Import Used Cars from Korea: 8 Questions Buyers Ask in 2026 (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan)
Age limits in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, duty and VAT in Kazakhstan, the Russia export ban, payment and documents — eight short answers with official and press sources.
If you want to import used cars from Korea, the same questions come up again and again: how old can the car be, what will customs charge, how do I pay safely, and which documents arrive with the car? Below are short, sourced answers for three markets our readers ask about most — the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan — plus the general rules that apply everywhere.
1. Why are so many buyers importing used cars from Korea?
Korea's used-car exports hit a record in 2025. According to Yonhap (via the Korea Times, 15 January 2026), used-car exports rose 75.1% to $8.87 billion. KITA data reported by the Korea JoongAng Daily (24 February 2026) shows used cars rose to 12.3% of Korea's total auto exports, up from 7.2% a year earlier. Kyrgyzstan was the biggest single buyer, and Kazakhstan, Libya and the UAE were among the other major destinations.
2. How old can the car be for the UAE?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally accept cars up to 10 years old from the year of manufacture. On arrival you pay 5% customs duty on the CIF value and 5% VAT on CIF plus duty. The car must also be a model sold or approved for GCC markets and pass ESMA testing — a Korean-market car is not automatically GCC spec. Our UAE import guide lists the steps after arrival (Jebel Ali clearance, ESMA, Tasjeel or MVPI, registration).
3. And for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is much stricter: passenger cars older than five years from the manufacturing date cannot be imported, and the car must be for personal use and in good condition. Shipping time counts too, so choose a car well inside the limit. Details are in our Saudi Arabia guide.
4. What does customs cost in Kazakhstan?
| Item (2026) | Rule |
|---|---|
| Import duty, car up to 7 years old | 15% |
| Car over 7 years old | 15%, with a minimum of €0.5–0.6 per cc |
| VAT | 16% |
| Recycling fee (utilsbor), petrol/diesel 1,001–2,000 cc | 756,875 tenge |
| Recycling fee, 2,001–3,000 cc | 1,081,250 tenge |
The recycling-fee amounts apply from 1 January 2026 (base rate 50 MRP, with 1 MRP = 4,325 tenge), as reported by Kolesa.kz. Keeping the engine at 2.0 litres or less and the car under seven years old keeps costs down. See our Kazakhstan guide.
5. Can you ship to Russia or Belarus?
No. Since February 2024 Korea has banned exports of used passenger cars with engines of 2,000 cc or more to Russia and Belarus (Korea Times, 20 February 2024). We ship only to the buyer's own country and do not arrange re-exports to those destinations.
6. Which documents come with the car?
- Export (deregistration) certificate — proves the car left Korea legally; needed for registration.
- Commercial invoice — the sale price for your customs.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) — needed to collect the car at the port.
- The inspection report and insurance history from the listing — useful for your broker, especially where damaged or flood cars are banned.
7. How do I pay safely?
By international bank transfer (T/T) to the company account printed on the official invoice — never to an account sent by chat or email. If you receive "new bank details", call us on WhatsApp before sending money.
8. What does a real car cost right now?
Here is one example from our stock on 8 November 2026. It is a 2023 model with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine — inside Saudi Arabia's five-year window today and under Kazakhstan's 2,000 cc recycling-fee band. The inspection shows no replaced panels and one small own-damage insurance claim.
2023 Hyundai Tucson (NX4) Gasoline 1.6 Turbo 2WD Modern
101,969 Km · First registered: 2022-10-04
Accident history: No · Panels repaired/replaced: 0 · Insurance claims (own): 1 (KRW 628,334)
Listed at: $11,941 — View car & photos →
Listed at $11,941 — may change with the exchange rate. Shipping and your local taxes are extra; ask us for a quote to your port.
Frequently asked questions
How old can a used car from Korea be for the UAE?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally accept cars up to 10 years old from the year of manufacture, and the car must pass ESMA testing.
Can I import a Korean car older than 5 years into Saudi Arabia?
No. Passenger cars older than five years from the manufacturing date are refused.
What is the VAT on an imported car in Kazakhstan?
16%, on top of a 15% import duty (with a per-cc minimum for cars over seven years old) and the recycling fee.
Do you ship cars to Russia?
No. Korea bans exports of used cars of 2,000 cc or more to Russia and Belarus, and we ship only to the buyer's own country.
How do I pay for a car from Korea safely?
By bank transfer to the company account on the official invoice only; confirm any change of bank details by phone first.
Looking for a car from Korea?
Tell us the model, budget and destination port. We check the car, send photos and inspection results, and handle export documents and shipping.
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