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Ship a Car to Dubai & UAE from the UK: 2026 Guide
Shipping a standard car from the UK to Dubai or another UAE port typically costs £800 to £1,300 for sea freight, before collection, insurance, destination handling, customs and registration. A sensible working timeline is four to six weeks, although the exact sailing and clearance time vary.
The short version
- Planning range. £800–£1,300 for freight, plus UK collection, documents, insurance and UAE destination charges.
- Customs duty. Dubai Customs states that used and new cars are inspected and charged 5% customs duty.
- Registration. A used imported vehicle may need a MOIAT product-status statement confirming it is eligible for traffic registration.
- Condition matters. Do not ship a severely damaged or non-repairable vehicle without written confirmation that it can be registered.
- No invented age rule. There is no single blanket “under 10 years” rule that applies to every private UAE import. Eligibility depends on the vehicle and registration requirements.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Dubai?
For 2026 planning, allow £800–£1,300 for sea freight for a normal saloon or mid-size SUV. Larger vehicles, non-runners and sole-use containers cost more. Door collection from within the UK commonly adds £120–£350, export documentation around £75–£150, and marine insurance is often priced as a percentage of the vehicle's value.
Those figures are planning ranges, not a tariff. Vehicle dimensions, departure port, carrier space, fuel surcharges and the selected UAE port all affect the actual quote. Use the RollShip cost calculator for an itemised estimate, then request a written quote before committing.
| Cost line | 2026 planning range | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Sea freight | £800–£1,300 | Vehicle size, route, carrier and method |
| UK collection | £120–£350 | Distance to the loading depot or port |
| Export documents | £75–£150 | Shipment and customs requirements |
| Marine insurance | Usually value-based | Vehicle value and cover |
| UAE duty and destination fees | Assessed locally | Customs value, port and registration route |
What are the UAE import and registration rules?
Start with the vehicle identification number, condition and documentary history. The UAE's Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology offers a product-status statement for used imported vehicles. Its purpose is to confirm whether the vehicle is eligible for traffic registration; the published service asks for a UAE ID and VIN and lists a fee of AED 200.
The UAE government vehicle-registration guide says imported vehicles normally pass an authorised technical inspection, obtain insurance and complete the registration application. Depending on the case, documents can include the customs vehicle certificate or customs card, identity and conformity evidence. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority publishes the local service requirements.
How much UAE customs duty will I pay?
Dubai Customs states that used and new cars are inspected by customs and customs duty is 5%. The customs valuation, destination handling, possible VAT treatment and local registration charges are separate from the UK freight quote. Ask a UAE customs broker for a written landed-cost estimate against the exact VIN and shipment before dispatch.
The documents listed by Dubai Customs for vehicle clearance include the original invoice, packing list, bill of lading and the importer's passport or Emirates ID. Requirements can differ with importer status and emirate, so treat that as the core set rather than an exhaustive universal checklist.
Documents to prepare
- Original V5C registration certificate. The UK export record must match the vehicle and exporter.
- Purchase invoice or proof of ownership. Keep a clear payment trail.
- Bill of lading. Issued for the sea shipment.
- Passport or Emirates ID. Confirm the exact consignee requirements with the broker.
- Customs vehicle certificate/card. Used later in the UAE registration process.
- Insurance and inspection evidence. Needed at the appropriate registration stage.
- DVLA permanent-export notification. Follow GOV.UK guidance when permanently exporting from Britain.
How the shipment works
- Confirm eligibility. Check the VIN, vehicle condition and UAE registration path before paying for freight.
- Compare methods. RoRo can be economical where available; a container gives an enclosed shipment and may be required for some routes or vehicles.
- Book collection and export. The car travels to the UK loading point and the export entry is filed.
- Sea transit. Track the sailing and send arrival documents to the UAE agent early.
- Customs clearance. Customs inspects and values the car; duty and local charges are settled.
- Inspection, insurance and registration. Complete the relevant emirate's process before road use.
Is RoRo or container shipping better?
RoRo is usually the simpler option for a roadworthy standard vehicle when a suitable service is available. The car must normally be empty and able to move safely. A container is better suited to higher-value cars, non-standard vehicles or owners who want an enclosed unit. Availability varies by departure and destination, so the quote should state the actual method rather than promising one in advance. See our RoRo versus container guide.
Get a clear UK-to-UAE quote
RollShip compares itemised quotes from UK export specialists. Tell us the registration or VIN, vehicle location and preferred UAE destination. We will separate freight, collection, documents, insurance and known extras so you can see what is included. Request a car-shipping quote; the final UAE duty and registration costs should still be confirmed locally.
UAE car shipping questions
Is there a 10-year age limit for importing a car to Dubai?
Do not rely on a blanket 10-year claim. UAE eligibility depends on the specific vehicle, its condition and the registration requirements that apply. Check the VIN through the MOIAT product-status process and the relevant emirate's traffic authority before shipping.
How long does UK-to-Dubai car shipping take?
Four to six weeks is a reasonable planning range, including export handling and sea transit. Sailing schedules, transhipment and customs clearance can make the real journey shorter or longer.
What customs duty is charged on a car in Dubai?
Dubai Customs publishes a 5% customs-duty rate for inspected used and new cars. Valuation, VAT treatment, port handling, clearance and registration charges can add to the landed cost, so get a VIN-specific local calculation.
Can I put personal belongings in the car?
Do not assume you can. RoRo vehicles are normally shipped empty. Container contents must be declared and can change customs and inspection requirements. Get written confirmation before packing anything.
Tell us what you need. We'll price it.
Every shipment is different, so we don't publish a price list. Tell us the car and where it's going, and vetted UK specialists come back with itemised quotes within 24 hours. Free, no obligation.
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