Exporting a Car from the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

In our previous guide, we explored the nuances of importing a vehicle into the UAE. Now, let’s shift our focus to exporting vehicles from the UAE, whether your destination is a neighboring GCC nation or a distant locale. We provide a streamlined guide to ensure your vehicle export process is smooth and straightforward. If you’re purchasing through a dealer, they can facilitate the export process, including sourcing a reputable shipping service or recovery vehicle.

If you’re an existing vehicle owner looking to export, the first step is to have your car inspected by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to confirm it meets safety and legal standards. Upon approval, you will receive an export certificate and export plates—both essential for the export procedure.

Essential Paperwork & Equipment

• Vehicle-related police report.
• Vehicle Clearance Certificate.
• Insurance documentation.
• Copies of your passport.
• Your UAE residency visa.
• If not a citizen, a visa for the destination country.
• A complete destination address including at least two working contact numbers.
• Bill of shipping or landing, which is necessary for sea and air transport, and may be applicable for land delivery.

The RTA has streamlined the process for obtaining an export certificate, allowing you to access this service online, through service providers, or via phone.

Documents Needed for Registration

• Vehicle documents: this includes the Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC), transfer certificate, possession certificate, or ownership certificate.
• Your original Emirates ID.
• A vehicle technical inspection if your license is expired or if the vehicle is unlicensed.
• Note: A residency visa is not required for exporting; vehicles can be shipped even under a tourist visa.

Costs Involved in Vehicle Export

• For new car exports to GCC countries, a duty fee of 5% of the vehicle’s value is applicable.
• No duty fee applies for exporting a used vehicle to GCC nations.
• Fees for exporting cars to non-GCC countries vary based on the vehicle type and engine specifications.
• If you’re shipping to Europe or other regions, consult with the RTA and local authorities for specifics.
• A residency visa is not necessary for export; tourist visas suffice.

Available Shipping Methods

For transporting your vehicle internationally, several methods are at your disposal:

• Sea: Generally the most economical method, using either container shipping or Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) service, with delivery to the nearest port.
• Air: The safest and fastest option, where vehicles are secured during transit; however, this method is the most costly.
• Land Transport 1: Recovery trucks can be employed for transport between bordering countries, provided the crossings are straightforward.
• Land Transport 2: Driving the vehicle yourself is viable for nearby countries such as Oman or Saudi Arabia, but impractical for destinations like the US or UK.

When utilizing sea or air transport, securing insurance for your vehicle during transit is highly advisable.

If opting for recovery vehicles for land delivery, notification to the RTA regarding the chosen company is mandatory, and a company representative must accompany the vehicle at border crossings.

If you decide to drive your vehicle to a neighboring country, such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, or Oman, you must do so within 14 days of receiving your export plates from the RTA. Ensure the vehicle is adequately insured, and you must be a resident of the destination country.

Additionally, a copy of the owner’s passport is required for entry into any port in the UAE when exporting.

It’s crucial to remember that each country has distinct importation regulations, which may necessitate modifications to your vehicle. For example, exporting to the U.S. may require changes to bumpers, daytime running lights, and headlights to comply with local laws.

Guidelines for Exporting to Saudi Arabia

• Vehicles must be no older than five years.
• The vehicle must not have been utilized as a taxi or police vehicle.
• Left-hand steering is required; alterations from right-hand to left-hand drive are not permitted.
• For importing a 4×4, proof of family residence in Saudi Arabia is required.
• Commercial vehicle status applies to vehicles with over five seats, which can only be registered by a company.
• Accident-damaged vehicles are prohibited from entry.

Guidelines for Exporting to Oman

• Vehicles must be no older than seven years.
• The steering wheel must be on the left side.
• Omani nationals can import an unlimited number of vehicles, while non-Omani nationals may import one vehicle for personal use if they are over 18.

Guidelines for Exporting to Bahrain

• No vehicles older than five years are allowed.
• Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted.

Guidelines for Exporting to Iran

• Export documentation must be registered in the customer’s name.
• Valid vehicle identification is necessary.
• Approval from the RTA is required.

Vehicles older than five years are entry-restricted. Additionally, rear fog lights, known as “Michigan lights,” must be fitted. Shipping to Iran is typically done via sea, taking about three to four days depending on the port. The vehicle can get to the shipping company in two ways: using a recovery vehicle—or by delivering the vehicle yourself, which requires insurance and export plates from the RTA.

Guidelines for Exporting to America

• Vehicles must adhere to U.S. air pollution, safety, and bumper standards.
• Only vehicles no older than 25 years may be imported unless previously approved.
• Duty taxes differ: autos incur a 2.5% fee, trucks face 25%, and motorcycles are charged 3% or 3.4%, based on the payment amount.
• All imported cars and trucks must be left-hand drive.

Importers must fill out a Department of Transportation (DOT) HS-7 form upon entry to show compliance with U.S. regulations. Emission testing costs approximately $1,000, with certain exemptions available for specific vehicle types, including vintage cars and vehicles lacking an engine.

Import compliance with U.S. bumper standards is mandatory. This applies to classic models manufactured before November 1st. Thorough notification of U.S. customs regarding expected arrival dates is required, along with detailed foreign registration documents if applicable. Ensure the vehicle is free from foreign soil, as no contaminants are allowed to enter the U.S. Vehicles achieving over 22.5 miles per gallon will attract a “gas-guzzler” tax.

For more detailed information, visit here.

Guidelines for Exporting to Great Britain

• Although the UK operates on the right-hand side, left-hand drive vehicles are legally permissible on their roads.
• Compliance with the UK’s environmental and safety regulations is essential, although some exceptions may apply upon prior approval.
• If the vehicle is older than ten years, it must receive approval from the UK’s Drivers and Licensing Agency.

Before your vehicle’s arrival, it’s mandatory to inform HM Revenue and Customs within a 14-day window. Conducting an International Vehicle Approval is a requirement as well.

Upon arrival, owners must settle any VAT, duty, or taxes prior to vehicle release. Registration and taxation of the vehicle follow this settlement. Temporary stayers in the UK are exempt from registering or taxing their vehicle unless planning to remain for over six months cumulatively within any given year. Vehicles must retain their original country registration numbers. Further details are available here.

Guidelines for Exporting to Russia

• All vehicles, irrespective of age, cost, and origin, must undergo customs clearance.
• Import Tax and VAT apply to all vehicle imports into Russia.

Frequently Asked Questions

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