UAE → United Kingdom
Importing a Car to the UK from UAE
Import a car from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to the UK: RTA export certificate, Jebel Ali to Southampton shipping, 10% duty and 20% VAT, GCC-spec IVA, NOVA and DVLA registration.
Importing from UAE: Overview
Quick answer: get an RTA export certificate and export plates in Dubai, ship from Jebel Ali to Southampton by RoRo or container (3–4 weeks), pay 10% duty and 20% VAT or claim Transfer of Residence relief, file NOVA and pass IVA before DVLA registration.
The UAE is a big source of low-mileage supercars and SUVs — Range Rover, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser — and of returning expats bringing their own car home. UAE cars are left-hand drive and GCC-spec, so they normally need IVA with lighting and speedometer changes.
The Import Process Step by Step
1. Purchase & Checks
We confirm ownership, finance status and the build date of the vehicle in the UAE, and check whether it qualifies for Transfer of Residence or historic-vehicle relief.
2. Export from the UAE
The seller or our agent completes local export deregistration and delivers the car to Jebel Ali Port.
3. Ocean Freight
The car sails by RoRo or container to Southampton, Tilbury or Felixstowe. Typical transit is 3–4 weeks.
4. UK Customs Clearance
We submit the import declaration on CDS and settle duty and VAT (or claim relief) so the car can leave the port.
5. NOVA Notification
HMRC is notified through NOVA within 14 days of arrival, which DVLA needs before registration.
6. Approval & DVLA Registration
IVA, Mutual Recognition or historic-vehicle evidence as needed, then first registration on UK plates using form V55/5.
UK Rules & Compliance
Cars imported to the UK from outside the UK pay 10% customs duty and 20% import VAT on the customs value (price plus freight and insurance). Vehicles over 30 years old, unmodified and no longer in production can qualify as historic: 0% duty and 5% VAT. If you are moving to the UK and have owned and used the car abroad for at least 6 months, Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief can remove both duty and VAT. GCC-specification cars differ from UK/EU approval (lighting, emissions labelling, speedometer) and usually need IVA. Any outstanding fines or finance must be cleared before the RTA issues an export certificate.
Documents You Will Need
- RTA export certificate (Dubai) or ADP/ITC export documents (Abu Dhabi)
- Purchase invoice or bill of sale
- Bill of lading
- Passport and proof of UK address
- HMRC NOVA confirmation
- C88 import entry and duty/VAT payment, or ToR1 relief approval
- IVA / Mutual Recognition certificate, or Certificate of Conformity
- MOT certificate once registered, if over 3 years old
Transit Times & Costs
About 3–4 weeks by sea, then 2–4 weeks for customs, IVA and registration.
Container shipping from Jebel Ali to the UK is typically £1,400–£2,400 per car; RoRo is available on some sailings. Add duty and VAT unless ToR relief applies, IVA preparation and test fees, NOVA and registration.
UAE to UK Import FAQs
Can I bring my car from Dubai to the UK without paying tax?
Yes with Transfer of Residence relief if you have lived abroad for 12 months and owned and used the car for at least 6 months.
Do UAE cars need an IVA test?
Most do, because GCC-spec vehicles are not UK/EU type-approved. Common changes are headlamps, rear fog light and mph speedometer.
Is it cheaper to buy a supercar in Dubai?
Often, but after 10% duty, 20% VAT, shipping and IVA the saving can be small unless ToR relief applies.