Dubai Car Export Rules for Foreigners 2026 Legal Process, Documentation & Costs

Published By - Source Vehicle

Categories - Export Business,Transportation Service

February 19, 2026

Why Foreigners Are Buying and Exporting Cars from Dubai

Dubai is genuinely one of the best places in the world to buy a car for export. The prices are competitive, the inventory is huge, and Jebel Ali Port connects directly to ports across Africa, Europe, South Asia, and beyond. Every year, more than 330,000 vehicles leave the UAE for destinations all over the world; and a significant portion of those are bought by foreign nationals who came specifically to source vehicles.

But the process isn't plug-and-play. If you skip a step, present inconsistent documents, or export a car that still has a bank loan attached to it, your shipment gets held up; sometimes for weeks. The regulations exist to protect everyone involved, and working through them in the right order makes the whole thing straightforward.

This guide walks you through every stage of the Dubai car export process for foreigners in 2026; from checking eligibility and gathering documents to customs clearance and choosing the right shipping method. Source Vehicle has put this together based on direct experience with the RTA, Dubai Customs, and Jebel Ali Port.

Key 2026 Updated:The RTA and Dubai Customs have both expanded their online portals significantly. You can now initiate much of the export documentation process digitally, which cuts down on office visits and speeds things up considerably.
— Source Vehicle

Who Can Actually Export a Car from Dubai?

Both UAE residents and non-residents can legally export vehicles from Dubai. The key requirement is straightforward: you need to be the legal owner of the vehicle; or have proper authorization to act on behalf of the owner; before any export process can begin.

You're allowed to export if you are:

• A UAE expat resident with a valid residency visa

• A foreign national buying through a registered UAE dealer or licensed export agent

• A business registered with Dubai DED or in a Free Zone

• Holding a notarised Power of Attorney authorising you to act for the vehicle's owner

• A commercial export agent licensed by the Federal Roads and Transport Authority (FRA)

You cannot export the vehicle if:

• There is an outstanding bank mortgage on it that hasn't been formally cleared through the RTA system

• There are unpaid traffic fines or Salik (toll) charges still attached to the car

• There is an unresolved ownership dispute

• The vehicle has been flagged as stolen in UAE or Interpol databases

• The destination country prohibits the car's drive configuration (most of Europe won't accept right-hand drive, for example)

Important for non-resident:If you're buying a vehicle in Dubai specifically to export it; without living there; the transaction needs to go through a UAE-registered dealer or licensed export agent. The car must be fully paid for with no active finance before RTA will issue the export certificate.
— Source Vehicle

The Full Export Process, Step by Step

The export process follows a set sequence through official government channels. The order matters; you can't skip ahead, and attempting to do so is one of the most common reasons exports get delayed. Work through each stage in this order:

Step 1: Confirm Legal Ownership and Clear All Outstanding Balances

Before you do anything else, make sure the vehicle's ownership is fully in your name; or your agent's name via Power of Attorney. Then settle every outstanding traffic fine, every Salik toll charge, and confirm that any bank mortgage is completely cleared and updated in the RTA system. This isn't just a formality. RTA will check all of this before issuing the export certificate, and a single unpaid fine will block the entire process.

Step 2: Book an RTA Vehicle Inspection

Registered vehicles need an official inspection at an RTA-authorized center; places like Tasjeel or Shamil. The inspector physically checks the chassis number (VIN) and engine number against your paperwork, and confirms the car's identity. This step costs approximately AED 170–250 depending on the vehicle type. Even if your car is technically exempt in some edge cases, most experienced exporters go through inspection proactively because skipping it can create complications at the destination port.

Step 3: De-Register the Vehicle with RTA

Once inspection is done and all liabilities are clear, you de-register the car from the RTA system. This formally cancels the UAE number plates and flags the vehicle as export-ready. It's a relatively small administrative fee but it's a required step; you cannot get an export certificate without completing de-registration first.

Step 4: Apply for the RTA Export Certificate

This is the most important document in the whole process. The RTA Export Certificate contains your details as the exporter, the importer's information, full vehicle specifications, the destination country, and official RTA authorisation. You can apply through the RTA's online portal or visit a Customer Happiness Centre. The fee is currently around AED 100–200. Without this certificate, Dubai Customs simply won't process your clearance request.

Step 5: Get Dubai Customs Clearance

With your RTA Export Certificate and the rest of your documents assembled, you submit everything to Dubai Customs. The customs team cross-checks your paperwork against the UAE and international vehicle databases, verifies the VIN, and reviews the declared value. For most standard exports, the UAE charges no export duty at all; so customs clearance is mainly an administrative step. Once approved, you receive the clearance stamp that formally authorizes the vehicle to leave the country.

Step 6: Arrange Shipping

With customs clearance in hand, you work with your chosen freight forwarder or shipping agent to get the car to port; Jebel Ali handles the vast majority of UAE vehicle exports, though Khalifa Port and Fujairah are also options depending on your destination. You'll choose between RoRo shipping (where the car is driven directly onto the vessel) or container shipping (where it's loaded into a sealed box). Book your slot in advance because departure dates on popular routes fill up quickly. Confirm the booking, take out marine cargo insurance, and coordinate the delivery window with the port.

Step 7: Finalise Your Documents and Track the Shipment

Before the ship departs, the shipping company issues your Bill of Lading; the document that confirms your car is on board and heading to its declared destination. Keep copies of everything: the export certificate, customs clearance, Bill of Lading, and the original purchase invoice. The destination country's customs authority will want all of these when the car arrives. Use your freight forwarder's tracking system to follow the shipment in real time.

Complete Documentation Checklist

One of the biggest causes of export delays is documentation inconsistency; the VIN on one document doesn't match another, or a document is missing entirely. Before you start the process, run through this checklist. Every document needs to show identical vehicle details: the same VIN, engine number, model year, color, and make across every page.

Document	What It's For	Who Issues It	Status
Vehicle Registration (Mulkiya)	Proves you legally own the car — includes VIN, engine number, your details	RTA / Seller	Required
RTA Export Certificate	The main authorization that lets the car leave the UAE — nothing moves without this	RTA Dubai	Required
Your Passport Copy	Confirms who the exporter is	You	Required
Purchase Invoice	Declares the car's value for customs and import duty at destination	Seller / Dealer	Required
Dubai Customs Export Declaration	Official stamp that the car is cleared to exit the UAE	Dubai Customs	Required
RTA Vehicle Inspection Report	Confirms the chassis number and car identity matches all paperwork	Tasjeel / Shamil	Required
Bill of Lading	Proof the car is on the ship and heading to its destination	Shipping Company	Required
Notarised Power of Attorney	Lets a local agent handle everything on your behalf if you're not in Dubai	Notary	If Applicable
Bank Mortgage Release Letter	Confirms the car loan is fully cleared — RTA won't proceed without this	Your Bank	If Financed
Certificate of Origin	Required by some GCC countries — confirms where the car originated	Dubai Chamber	Destination Dependent
Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate	Covers the car against damage or loss during the sea journey	Your Insurer	Strongly Recommended
Trade License	Required if you're exporting multiple vehicles commercially	DED / FRA	Commercial Only

Practical Tip: Keep a separate folder; physical and digital; with clear copies of every document. Originals travel with the car. Your copies stay with you to handle any queries at the destination port.
— Source Vehicle

What Does It Actually Cost to Export a Car from Dubai?

The vehicle purchase price aside, here's a realistic breakdown of every fee you'll encounter through the export process. These are the 2026 ranges — actual costs vary based on your vehicle type, destination, and which service providers you use. There are no hidden charges if you know what to expect upfront.

What You're Paying For	Estimated Cost (AED)	Notes
RTA Vehicle Inspection	170 – 250	Depends on your vehicle type and which inspection center you use
RTA De-Registration	50 – 150	Standard admin fee to cancel the UAE plates
RTA Export Certificate	100 – 200	The most critical document — fees can change so check RTA's portal
Dubai Customs Clearance	200 – 500	The UAE itself charges no export duty on most vehicles
Traffic Fine Clearance	Depends on fines	Every outstanding fine must be paid before the export certificate is issued
Transport to Port	150 – 400	Getting your car from your location to Jebel Ali
Port Handling & Yard Fees	300 – 800	Varies depending on how long the car sits at the port
RoRo Shipping (sea freight)	1,500 – 6,000+	Africa routes tend to be cheaper; Europe routes cost more
Container Shipping	3,500 – 12,000+	Much better protection — worth it for luxury or high-value cars
GCC Road Transport	800 – 2,500	Fastest and cheapest for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain
Marine Cargo Insurance	0.5% – 1.5% of car value	Strongly recommended — don't skip this
Export Agent / Freight Forwarder	500 – 2,500	Handles all the paperwork and port logistics for you
Power of Attorney (if needed)	200 – 600	Only required if a local agent is acting on your behalf

Money-saving Insight: A good export agent is often worth the fee. They deal with RTA, customs, and Jebel Ali Port every single day. They know the shortcuts, they catch document errors before they become expensive problems, and they can often negotiate better freight rates through established carrier relationships. Source Vehicle's partner network provides this end-to-end service
— Source Vehicle

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

Once customs gives you the green light, the shipping decision comes down to budget, security needs, and destination. Here's a straightforward comparison of your three main options:

Method	Best For	Typical Cost	Transit Time	Key Advantage
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)	Standard cars, bulk exports	AED 1,500 – 6,000+	3–30 days	Most cost-effective for everyday vehicles
Container (FCL)	Luxury, classic, high-value cars	AED 3,500 – 12,000+	5–35 days	Maximum protection from weather and damage
Road Transport	GCC neighbours only	AED 800 – 2,500	1–5 days	Fastest option for regional destinations

For most standard vehicles going to Africa or the Middle East, RoRo is the practical default; it's cost-effective, reliable, and the port handles high volumes every week. If you're exporting a Land Cruiser, a Porsche, or anything that would be difficult or expensive to replace in damaged condition, the extra cost of container shipping is absolutely worth it.

What to Expect at Different Destinations

Dubai's export process is your responsibility to complete correctly on the UAE side. But the destination country has its own import rules, and you need to understand both before you buy the vehicle.

GCC Countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman)

GCC is the most accessible export route from Dubai. Standard import duty across the Gulf is 5% of vehicle value. Saudi Arabia has the strictest requirements; vehicles need SABER certification and must comply with GSO/SASO safety standards. Saudi Arabia also generally won't accept vehicles older than 5 model years. Road transport is the fastest and cheapest option for all GCC destinations.

Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa)

Dubai is one of the biggest sources of vehicle imports across sub-Saharan Africa. Age restrictions vary widely; many countries accept cars up to 8–15 years old. RoRo shipping from Jebel Ali to West African ports typically takes 14–25 days. Import duties on the African side are notably higher, often ranging from 25% to 45% of the car's CIF (cost + insurance + freight) value, so factor this into your total landed cost calculation.

Europe (UK, Germany, Bulgaria, Ukraine)

EU import duty on passenger cars is 6.5%. Vehicles need to meet Euro emissions standards, and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is typically required. Right-hand drive vehicles are not accepted in most Continental European countries. The UK applies its own post-Brexit tariff schedule. European buyers tend to be particularly rigorous about documentation, so make sure every paper is in order before the car arrives.

South and Southeast Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)

This is the most restricted region for used vehicle imports. India essentially prohibits used car imports except under specific transfer-of-residence provisions. Pakistan limits used imports to vehicles no older than 3 years. Always check the exact current rules with the destination country's customs authority before you commit to buying a specific vehicle; the regulations in this region change more frequently than elsewhere.

Tips from Source Vehicle's Export Team:

• Always check the chassis number physically against the paperwork before completing the purchase. A mismatch; even a single digit; will cause major problems at the destination port.

• Request the full UAE registration history and service records from the seller. These help support your declared vehicle value at destination customs.

• Book your shipping slot before completing the RTA paperwork. Vessels on popular routes — especially West Africa; fill up fast.

• Clear all traffic fines and Salik charges before your first RTA visit. Even a small outstanding fine will block the export certificate from being issued.

• If you're a non-resident buying specifically for export, work with a local licensed agent from day one; they navigate this process daily and significantly reduce your risk of costly errors.

• Keep your document copies completely separate from the originals. One set travels with the car, the other stays with you for import clearance queries.

Mistakes That Cost Foreign Exporters Time and Money

After handling hundreds of export transactions, the same avoidable errors come up again and again. Knowing what they are is half the battle:

• Trying to export a financed vehicle too soon. The bank mortgage release needs to be formally processed in the RTA database — not just paid off. Banks can take 3–7 working days to update RTA. Start this step early.

• Missing the shipping vessel. Underestimating how long customs clearance takes and missing a pre-booked departure slot is a common and expensive mistake. Build buffer time into your timeline.

• Document inconsistencies. The VIN or engine number differs between the RTA certificate and the customs declaration. It sounds simple, but it happens frequently and causes days of delay.

• Buying without checking destination rules first. Purchasing a right-hand drive vehicle for export to Germany, or a 10-year-old car for Saudi Arabia, are expensive errors that happen before the export process even begins.

• Skipping marine cargo insurance. It costs less than 1.5% of the vehicle's value. The cost of replacing a car that gets damaged in transit is substantially higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner with no UAE residency export a car from Dubai?

Yes. You don't need to be a UAE resident to export a vehicle. Non-resident foreign nationals can legally complete the full export process, though the vehicle purchase needs to go through a registered UAE dealer or licensed export agent. If you can't be in Dubai throughout the process, a local agent with a notarised Power of Attorney can handle everything on your behalf.

What is the RTA Export Certificate and why can't you do without it?

The RTA Export Certificate is the document that officially authorizes a vehicle to permanently leave the UAE. It carries your details as the exporter, the importer's details, full vehicle specifications, the destination country, and RTA's official sign-off. Dubai Customs won't process your export clearance request without it; so the rest of the process literally cannot move forward until this is in your hands. It costs around AED 100–200 and is issued after the vehicle is de-registered.

How long does the whole export process take?

From the moment the car is purchased to the moment it leaves Jebel Ali, expect 7 to 21 working days. The biggest variable is how quickly all the bank and traffic fine clearances come through; these are third-party timelines that can't always be accelerated. RTA inspection and de-registration typically take 1–3 days. Customs clearance takes 1–3 days. The main constraint after that is vessel availability on your chosen route. Working with an experienced export agent can significantly compress the overall timeline.

Does the UAE charge any export duty on cars?

No. The UAE doesn't levy export duty on most vehicle categories. You'll pay administrative fees for customs processing, RTA services, and port handling; but there's no duty charged on the car itself as it leaves the country. Import duty at the destination is a separate matter entirely and varies significantly: 5% in most GCC countries, up to 6.5% in the EU, and up to 45% in some African markets.

What if the car still has a bank loan attached to it?

You cannot export it until the loan is fully repaid and the bank has formally released the lien in the RTA system. Paying off the loan isn't enough on its own; the bank needs to actually update the RTA database, which typically takes 3–7 working days after your final payment. Factor this delay into your planning, and follow up with the bank to confirm the RTA update has been completed before booking your inspection.

What's the difference between RoRo and container shipping?

With RoRo shipping, your car is driven directly onto a specialised car carrier vessel and secured there for the journey. It's the most cost-effective option and works well for standard vehicles. Container shipping puts the car inside a sealed 20ft or 40ft box, which provides much better protection against weather, dust, salt air, and general handling. RoRo typically costs AED 1,500–6,000+ per vehicle. Containers run AED 3,500–12,000+. For luxury cars, classics, or anything high-value, the extra cost of a container is worth it.

What documents does the destination country need when the car arrives?

The core package that virtually every destination requires includes: the original RTA Export Certificate, Dubai Customs clearance declaration, the original purchase invoice, the Bill of Lading, your passport copy, and a Certificate of Origin. GCC countries may have additional certification requirements, Saudi Arabia needs SABER compliance documentation, for example. European countries typically require a Certificate of Conformity. Always verify the exact requirements with the destination country's customs authority or a local clearing agent before the car departs.

Can I export an electric vehicle from Dubai using the same process?

Yes, the RTA and customs process for electric and hybrid vehicles is the same as for conventional cars. However, additional documentation may be required at the destination port: battery certification, high-voltage safety compliance papers, and specific EV conformity certificates for some markets. Some GCC countries offer reduced import duty rates for EVs and hybrids, so it's worth checking the specific rate applicable to your vehicle's classification before export.

Final Thoughts: Getting Your Dubai Car Export Right in 2026

Dubai's status as a global vehicle export hub isn't going anywhere. The infrastructure, the inventory, the pricing, and the shipping connections from Jebel Ali make it one of the most commercially attractive places in the world to source vehicles for export. But the opportunity only pays off when you execute the legal process correctly; and that means treating every step, from ownership verification through to the final Bill of Lading, with the attention it deserves.

The mistakes that cost foreign exporters money are almost all avoidable with proper preparation. Know your destination country's import rules before you buy. Clear all financial and traffic obligations before approaching the RTA. Keep your documentation consistent. Book your shipping early. Insure the vehicle for the journey. And if this is your first time navigating the Dubai export process, working with an experienced local partner makes the whole thing significantly less stressful and significantly more likely to go smoothly.

Source Vehicle works with foreign buyers and commercial exporters across the full end-to-end process; vehicle sourcing, RTA documentation, Dubai Customs clearance, and shipping coordination from Jebel Ali. If you have questions about your specific situation, or want a straightforward conversation about what exporting a vehicle from Dubai involves for you, get in touch with the team.