Import a Car from UAE to the UK

The UAE is a popular source for low-mileage, well-kept cars — especially for returning expats. By default expect 10% customs duty plus 20% VAT, but Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief can remove both entirely for qualifying expats. GCC-spec cars usually need IVA and lighting modifications.

• ToR relief removes duty and VAT for returning residents meeting the 12+6 month rules — apply before shipping.
• GCC-spec cars need IVA and rear fog light added for UK use.
• Cars under 10 years old need a full IVA test (£199).
• Shipping from Jebel Ali takes 5-9 weeks.

How much does it cost to import a car from Dubai to the UK?

Budget roughly 35-50% on top of the UAE purchase price. That covers shipping from Jebel Ali (£1,200-2,500), 10% customs duty, 20% VAT on the duty-inclusive value, IVA test (£199), GCC-spec modifications, and DVLA registration (£55). Returning expats who qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief pay no duty or VAT at all, which cuts the added costs dramatically.

Can I bring my car back from Dubai without paying duty and VAT?

Possibly, yes. Transfer of Residence (ToR1) relief gives full exemption from both the 10% duty and 20% VAT if you're moving your normal home to the UK, lived outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months, and owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before the move. You cannot sell the vehicle within 12 months of import. Apply to HMRC before the car ships.

Are Dubai cars left-hand drive, and is that legal in the UK?

UAE cars are left-hand drive, and LHD vehicles are fully legal on UK roads — there is no requirement to convert to right-hand drive. You will need to convert the headlights to a UK (left-dipping) beam pattern, fit a rear fog light, and for cars under 10 years old ensure the speedometer displays mph.

Do UAE imports need an IVA test?

If the car is under 10 years old, yes — most UAE imports fall into this bracket. Cars sold new in the UAE are GCC-spec and generally lack EU type approval, so they need an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test costing £199. Vehicles more than 10 years old are exempt from IVA and just need an MOT (if over 3 years old) before registration.

How long does shipping a car from Dubai to the UK take?

Sea freight from Jebel Ali to Southampton or Tilbury typically takes 3-5 weeks, by RoRo or container. Allowing for UAE export paperwork, UK customs clearance, IVA modifications and testing, and DVLA registration, the full door-to-road process usually takes 5-9 weeks.

What paperwork do I need from the UAE before shipping?

You need a vehicle export certificate from the RTA (in Dubai) or the equivalent authority in your emirate, which cancels the UAE registration. Any outstanding finance must be settled first — mortgaged vehicles cannot be exported. You'll also need the bill of sale or purchase invoice, your passport/Emirates ID copies, and the shipping documentation (bill of lading) for UK customs.

Primary sources

This guide maps to official GOV.UK guidance. Always check the current source for the latest rules before you submit your V55/5.

• Register a used vehicle for the first time (V55/5 form & V355/5 guidance) — GOV.UK
• Importing vehicles into the UK (NOVA, duty, VAT) — GOV.UK
• Vehicle approval: Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) — GOV.UK
• Register an imported vehicle (registration and tax) — GOV.UK

v55-5.com is an independent service and is not affiliated with the DVLA, HMRC, or any government body.