Key rules
- Age: Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally accept cars up to 10 years old from the year of manufacture; Sharjah and other emirates are similar but enforcement varies.
- Customs duty 5% of the CIF value, plus VAT 5% on CIF + duty.
- Specification: the model should be sold or approved for GCC markets, and the car must pass ESMA safety and emissions testing. Some non-GCC cars need changes (for example lighting or speedometer).
- Salvage and flood-damaged cars are typically rejected.
Steps after arrival
- Customs clearance (Jebel Ali is the most common port)
- ESMA compliance and emissions testing
- Roadworthiness test (Tasjeel in Dubai, MVPI in Abu Dhabi)
- Insurance and registration
Korean-spec cars: ask before you order
Korean cars are left-hand drive like the UAE, but a Korean-market version is not automatically a GCC-spec car. Send us the model you want and we will share the VIN and specification sheet so your agent can confirm what testing or changes are needed.
2024 Hyundai The New Avante (Elantra) (CN7) 1.6 Modern
41,022 Km · First registered: 2023-06-02
Accident history: No · Panels repaired/replaced: 0 · Insurance claims (own): None recorded
Listed at: $14,474 — View car & photos →
2023 Hyundai The New Kona Hybrid Modern
90,411 Km · First registered: 2022-07-12
Accident history: No · Panels repaired/replaced: 0 · Insurance claims (own): None recorded
Listed at: $12,665 — View car & photos →
Frequently asked questions
How old can a used car be to register in Dubai?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally accept cars up to 10 years old from the year of manufacture. Check with the RTA for your exact case.
What is the customs duty on a car imported into the UAE?
5% of the CIF value, plus 5% VAT on CIF plus duty.
Do Korean cars need GCC specification?
The model should be sold or approved for GCC markets and pass ESMA testing. Some cars need modifications before registration.