How to Export Cars from the UAE: Guide 2025

Although this activity has been ever-present, post-COVID, we have seen a surge in car exports from the UAE. Exporting cars from the UAE has become a prominent aspect of its global trade, owing to the country’s well-established automotive market, competitive prices, and favorable regulations. Whether you are an individual relocating abroad or a business dealing in international vehicle sales, understanding how the exporting process works will ensure compliance and efficiency. 

In this article, we will explore some of the key aspects of the UAE car export process, what documents are required during the process, the steps for exporting the car from the UAE, and the shipping costs and options. 

Why Export Cars From the UAE? 

The UAE has become a hub for high-quality vehicles, ranging from luxury models to reliable used cars, often at competitive prices. Its tax-free environment and strategic location make it an attractive source for car buyers in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the GCC. This is the reason why many used car exports from the UAE take place every day, and the demand does not seem too weary. In fact, it is expected to continue rising in the upcoming years. 

Documents Required for Exporting Cars from UAE

To ensure compliance and a smooth process, you will need to prepare the following documents to ship the car internationally from the UAE: 

• Emirates ID and passport (both original and copy) of the shipper
• Passport or visa of the receiver 
• Vehicle registration card
• Export insurance certificate
• Mortgage clearance letter (if the vehicle was financed and all the debts are paid off)
• RTA export inspection test 

Make sure you collect these documents on time and have them handy when required by the authorities. This way, you will avoid unnecessary delays and facilitate faster customs clearance. 

How to Export Cars from Dubai? 

Thanks to the city’s streamlined and advanced infrastructure and the straightforward regulations in place, shipping a car from Dubai is much easier than one would imagine. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you in the UAE car export process: 

Prepare the Documents:

Have all the required documents ready, along with the customs clearance for car export in the UAE, for inspection and verification. This is obviously the most important step, and you won’t be able to proceed further if any of the documents are missing. 

Obtain an Export Certificate:

You will be required to visit the RTA center with the necessary documents. They will inspect the vehicle to ensure compliance with the export requirements before issuing the certificate. 

Customs Clearance:

Once you have the export certificate from the RTA, you will need to submit it along with other required documents to Dubai Customs. You will be required to pay a customs fee in order to get a clearance for the vehicle to leave the UAE. 

Choose a Shipping Method:

When shipping cars internationally from the UAE, there are several options you can choose from: 

• Roll-On/Roll-Off: The most cost-effective way but exposes the vehicle to the weather and other elements. 
• Container Shipping: More secure method, ideal for luxury and fragile vehicles. 
• Air Freight: Shipping a vehicle from the UAE on an airplane is the fastest but also the most expensive method. 

Prepare the Vehicle For Shipping:

Before shipping a vehicle, you will need to clean it thoroughly, remove any personal belongings, and perform an inspection to document the car’s current condition. 

Select a Reliable Car Shipping Company:

Choose a company with experience and who are aware of the exporting vehicles from the UAE requirements. Ensure they manage the logistics, customs clearance, and provide detailed price breakdown. 

Import Procedures in the Destination Country:

Comply with the regulations in the receiving country by paying any import duties or taxes and registering the car locally to obtain new license plates. This is typically the responsibility of the receiver, but in some cases, the sender may be required to provide assistance or coordinate with the shipping company to ensure a smooth process. 

How To Obtain A Car Export Certificate In The UAE?

In the UAE, a car export certificate is an essential document for transferring vehicle ownership and shipping it outside the country. In order to obtain one, a vehicle must be registered, and any fees must be cleared. Application methods to obtain a car export certificate are as follows: 

• Through the RTA website: Complete the application form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the export fees. 
• Customer Happiness Center: Visit the center directly with the required documents, pay the fees, and submit the application. You can also request export plates if needed. 
• Vehicle Registration Center: Centers like Tasjeel and Shamil across the UAE also process export certificate applications. 

An export certificate will come at a cost of: 

• 100 AED for a light vehicle
• 100 AED for motorcycles and other equipment
• 20 AED for knowledge fees

For further details, you may visit the RTA website or consult the nearest vehicle registration center.

Export Car Eligibility In The UAE

To determine if a car is eligible for export from the UAE, the following criteria must be met: 

• Valid registration: The vehicle must have a valid registration within the UAE. Expired registrations may need renewal or special clearance before proceeding. 
• Clearance of outstanding fees: Any outstanding fees linked to the vehicle must be cleared before applying for export permission. 
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If the car is under a loan, you will need an NOC from the bank. Additionally, a general NOC may be required by the local authorities to ensure there are no legal issues associated with the vehicle. 
• Ownership documents: Proof of ownership (Mulkiya) must be provided. If the car is second-hand, a sale agreement or deed may also be required. 
• Vehicle condition: The vehicle must pass a technical inspection to comply with safety standards. 
• Export plates: Once the export certificate is issued, the vehicle may require special export plates for transportation to its destination. 

Vehicle Export Inspection Requirements In The UAE

As already mentioned, a vehicle needs to comply with the safety standards and pass a technical inspection. This is performed in any authorized RTA or other vehicle inspection centers across the UAE. Depending on the country of import, additional testing, such as emissions testing, may have to be performed to ensure compliance with environmental standards. This is typically the case with European countries or the UK in particular, as these countries have strict standards on carbon emissions. 

How Long Does It Take For A Car To Ship From UAE To Europe? 

The shipping times vary depending on the method of shipment. Accordingly, the price of shipping a car from the UAE to Europe will greatly depend on the country of destination, import taxes, and duties. Generally, the process would last anywhere between 30 to 50 days. 

In comparison, shipping a car from the UAE to Pakistan or India can be done within a week, considering the short distance between the countries. 

Again, these estimates may vary, so it’s best to consult with a shipping company regarding the costs and the shipping timing for your vehicle. 

Conclusion

Exporting cars from the UAE can be an easy process when approached with careful planning and the right resources. The UAE offers infrastructure and regulatory support regardless of whether you are an individual looking to ship a personal vehicle or a business expanding its global reach. Using the services of experienced shipping agents can further simplify the process, allowing you to focus on other aspects.