What is the customs duty for importing a car to UAE?

The UAE applies a 5% GCC customs duty on commercial vehicle imports from non-GCC countries. Expats relocating with a personal vehicle may import it duty-free under the household goods allowance, provided they owned and registered it in their home country for at least 6 months.

Do I need to homologate my car when importing to UAE?

Yes, if your vehicle does not meet GCC specifications (e.g., American-spec cars with mph speedometer, different lighting, or different emissions standards), it must be homologated at a certified centre. Cost ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 8,000 depending on the modifications required.

Can I export a car from UAE?

Yes. The UAE re-exports hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually. To export, deregister the vehicle with your local traffic authority, obtain an RTA export certificate, and arrange shipping through Jebel Ali Port. No UAE export duty applies, but check the destination country’s import rules.

Can I drive my home-country car in UAE temporarily?

Yes. GCC residents and visitors can drive their foreign-registered vehicles in UAE temporarily. A GCC entry permit (free at border crossings) allows up to 3 months per visit. Ensure your car insurance covers the UAE.

Car Import & Export UAE 2026: Rules, Duties & Homologation Guide

The UAE is one of the world’s major hubs for vehicle re-export, with hundreds of thousands of cars transiting through Dubai and Abu Dhabi each year destined for markets in Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This guide covers the rules for importing and exporting cars in UAE in 2026, whether you’re bringing in your personal vehicle or trading in vehicles.

Importing a Personal Vehicle to UAE

Expats relocating to the UAE can import their personal vehicle duty-free under certain conditions. Key requirements:

Eligibility: You must have owned and registered the vehicle in your home country for at least 6 months prior to import
Customs duty: Personal vehicles imported under the household goods allowance are exempt from the standard 5% GCC customs duty. A clean customs clearance letter from your home country helps.
UAE homologation: Your vehicle must comply with UAE/GCC specifications. Vehicles from North America (left-hand drive) or markets with different emission standards may require modifications (lighting, speedometer, emissions controls) at a certified homologation centre. Cost: AED 2,000–8,000 depending on the car.
RTA registration: After customs clearance, the vehicle must pass an RTA inspection and be registered with your emirate’s traffic authority.

Importing Grey Market / Commercial Vehicles

Commercial importers bring vehicles from the US, Japan, Europe, and South Korea for re-sale or re-export. Key points:

GCC customs duty: 5% on commercial vehicle imports from non-GCC countries
Homologation required: Non-GCC-spec vehicles need homologation. American-spec vehicles (different lighting, bumpers, speedometer in mph) require conversion at a Modicare-approved centre.
Age restriction: Dubai and Abu Dhabi do not allow registration of vehicles older than 20 years (some exemptions apply for classic/collector vehicles).
Ports of entry: Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) handles the majority of vehicle imports. Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port and Sharjah’s Hamriyah Port are also active vehicle import terminals.

Exporting Vehicles from UAE

The UAE re-export market is massive — Dubai alone re-exports 100,000+ vehicles annually, primarily to West Africa, Iraq, and Central Asia.

Export procedure: The vehicle must be deregistered (Mulkiya cancelled) with the local traffic authority before export. RTA issues an export certificate.
Export duties: The UAE does not levy export duties on vehicles. However, the destination country’s import duties apply.
Vehicle condition rules: Destination countries increasingly require vehicles to be no more than 5–10 years old and meet basic safety standards. Check the destination country’s rules before purchasing for export.
Key export markets: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Georgia. Each has its own import restrictions and duty rates.

Temporary Vehicle Import

Visitors and GCC residents can drive their foreign-registered vehicles into the UAE temporarily. A carnet de passage or GCC temporary entry permit (free at border crossings) allows stays of up to 3 months per visit. Your vehicle’s insurance must be valid in the UAE — check with your insurer before crossing.

Need Your Imported Car Serviced or Inspected?

After importing a vehicle, get it fully inspected by an independent mechanic before the RTA test. Find inspection specialists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on GarageBuddy.