Step-by-Step Guide for Importing a Car in the UAE

Are you seeking to import your dream vehicle from abroad in the UAE? Import car uae requires compliance with some legal procedures. Navigating import complexities such as car collection or technical inspection can be daunting without adequate knowledge.

This guide presents a step-by-step process for importing a car in the UAE, the required documents and the associated costs.

• Essentials for Importing a Car in the UAE
• Steps to Importing a Car in the UAE
• FAQs

Essentials for Importing a Car in the UAE

Before proceeding with the import process, here are some basic requirements that one needs to fulfil:

• The vehicle should be less than 10 years old. For cars above 10 years, a special permit issued by a relevant authority such as RTA is necessary.
• The person importing a car in the UAE must be either a citizen or a resident of the Emirates.
• UAE permits left-hand vehicles to be imported inside the Emirates.
• For right-steering vehicles, the Emirates allows cars older than 25 years only. Brown number plates are issued for such vehicles.
• A car must be in proper condition and free from any damage.

Steps to Importing a Car in the UAE

There are a series of steps and requirements to import a vehicle. The process is almost the same in all the Emirates. Follow these 4 steps to have a smooth car import process in the UAE:

Step 1: Shipping a Car

The first step is to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the relevant authority such as RTA in the UAE. An NOC serves as an entry permit for a car in the Emirates. Follow the below steps to complete the shipping process with ease:

• Align a car inspection in the home country to ensure its performance matches the UAE standards.
• After that, book a reliable shipping company and complete the necessary documentation. Here are the documents required to import  a car:
  • Identity: Original and Copy of Passport, Visa and Driving Licence.
  • Original Vehicle Invoice: Document proving the ownership of the car. The invoice highlights the vehicle price, seller details and car specifications.
  • Origin Certificate: Document certifying the origin country of the vehicle. Often, it is issued by the car manufacturer.
  • Receipt of Shipping: An original receipt showing shipment details. This includes the shipping company information, important dates and the tracking number.
  • Power of Attorney: If the owner won’t be available to receive the car in the UAE.

Step 2: Vehicle Collection and Clearance

Here are the steps to collect an imported car in UAE and the process to request a clearance certificate:

• As soon as the vehicle reaches UAE, it passes through a clearance phase. The customs authority inspects the car to check for any damage.
• The inspection process takes place at entry points depending on the Emirate of the UAE. A few entry points are listed below:
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone
  • Port Zayed
  • Port Khalid
  • Port Rashid
• After the customs authority approves a vehicle entry in the UAE, the owner has to pay an import tax. This tax equals 5% of a vehicle’s total value in the UAE.
• Once the import fee is paid, the customs authority will issue a clearance certificate to the car owner. This certifies that the car has passed the inspection phase.
• Along with the import fee, here are the other charges to be paid:
  • Clearance certificate fee: AED 4,700
  • Clearance certificate paper fee: AED 10
  • Vehicle container inspection fee: AED 700
• Once the fees are cleared, the car will be issued a blue number plate showcasing it as an import vehicle. Charges for receiving the blue export plates are AED 60.
• The number plates must be installed on the front and back bumper of the car.

Step 3: Car Registration & Technical Inspection

The next step is registering a car with the relevant authority depending on the Emirate. Here is the complete process to register a car in the UAE:

Documents Required for Vehicle Registration

Let’s first go through the list of documents necessary to register a car in the UAE.

Citizens and GCC Nationals

• Original Emirates ID
• Electronic customs certificate
• Selling agreement
• If the vehicle is non-compliant with the Gulf Specifications, the owner needs to submit a document proving vehicle compliance with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology – Conformity Sector
• Customs card

Residents of Dubai

• Original Emirates ID
• Electronic customs certificate
• Selling agreement
• Customs card

Residents of other Emirates

• Original Emirates ID
• A letter issued by the company where the customer works. The letter must be certified by the Dubai branch
• Electronic customs certificate
• Selling agreement
• Customs card

Service Fees to Register a Vehicle

Here are the complete details about the service fees for different vehicles in the Emirates.

Ways to Register a Car

One can register a car using the RTA website or by visiting the customer happiness centre or the inspection centres.

Registration through the RTA Website

Here are the steps to register a vehicle online:

• Log in to the account on the RTA website by using the UAE pass or the set login details.
• Under vehicle licencing services select ‘register new vehicle’.
• Upload the required documents.
• There will be an ID check with the UAE Pass. 
• Choose an option to receive the number plates and the ownership certificate. The customer can collect from the centre or request delivery through a courier service.
• Now select a nearby inspection centre to book an inspection appointment.
• Pay the required service fee.
• Payment receipt and the list of centres to receive the number plates will be sent to the customer. (If applicable)
• Collect or receive the vehicle ownership certificate and the number plates. (Apple device holders can also receive the ownership certificate in E-form in their Apple wallet accessible via the RTA App)

Registration through Customer Happiness Centres or Inspection Centres

Here are the steps to register a vehicle by visiting an approved centre:

• Visit the nearest centre from the list provided below.
• Head to the front desk employee and receive a link from him.
• Upload the required documents through the provided link.
• Receive a transaction code.
• Provide the code to the front desk employee. Check and E-sign the application.
• Pay the service fees.
• Go for vehicle technical inspection.
• Receive the payment receipt and a list of centres to collect the number plates and ownership certificate.
• Collect the vehicle ownership certificate and the number plates. (Apple device holders can also receive the ownership certificate in E-form in their Apple wallet accessible via the RTA App)

Note: The validity of a vehicle ownership certificate is 1 year.

Step 4: Obtaining Vehicle Insurance

Vehicle insurance is necessary to own a car in the UAE. The following documents are required to request vehicle insurance for imported cars:

• Emirates ID
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Vehicle Testing Report certifying that the car is safe for driving in the UAE.

Vehicle insurance can be obtained from different companies in the UAE. Consult a vehicle insurance company to get the best options. Third-party insurance is required for vehicles older than 10 years.

FAQs

This sums up the car import process in the Emirates along with all the necessary steps, documents and fees. Now you can import your vehicle and legally drive it in the UAE with this all-in-one guide!

Are you ready to drive your car on the smooth roads of the UAE but don’t have a driving licence? Here is how you can get a driving licence in Dubai.

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