How to export a car from the UAE: certificate and steps

Exporting your car when you leave the UAE sounds like a simple way to keep something you love, or avoid a disappointing sale price. In practice, the process has several moving parts, and the costs at the destination can be significant. Here's how exporting works, what it really involves, and how to decide whether it's the right move.

Step 1: Check your destination's rules first

This is the step people skip, and it's the one that causes the most expensive surprises. Before you touch the UAE paperwork, find out:

• Is the car allowed in? Some countries restrict imports by age, emissions standard or steering position.
• Does GCC specification comply? Lighting, emissions and safety equipment may need changes.
• What duties and taxes apply? Import duty, sales taxes and registration fees can be substantial.
• Will it need testing or modification before it can be registered?
• Are there residency exemptions? Some countries offer relief for returning residents who've owned the car for a set period.

Your destination country's customs authority or a specialist import agent is the best source. If the answers are unclear or expensive, compare with selling locally. See deregister vs transfer vs export.

Step 2: Clear fines and the loan

The traffic authority won't process an export cancellation while there are outstanding fines on the vehicle file or a bank mortgage registered against the car.

1. Check fines on the official app for the emirate where the car is registered.
2. Pay them, including any from other emirates.
3. Settle any loan and obtain the bank's clearance letter. See bank NOC and clearance letters.

Step 3: Cancel the registration for export

Apply to the traffic authority where the car is registered, such as RTA in Dubai or TAMM in Abu Dhabi, to cancel the registration for export. You'll typically need to:

• Provide the registered owner's Emirates ID and Mulkiya
• Pay the applicable service fee
• Surrender the number plates
• Receive the export certificate

Check the current requirements and channel with the authority before you apply, since procedures are updated periodically.

Step 4: Arrange shipping

Ask agents for an all-in quote that includes port handling, documentation, marine insurance and delivery at the destination port.

Step 5: Customs at both ends

A shipping agent usually handles UAE export customs clearance. At the destination, expect:

• Import declaration and customs clearance
• Payment of duties and taxes
• Possible inspection or testing
• Registration with the local authority

The real cost of exporting

Add every line before deciding:

Then compare the total with what the car would sell for in the UAE plus what a similar car costs at home.

When exporting makes sense

• The car is valuable, rare or has sentimental value
• It meets destination rules without major changes
• Import duties are low or exemptions apply
• Similar cars are expensive or hard to find at home

When selling locally makes sense

• The car is older, damaged or not running
• It needs major work to meet destination standards
• Duties and taxes are high
• You're short on time before your move

Common mistakes

• Cancelling the UAE registration before confirming the car can be imported
• Underestimating destination duties and compliance work
• Forgetting fines from other emirates
• Leaving too little time before your own move

If the numbers don't work, read how to sell your car before leaving the UAE, or go straight to selling your car before leaving the UAE.