How to Import Your Car to Dubai, UAE From Abroad?

Want to explore the Emirates in your personal car? Here’s how to temporarily import your personal car to Dubai, UAE, from abroad. Learn the import legalities, document requirements, estimated costs, and practical steps for a seamless experience.

The UAE offers some of the world's best transport infrastructures and stunning scenery for adventurers. Driving your personal car amplifies experiences & blends unforgettable memories. But bringing your personal car into the Emirates isn’t as simple. It requires careful planning & mindful execution.

To help you achieve this feat, this comprehensive guide simplifies the whole process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free temporary car import. Follow these essential steps to get your vehicle on the Emirates road and explore its wonders with confidence. Let’s dive in.

1. Secure Your Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD)

This document, CPD, is the single most important part of the entire process. Think of the CPD as your car's passport. It allows you to temporarily import your personal car into the UAE without paying customs duties. This is a non-negotiable step to avoid high costs and legal issues.

Here’s how you can obtain your CPD in your country:

1. Contact Your Local AIT/FIA-affiliated Automobile Clubs/Associations: Reach out to your country’s official AIT/FIA CPD-issuing organization. They are the sole issuers of the CPD and will guide you through the application.

2. Prepare CPD-related Costs: The CPD involves two main fees: a non-refundable administrative fee and a refundable security deposit. The deposit's value is directly tied to your car's worth, often ranging from 100% to 400% of the vehicle’s value. Administrative fees generally range from $200 to $1,500 (AED 735 to AED 5,500) depending on the organization.

3. Gather & Submit Required Documents: You will need your:

• Passport,

• Car's registration certificate, and

• Proof of ownership.

Have these ready to expedite the application process.

2. Confirm Vehicle Compliance and Prepare for Shipping

The UAE has strict regulations on vehicle specifications. You cannot afford to overlook these details. They could prevent your car from entering the country.

Ensure your vehicle meets the following requirements:

1. Ensure Left-Hand Drive: The UAE requires all vehicles to be left-hand drive. If your car is right-hand drive, you will not be able to import it.

2. Get International vehicle Insurance: Secure a comprehensive international insurance policy that covers your car for the duration of its stay in the UAE. This is a mandatory requirement.

3. Coordinate Shipping Logistics: Choose a reputable international shipping company for export. You can choose between Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) and container shipping, depending on your vehicle and budget. Shipping cost from your country to Dubai, UAE can vary depending on several circumstances, like distance, container choice, etc. Shipping from Europe can be around $1,875 to $3,600 (AED 6,900 to AED 13,200).

3. Customs Clearance Upon UAE Port Arrival

Once your car reaches a UAE port, the first thing you need to do is clear customs. For a seamless experience, you must have all your documents to proceed with customs.

Ensure you do these for a hassle-free customs process:

1. Present Your CPD: This acts as the temporary customs guarantee. Present it to the officials at the port of entry.

2. Be Ready for Inspection: Customs will inspect your car to verify its details and ensure it complies with local regulations. This is a standard procedure.

3. Pay Anticipated Port Fees: You will need to pay various port handling and administrative charges. These fees can vary, but typically range from $800 to $1,200 (AED 2,900 to AED 4,400).

4. Register and Obtain Temporary License Plates

Once you clear customs, you are almost ready to legally drive your personal car in the Emirates. Before hitting the roads, you must complete the final steps to make it street-legal: obtaining temporary license plates.

Follow these steps for registration & temporary licensing:

1. Get a Technical Inspection: Take your car to an authorized RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) inspection center. They will check the vehicle's condition and roadworthiness. Once you get a green light from the authorized inspectors, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

2. Apply for Temporary Registration with RTA: With the inspection certificate and your CPD, you can apply for temporary vehicle registration. The RTA will issue temporary license plates valid for a specific period, usually six months.

3. Pay the Registration Fees & License Plate: Temporary license plates and registration have associated fees. Temporary plate costs start from around $10 (AED 35) for short plates. The total for registration and plates can vary.

With a successful temporary registration, you are all set to drive on the Emirates’ roads — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or some other emirate. However, you must be mindful of the UAE traffic regulations and your registration validity. Ensuring compliance is the key to a seamless and stress-free experience in the Emirates.

As this is only a temporary thing, you must also make sure you get your car out of the UAE on time to stay clear of severe consequences and hefty penalties. So, this will be the final step, equally important step in the whole process.

5. Re-Export Your Vehicle on Time

This final step is as critical as the first. Failing to re-export your car will result in severe penalties from the UAE authorities and the loss of your security deposit.

Here’s how you can successfully export your vehicle from the UAE:

1. Mark Your Calendar: The CPD specifies a strict re-export deadline. Do not miss it.

2. Initiate the Re-Export Process: Begin arranging your vehicle's departure well in advance of the deadline.

3. Secure Customs Exit Stamp: When you leave, ensure customs officials at the port stamp your CPD. This proves your car has left the country and allows you to reclaim your security deposit from the issuing automobile association.

The export process is a fairly straightforward one, as you will not need additional documents, eliminating the need for extra steps. All you need to do is ensure that you adhere to the given timeline and arrive at the loading dock on time.

Final Thoughts

Temporarily importing your car to the UAE may seem complex, but with the right preparation, it's a straightforward process. Remember these key takeaways: the CPD is your most vital document, always verify your vehicle meets UAE specifications, and prioritize re-exporting your car on time to avoid penalties.

The UAE's roads are calling, and following these steps ensures a seamless and legal journey. You're now equipped to turn your dream road trip into a reality, exploring the stunning landscapes and bustling cities of the Emirates from the driver's seat of your own car.

Ready to temporarily import your personal car to the UAE from abroad? Share your experiences, ask questions, or let us know what part of your UAE road trip you're most excited about in the comments below!

FAQs

1. How long can I keep my car in the UAE with a CPD?

A Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) is typically valid for one year from the date of issue. However, customs authorities in the UAE will issue a temporary import permit for a maximum of six months. It is possible to apply for an extension to the CPD from your issuing automobile association, but the extension is not guaranteed and requires an additional fee.

2. What happens if my car is damaged or stolen while in the UAE?

If your temporarily imported car is damaged or stolen in the UAE, you must immediately report it to the police to get a police report. This report is mandatory for any insurance claim and for customs to clear the CPD. Without a police report, you will be liable for the customs deposit and any associated fees or penalties.

3. Do I need a special driving license to drive my own foreign-registered car in the UAE?

No, you can drive your foreign-registered car with your home country's valid driving license, provided it's from a list of recognized countries. If your license is not on this list, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country license.

4. Can I sell my car while it's in the UAE on a temporary import basis?

No, you cannot sell a vehicle that has been temporarily imported into the UAE under a CPD. The CPD is a guarantee that the car will be re-exported. If you wish to sell the car, you must formally import it, pay the required customs duties and taxes (5% import duty + 5% VAT on the vehicle's value), and complete the permanent registration process. Only residents with a UAE license can formally (permanently) import cars in the UAE.

5. What are the regulations for modifying my car while it's in the UAE?

Vehicle modifications are highly regulated in the UAE by authorities like the RTA. You should not modify your car in any way while it's in the country, as this could void the customs agreement and lead to fines, impoundment, or other penalties. Any modifications, even minor ones, require pre-approval and inspection.