Shipping the car: A guide to vehicle transfer and registration in Dubai

• 🗂️ Steps and requirements:

  1. Verification of import admissibility.

  2. Procurement of necessary documents.

  3. Selection of a reliable transfer service.

  4. Handling of customs formalities and fees.

  5. Collection and registration in Dubai.

• 📝 Import rules: Dubai has specific regulations, e.g. emission standards.

• Documents required: original purchase contract, certificate of conformity, shipping document and valid insurance policy.

• 🛡️ Insurance and costs: Insurance is essential to protect against damage during transport. Costs vary depending on vehicle value, shipping and customs fees.

• 📝 Vehicle Registration in Dubai: Requires presentation of all documents, payment of fees and a vehicle inspection.

• Transfer costs: Container or roll-on/roll-off options are available, with prices depending on various factors.

• Import duties include 5% customs duty, 5% VAT, and additional charges on import tax 3%.

• ⏳ Duration of the process: The overall process can take several weeks depending on the preparation time, shipping time and registration procedure. The voyage time at sea takes approx. 4 weeks with approx. 3-4 departures per month.

Bringing a car to Dubai requires careful planning and knowledge of local regulations. It is important to familiarise yourself with the import regulations and ensure that all the necessary documents are in place.

Steps and requirements for a smooth transfer

1. Verification of the vehicle's eligibility for import to Dubai.

2. Procurement of the necessary documents and certificates.

3. Selection of a reliable transfer service.

4. Handling of customs formalities and payment of fees.

5. Pick up the vehicle and complete the registration in Dubai.

Guidelines and regulations for vehicle import

Dubai has specific guidelines for importing vehicles. It is important to ensure that your vehicle meets the emission standards and other technical requirements.

Documents and certificates for car import

• Original purchase contract or invoice

• Certificate of conformity of the vehicle

• Original shipping document

• Valid insurance policy

It is essential to take out insurance for your vehicle before you bring it to Dubai. This will protect you from unforeseen damage or loss during transport.

Cost overview: What it really costs to export a car to Dubai

The cost of transferring a car to Dubai can vary depending on factors such as the value of the vehicle, shipping costs and customs fees. It is advisable to obtain several quotes and consider all potential costs in advance.

There are forwarding companies that specialise in transporting vehicles. We work with a very reliable and fast forwarding company, Pangaea Cargo Speditionsgesellschaft mbH. The transfer by ship takes approx. 4 weeks. Our customers receive an attractive discount with this forwarding agency. If you need more information, contact us and get our exclusive code!

optional delivery to the RTA (registration office)

EUR 110.00 
optional collection On request

Further information:

• Journey time at sea approx. 4 weeks with approx. 3-4 departures per month

• The import duties are 5% customs duty and 5% VAT on the value of the vehicle and are calculated as follows:

5% Customs on the value of a comparable vehicle in the Emirates. Customs will check this.
5% Import tax (VAT) on the value of a comparable vehicle in the Emirates. 
3% E Dirham and Knowledge Fee on import tax. 

Inch, Taxes and fees:

Value of the car AED 30,000
5% inch = AED 1,500
5% VAT = 1.575 AED
3% E Dirham = AED 47.25

Total transfer costs without transport = AED 3,122.25 (approx. EUR 780.56)

Depending on the transport company and conditions, the cost of shipping your car to Dubai is as follows:

CONTAINER ex Bremen or ROLL ON // ROLL OFF ex Bremerhaven:
1800.00 - 2300.00 EUR
+ customs, taxes and fees: EUR 780.56
= Total costs from 2580,56 EUR (with a residual value of the car of EUR 7,500)

If you provide us with the chassis number and the mileage, we will check the customs value without obligation.

However, private individuals must be in possession of a valid residence visa and an Emirates ID.
There are no exceptions when imported as part of a relocation.
To estimate (without guarantee) the import duty value, please send us the chassis number and the current mileage.
For vehicles still being financed, an exemption certificate from the financing bank is required.

After your vehicle arrives in Dubai, you will need to register it with the relevant authority. This process involves submitting all the required documents, paying fees and conducting a vehicle inspection.

Tips and hints for a smooth registration process

• Make sure that all documents are up to date and in good condition.

• Plan ahead and avoid peak registration times.

• Talk to experts or service providers who assist with vehicle registration can.

Vehicle transfer to Dubai: A worthwhile investment?

The decision to transfer a car to Dubai is a big investment. It is important to carefully consider all aspects, including costs, benefits and potential challenges. However, with the right planning and preparation, transferring and registering a vehicle in Dubai can be a rewarding experience.

Worry-free vehicle registration and tailor-made insurance solutions in Dubai - we offer professional assistance with vehicle registration in Dubai. Not only do we guarantee a smooth registration process, but also tailor-made insurance solutions to ensure that the vehicle is perfectly covered.

For further questions or support, you can contact experts such as Dubai Company turn. 

You would like to emigrate to Dubai, pay no income tax and are interested in a Company formation in Dubai interested? You don't have the right contact person who can guarantee a smooth implementation? Then get in touch now with our Team of experts  and book your free initial consultation. We will discuss your individual situation and show you possible solutions for your future in Dubai.