The United Arab Emirates continues to have a thriving auto culture. Luxury cars, exotic imports, off-road monsters, and unique models that are not commonly available in the local market are all part of the aspirational vehicle landscape. Because of this, many residents, car enthusiasts, and specialty dealers import vehicles from other countries, either to save money, to obtain rare or discontinued models, or to find the exact custom specifications they want.
It takes more than just booking a reservation, shipping the vehicle, and then waiting to import it into the UAE, though. The domains of procedure, finances, and regulations present numerous challenges. If you know the rules, duties, and registration process, you can avoid headaches and save money and time. Read this guide thoroughly to learn about the eligibility criteria, cost factors, import procedure, and how to get your car licensed on UAE roads.
Eligibility Criteria & General Rules for Car Imports in UAE
Ensure your chosen car meets all UAE criteria before you begin (including age, condition, and steering). If not, it will be rejected, postponed, or not allowed to register.
Age Limits & Special Exemptions
Importing used cars that are more than 10 years old is usually not allowed in the UAE. However, cars older than 30 years that fall into the "classic car" category can be imported through a process that involves special permits, inspections, and a Vehicle Classification Certificate “VCC" (RTA Dubai Vehicle Registration Services).
Before being shipped into the UAE, vehicles that are over 10 years old but fall below the classic threshold must receive pre-approval from the concerned transport authority (such as RTA in Dubai). Some companies dealing in imports claim a stricter age limit (like "≤ 5 years") in specific Gulf markets or under certain conditions.
Yet, in the UAE, usually a 10-year age is the standard age limit. Before starting the procedure, always get clarification about special exemptions from the relevant transport authority (RTA Dubai, Abu Dhabi traffic, etc.).
Left-Hand Drive Only
In the United Arab Emirates, left-hand steering is used for driving. As a result, left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are common in the region. Right-hand drive (RHD) cars are usually imported from countries where the steering wheel is on the right and are not permitted to be registered, with the exception of rare classic or special-purpose exemptions.
RHD is more lenient towards vintage cars that are 25 or 30 years old or registered as special collector vehicles (RTA Dubai Vehicle Registration Services). However, this is exceptional and requires careful approval.
GCC & Technical Compliance Requirements
Imported cars usually have to meet GCC standards for safety, emissions, climate tolerance, and other criteria. If your vehicle was built in accordance with non-GCC standards, then it will need modifications, such as better lighting, emissions control, air conditioning/cooling system (to handle the UAE heat), and any other minor modifications.
Concerned authorities require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or similar document, especially for recent vehicles or those from regulated markets.
Restricted Vehicles & Other Limitations
Salvage, flood-damaged, totaled, or extremely modified vehicles are often restricted or rejected, especially if their condition poses any safety risk (MOIAT Consultation). Many states impose restrictions on new cars with less than 500 kilometers on the odometer.
Importers should be aware of any legal or title abnormalities that may cause rejection, such as odometer tampering, outstanding finance, or theft flags.
Who Can Import: Individuals vs. Dealers
Individuals (residents) can import cars for their own use if they have a valid UAE residency visa and an Emirates ID. Car dealerships and commercial importers have to meet the same technical and duty requirements. They usually maintain import licenses, ensure compliance, and handle customer registration processes. Moreover, they may also be held responsible for model approvals and GCC compliance.
In the UAE, a consignee is usually allowed to have one car per shipment per year without any exemption.
Customs Duties & Taxes on Imported Cars
The import duty and taxes, along with a number of other costs, are the primary costs associated with importing a car.
Core Duty & Tax Structure
The standard customs duty rate is 5% of the car's landed cost, or CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value. CIF plus customs duty is the total amount subject to 5% VAT (Clearing Customs and Paying Duties). Thus, the duty-inclusive cost is effectively subject to VAT.
Additional charges include the Customs inspection, port handling, warehousing, and physical inspections/X-rays. According to customs rules, a fixed penalty or fee may be imposed if original invoices or important documents are missing.
Overall, the effective tax burden, as a result of these layers, is often around 10% of CIF (5% duty plus 5% VAT).
Duty Exemptions and Special Conditions
If diplomats and diplomatic officials can submit valid credentials and letters, they may be exempt from customs duties with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ approval. Some states categorize the car as moving property, but the UAE does not. You cannot get a full duty exemption for personal relocation. Yet, the duty and VAT are still required.
Vintage and classic cars are not always totally exempt, but sometimes they receive more favourable treatment or a lighter inspection limitation. You must always pre-check if you are eligible for any special exemptions or dispensations.
Step-by-Step Import Process
If you follow the right steps, importing a car into the UAE is an easy process. All emirates are subject to almost the same rules and regulations. There's a lot to learn about the process, and here are the key points, from planning to customs clearance:
1. Pre-shipment Checks and Eligibility Confirmation
First, you have to verify that your car meets age, GCC/tech, and drive-side requirements. Then, apply for pre-approval or an import permit from the concerned transport authority (such as RTA in Dubai) if the vehicle is more than 10 years old or has non-standard specifications.
It’s crucial to choose a reliable shipping/freight forwarder who is familiar with the UAE import rules.
2. Required Documents
To start the process, you must have the following documents aligned:
- Original commercial invoice/bill of sale
- Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce attested)
- Export / de-registration certificate from the origin country
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill
- Proof of ownership/title
- Original and copies of Passport, UAE residence visa copy, and Emirates ID
- Vehicle spec sheet, CoC / conformity documents
- Packing list (if personal effects are shipped)
- Any pre-approval permit (for older or special vehicles)
Make sure all documents have similar vehicle details, including the VIN, engine number, model, and color.
3. Choosing a Shipping Method
You have the following options for shipping method:
- Roll-on/roll-off, or Ro-Ro: Driving cars onto the ship and then unloading them is called Ro-Ro. This is less secure but more cost-effective.
- Container Shipping: A car shipped inside a container (20 or 40 feet) is safer than other methods. It is a great shipment method for expensive or vintage cars.
- Air Freight: It is very expensive, so it is only helpful for urgent shipments of ultra-premium cars.
Transit times and shipping costs depend on the origin, port, and shipping route (for example, the USA to Jebel Ali vs Europe).
4. Customs Clearance at UAE Port
When the car arrives, show the UAE customs all the required documents. They will calculate the vehicle's value (CIF), apply duty and VAT, and perform a physical inspection. All duties, taxes, and processing fees must be paid before Customs issues a Vehicle Clearance Certificate or a customs release.
You must have the original customs clearance certificate because it is needed for the registration procedure.
5. Receiving the Vehicle & Inland Transport
Once customs release has been approved, you or your clearing agent can transfer the vehicle from the port to a formal inspection/registration centre.
6. Post-arrival Inspection & Compliance Checks
Officially approved centres (such as Tasjeel, Tamam, Al-Shamil, or testing centers specific to the Emirate) must conduct a technical inspection on the vehicle. Inspection elements include Safety, emissions, alignment, etc. You must make the necessary modifications or repairs if the vehicle fails the inspection test.
Vehicle Registration in the UAE
After your vehicle passes customs clearance and is inspected, you can proceed to register and license it to drive on roads. Before registration, you need engine insurance coverage (typically third-party or comprehensive). Without valid insurance, registration will be rejected.
In many emirates, after customs clearance, the vehicle must undergo a roadworthiness test at a verified inspection center (such as Tasjeel/RTA in Dubai) to confirm its compliance.
Registration Process (RTA / Traffic Department)
The registration process is easy if you have all the necessary documents. You or your agent must have:
- Passport copy, Emirates ID, UAE driving license
- Customs clearance certificate
- Inspection/compliance certificate
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle ownership and import documents
For new or private light vehicles, registration fees in the UAE are around AED 350–450 (Gulf News). Some authorities also require vehicle valuation on a local market basis to set vehicle registration fees. After approval, you receive a registration card/license card (Mulkiya) and the official number plate. After this, you will be legally allowed to drive a car in the UAE.
Variations Across Emirates
Basic steps are almost the same in each emirate, with some differences. Because each emirate has its own traffic administration and inspection centres, the exact process may vary depending on where you are. These variations could affect the procedures, costs, and online services.
- Dubai (RTA/Tasjeel): Dubai’s RTA is streamlined. They allow online services for renewal, plate selection, etc.
- Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates: Each emirate has its own traffic registration authority and inspection centers that may differ in name and process.
You must note that the registration fees, waiting times, or additional document requirements may be different for each Emirate.
A Realistic Cost Breakdown Example
- CIF Value: AED 73,500
- Customs Duty (5%): AED 3,675
- VAT (5%): AED 3,690
- Shipping: AED 3,700–11,000
- Inspection & Registration: AED 2,000–5,000
- Total additional cost: ~AED 12,000–20,000 (20–25% of CIF)
Key Tips and Best Practices
Your car’s import can be easy and fully compliant with UAE rules if you follow the right practices. Here are some of the key tips for importing a car:
- Always budget at least 20–25% more than the purchase price to cover duty, VAT, shipping, modifications, inspection, registration, and other hidden costs.
- For the most recent rules, check with your emirate’s authority (such as RTA Dubai or Abu Dhabi traffic).
- Hire a professional customs agent to avoid delays caused by technical issues, compliance gaps, or improper documentation.
- Before shipping, take high-quality images of the car for damage claims.
- Special permits and VCC classification are required for vintage or classic cars.
- Track your vehicle's shipment. Delays or misrouting cause storage costs, demurrage, or additional expenses.
These tips and tricks ensure a smooth car import procedure.
Conclusion
Importing a car into the UAE is not that easy, but it is worth the effort. When people want a car with personalized features, a rare model, or a better deal from abroad, they prefer an import. In short, the right implementation of each step is necessary. Before you can drive your car, you must figure out all the import laws like age restrictions, left-hand drive requirements, customs fees, VAT, and inspections.
The journey can become smooth with a little preparation and proper paperwork. Working with import agents or logistics experts who are aware of the UAE import rules is also necessary. Completing all the steps can save you time and help avoid expensive shocks, so you can enjoy your new car after its registration, as it's ready to drive in the UAE.
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.