Do you have a beloved vehicle that you would like to bring with you to the UAE or maybe you are already here and have one back home but don’t know how to import it? We’re here to help you with all the information you require about importing a car into Dubai and the UAE.
First of all, those new to Dubai and the UAE need to know that we drive on the left-hand side (steering wheel is located on the left of the cabin). Cars from countries that have the steering wheel on the other side cannot be registered in the UAE. You will also need to be a legal UAE resident as a local visa and local driving license is necessary.
Individuals can import a car that must be no less than 10 years old, for cars older than 10 years will have to check with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) before shipping.
Before heading to the import destination, make sure you have the following documents:
- Original invoice of your vehicle to prove ownership and value
- Certificate of Origin to prove where the vehicle was made
- Your original passport, driving license and visa (bring copies as well)
- Original shipping receipt
- Cash or cheque to pay custom fees
Once shipped into the UAE, vehicles must go through clearance procedure’s at the point of entry such as Port Rashid or Jebel Ali Free Zone and etc. Import authorities will check the vehicle and once they are satisfied with what they see, a fee of 5% of the cars worth in the UAE has to be paid to the authority. Once paid, a clearance certificate from them will be issued which will cost you 4,700 AED plus another 700 AED for container inspection. Note, this fee has to be paid upfront in order for the vehicle to be released. Once all cleared, blue export plates will be given to attach to the front and rear bumpers. These plates cost 60 AED and an additional 10 AED for the clearance certificate paper.
Testing the vehicle
After you’ve been given the green light, it’s time to get the vehicle tested, insured and registered. Vehicle testing areas are located all over the Emirate. Here are three of the RTA’s most trusted test centers:
- Tasjeel
- Al Shamil
- Tamam
And here are the documents required for testing:
- Original passport, Emirates ID and driving license (and copies)
- Custom clearance papers
- Import documents
Once at one of three locations, the vehicle will go through a set of detail tests in order to prove it’s safety and durability to drive A payment then must be made depending on the vehicle type. Once all the testing is cleared, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Registering and Insuring the vehicle
It’s time for the registration and insurance process. There are many insurance companies who insure imported cars. If you’re importing a car that is older than ten years, it can only be insured third party. Insurance quotes can vary between companies and the vehicle itself.
Documents required for insurance:
- Vehicle inspection report
- Passport, drivers license and Emirates ID
Once you have gotten your insurance policy you have to register your vehicle with the Roads and Transport Authority.
The following documents and equipment are mandatory for registration:
- Proof of purchase
- Completed application form
- Blue export number plates
- Insurance documents
- Customs clearance letter
- Original driving license, passport and visa (bring copies too)
- Proof of residency besides visa e.g utility bill or rental agreement
- Vehicle inspection clearance
Hand over all the required documents, once it’s all completed, you’ll receive white number plates and a registration card for your vehicle which must be present at all times in the automobile. Congratulations you can legally drive your pride and joy around the seven Emirates with nothing to worry about.