Importing a car from Dubai (UAE) to the EU
Dubai is a market of premium and sports cars with low mileage, often barely used. GCC-spec cars are built for heat and sold at attractive prices.
- Customs duty
- 10% of the CIF value (pickups 10–22%, motorcycles 6–8%, historic cars 0%)
- Import VAT
- 17–27% depending on the country of clearance
- Sailing time
- 11–32 days
- Local tax at registration
- none
Why buy here
Luxury and sports models, low mileage and dry climate (no rust). Prices in dirhams are pegged to the US dollar.
Where to buy
Emirates Auction and dealers in Dubai and Sharjah; a local exporter arranges the export certificate and shipping from Jebel Ali.
Step by step
1 Buy the car
Win the auction or buy from a dealer. Auction fees depend on the price tier and title – the calculator applies the current schedule.
2 Transport to the export port
A truck takes the car from the yard to the port; non-runners need a forklift and winch, which costs extra.
3 Ocean freight
Shared container, exclusive container or RoRo. Sailing to the EU takes 11–32 days, plus loading and waiting for the vessel.
4 Customs clearance in the EU port
A customs agent files the declaration. You pay customs duty and import VAT in the country of the port – unless a company uses customs procedure 4200.
5 Delivery to your address
Car carrier, tow truck or driving on temporary plates – priced per kilometre from the port.
6 Inspection and registration
Technical inspection, translations and registration in the country where you live, plus any local registration tax.
Nearest ports of clearance
The calculator prices all EU ports door to door for your exact address and picks the cheapest.
Documents you need
Export certificate, invoice, bill of lading, EU customs declaration, translations, inspection certificate.
Tip
Heat wears rubber parts and interiors – ask for photos of seals, tyres and dashboard.
Questions & answers
How long does shipping from Dubai take?
From Jebel Ali through Suez about 11–32 days at sea depending on the EU port; Mediterranean ports are the closest.
What is a GCC-spec car?
A car built for the Gulf market: stronger cooling and air conditioning, sometimes different emissions equipment. It can be registered in the EU after the technical inspection.
Which port is the cheapest for me?
It depends on your address, the import VAT of the port country and the sailing schedule. The calculator prices every EU port door to door and shows them from the cheapest.
Is the estimate binding?
No. It is based on current rates and price lists; customs and tax authorities decide the final amounts. The PDF report lists every rate and assumption so you can compare.
Calculate the exact cost for your car
Enter only your address – we propose the rest and price every port door to door.