check the VIN, chassis number, mileage, accident history, service records and mechanical condition.
Step 5: Calculate the complete landed cost
Include:
- Vehicle price
- UAE export costs
- Shipping
- Customs duties and taxes
- Port charges
- Clearing fees
- Registration
Step 6: Complete UAE export formalities
For a Dubai-registered vehicle, complete the RTA export process and obtain the required Export Certificate.
Step 7: Arrange shipping
Compare RoRo and container options and confirm exactly what your shipping quotation includes.
Step 8: Prepare the customs documents
Make sure the Bill of Lading, Goods Declaration, Export Certificate and scheme-specific documents are ready.
Step 9: Complete customs clearance
Pay the applicable duties and taxes and complete the customs process.
Step 10: Register the vehicle
After customs clearance, complete registration with the relevant provincial authority.
What Can Go Wrong When You Import Cars to Pakistan?
The biggest mistake is purchasing the vehicle before confirming eligibility.
Other common problems include:
- Choosing a vehicle that does not meet the applicable age requirement
- Misunderstanding the Gift and Transfer of Residence rules
- Relying on outdated information about Personal Baggage
- Failing to verify overseas travel history
- Ignoring the previous-import eligibility period
- Buying a vehicle with inconsistent VIN or chassis information
- Underestimating shipping and port costs
- Failing to budget for customs duties and taxes
- Arranging export documentation too late
- Assuming customs clearance automatically means the vehicle is registered
- Ignoring the one-year non-transferability requirement
The 2026 policy changes make it particularly important to verify the rules before committing money to a vehicle.
Why Buying From a UAE Dealer Can Help
Buying from an established UAE dealer can make the process easier because you may have better access to vehicle documentation, inspection information, ownership records and export assistance.
However, buying from a dealer does not automatically mean that the vehicle qualifies for import into Pakistan.
You should still independently check:
- Vehicle age
- VIN/chassis
- Accident history
- Service history
- Export documentation
- Pakistan import eligibility
- Complete landed cost
For buyers looking for a vehicle in the UAE, Used Cars For Sale at First Choice Cars can be reviewed as part of the vehicle-selection process.
If you are purchasing specifically for export to Pakistan, discuss the vehicle's documentation and export requirements before completing the transaction.
What Should You Check Before the Vehicle Leaves the UAE?
Before handing the vehicle to the shipping company, check that all important information matches across the paperwork.
The VIN and chassis number should correspond with the vehicle and documents.
You should also have copies of:
- Purchase invoice
- Export Certificate
- Registration documents
- Service records
- Inspection records
- Shipping documents
- Vehicle photographs
Keeping a complete record can make it easier to resolve questions during customs clearance or registration.
Final Checklist Before You Import a Car From UAE to Pakistan
Before paying for the vehicle, confirm that you have checked:
- Your eligibility under the Gift or Transfer of Residence scheme
- Your 850-day overseas-stay requirement
- Your previous vehicle-import or gift history
- The applicable 850-day previous-import eligibility period
- Vehicle age
- VIN and chassis number
- Accident history
- Mileage and service history
- Vehicle specification
- Export documentation
- Current shipping quotation
- Customs duties and taxes
- Port and clearing charges
- Registration requirements
- One-year non-transferability requirement
- Current Ministry of Commerce and FBR requirements
FAQs
Can I import a car from Dubai to Pakistan in 2026?
Yes, eligible overseas Pakistanis can import used vehicles through the applicable Gift or Transfer of Residence scheme. Personal Baggage is no longer available for the relevant used-vehicle imports following the January 2026 amendment.
Can I import a car from UAE to Pakistan if I live in Dubai?
Yes, provided you meet the applicable eligibility requirements and the vehicle qualifies for import. UAE residence alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Can I import a vehicle under the Personal Baggage Scheme?
No. The January 2026 amendment removed Personal Baggage as a route for the relevant used-vehicle imports.
How many days must I stay abroad to import a car?
The applicable 2026 requirement is 850 cumulative days abroad during the preceding three years.
What is the 850-day rule for previous vehicle imports?
The amended framework also uses an 850-day period calculated from the Goods Declaration date of the previous vehicle import for determining eligibility to import or gift another vehicle.
How old can a car be for import into Pakistan?
FBR's published guidance states that cars under the listed personal-import framework must not be older than three years, while other vehicle categories can be up to five years. Always confirm the applicable current requirement before purchase.
Can I sell the imported car immediately?
No. Vehicles imported under the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes are subject to a one-year non-transferability condition.
What is Dubai to Pakistan car import tax?
There is no single percentage that applies to every imported vehicle. FBR publishes duty-and-tax amounts for qualifying used Asian vehicles according to engine capacity, while shipping, port, clearing and registration costs are separate.
Is there a duty concession for hybrid cars?
FBR states that qualifying HEVs up to 1800cc receive a 50% exemption from duty and taxes, while qualifying HEVs above 1800cc and up to 2500cc receive a 25% exemption.
Is RoRo cheaper than container shipping?
RoRo is generally considered a more economical option for standard vehicles, while container shipping can provide additional protection. The actual price depends on the route, carrier, vehicle and services included in the quotation.
Do I need an Export Certificate from the UAE?
For a Dubai-registered vehicle being exported outside the UAE, RTA provides an Export Certificate through its vehicle-registration cancellation service.
Is importing a used car from Dubai worth it?
It can be, but you should compare the complete landed cost with the price of a comparable vehicle already available in Pakistan. Include the UAE purchase price, export costs, shipping, customs duties and taxes, port charges, clearing fees and registration.
Final Thoughts
An UAE to Pakistan car import can still be a practical option for an eligible overseas Pakistani, but the process should start with eligibility and current regulations rather than with the vehicle itself.
First, confirm that you qualify under the applicable scheme. Then choose a vehicle that meets the age, documentation and regulatory requirements. Finally, calculate the complete landed cost before arranging shipping.
If you live in the UAE, one advantage is that you can inspect the vehicle before it leaves the country. Check the VIN, mileage, service history, accident history and overall condition carefully.
Most importantly, do not rely on older information about Personal Baggage, overseas-stay requirements or previous-import rules. The 2026 framework introduced significant changes, and some general information pages still display older rules.
The safest approach is simple: check your eligibility, check the vehicle, verify the paperwork and calculate the complete cost before you ship.
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.