Importing a luxury supercar into the UAE is no longer a complex mystery—it’s a growing trend among car enthusiasts and collectors who want to own rare and powerful machines that aren’t always available locally. Whether you’re eyeing a Ferrari SF90, a Lamborghini Revuelto, or a McLaren 765LT, this 2025 guide will walk you through every step of legally importing a Luxury vehicle into the UAE.
Why Import a Supercar to the UAE in 2025?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have long been hotspots for exotic vehicles, but not every make or model is available in the local market. Importing allows buyers to:
- Get the exact configuration they want
- Access rare or limited-edition supercars
- Purchase vehicles at competitive global prices
- Avoid certain local dealership markups
With a growing number of UAE residents and expats passionate about high-performance vehicles, 2025 is seeing a rise in personal imports — thanks to improved regulations and streamlined customs processes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing a Super Luxury cars
Step 1: Choose a Compliant Vehicle
Before importing, ensure the car meets UAE regulations, which include:
- GCC specifications or equivalent (Gulf Cooperation Council compliant)
- Left-hand drive vehicles only
- Emissions and safety standards (EU or US standards accepted with conditions)
- Not older than 5 years (for non-GCC specs)
Note: Classic cars (over 30 years old) follow different rules and require approval from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Step 2: Get the Required Documents
You’ll need the following:
- Original invoice of the vehicle
- Export certificate from the country of origin
- Passport or Emirates ID
- UAE residency visa (or company license if importing under a business)
- Valid insurance policy (UAE-based)
- Vehicle emissions and compliance documents
Step 3: Arrange International Shipping
You can choose between:
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): More affordable, but open transport
- Container shipping: Secure, ideal for high-value supercars
Shipping time varies, but from Europe or the US to UAE, expect 3–6 weeks on average.
This is where you may need experts who can boldly help you to ship a car to UAE from Europe using certified global carriers.
Step 4: Pay UAE Customs Duties
As of 2025, the UAE applies:
- 5% Customs Duty on the car’s value (assessed by customs, not just your invoice)
- 5% VAT on total value (car + shipping + duty)
If the car is non-GCC compliant, additional testing and fees may apply. GCC-certified vehicles clear more quickly.
Step 5: RTA Inspection and Registration
Once your car arrives:
- Submit it for an RTA vehicle inspection in Dubai (check for emissions, lights, safety)
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If cleared, proceed with registration by providing:
- Customs clearance certificate
- Original shipping documents
- Insurance
- Vehicle inspection report
Registration plates are then issued, and you're ready to hit the road.
Step 6: Optional – Work with a Car Import Specialist
To save time and avoid mistakes, many luxury car owners work with agencies or car import services in Dubai. These firms handle:
- Customs clearance
- Compliance certification
- Insurance setup
- RTA registration
It’s especially useful if you’re importing more than one vehicle or don’t reside in the UAE full-time.
Important Tips for Imports
- Double-check compliance: Ensure your car model is accepted in UAE
- Use a licensed shipping agent
- Include hidden port handling fees
- Avoid heavily modified vehicles
If your car isn’t GCC spec, you’ll need extra testing, so always read a GCC spec car import guide or consult a professional.
Thinking of importing your dream car to the UAE? Whether it's a Ferrari, Bentley, or Bugatti, our experts can help you handle every step, from compliance to clearance.
Contact Super Luxury Car Rental today to get professional support with your car import needs or explore our wide range of exotic car rental services in Dubai.
FAQs
Q1. Can I import a used luxury car to the UAE in 2025?
Yes, but the car should be no more than 5 years old (unless it's a classic car) and must meet UAE standards.
Q2. How much does it cost to import a supercar into the UAE?
Costs include 5% customs duty, 5% VAT, shipping fees, and RTA inspection. Total varies based on car value and origin.
Q3. How long does it take to ship a car to the UAE?
Usually 3–6 weeks from Europe or the US. Processing may take 1–2 additional weeks locally.
Q4. Do I need GCC specs for my imported car?
GCC specs are preferred for quicker clearance. Non-GCC cars can still be imported but may require additional testing.
Q5. Can tourists import cars into the UAE?
No, only UAE residents or registered businesses can import vehicles legally for road use.
