Car Import Rules: Japan to Dubai 2025 Guide
So, you live in Dubai and want a new set of wheels. You look around the local market. Good options exist. But you may want something different. You may want a better price. Your attention turns to Japan—a smart move. Japan’s used car market is legendary.
However, getting a car from Tokyo to Dubai requires a solid plan. The rules in the UAE are specific. They are strict, too. This 2025 guide breaks down the procedure. We will look at the costs, the paperwork, and the requirements you face when you import a car from Japan to Dubai.
Why Import a Car from Japan to Dubai?
Why go through the trouble? It often comes down to two things: condition and selection. Japan’s domestic market vehicles are usually well-kept. The country’s strict inspection system keeps cars in good shape. You often find lower mileage examples compared to the local Dubai market.
Also, the selection is unique. While most people think of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars, Japan is also a source for Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles. Think of German luxury cars or American SUVs previously imported to Japan. These cars offer great value when re-exported to Dubai. It’s a clever way to buy a premium vehicle.
Who Can Import a Car to Dubai in 2025?
The UAE government sets clear rules for importers. You must hold a valid UAE residency visa. You also need an Emirates ID. Tourists cannot import vehicles for permanent use. Companies registered in the UAE can also import vehicles, provided they have the correct trade license. Pretty basic requirements, right?
Car Eligibility Criteria for Import from Japan
Okay, here is the main hurdle. The UAE mandates Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles for road use. Japan, conversely, uses Right-Hand Drive (RHD) cars. So, how does this work?
You must source LHD vehicles from Japan. These are often European or American models—Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Jeep—which someone in Japan imported years ago. These are the vehicles suitable for Dubai car import regulations.
Some exceptions exist. Classic cars over 30 years old might get approval in RHD format. However, for daily drivers, LHD is the rule. Also, the UAE restricts imports of cars older than four years unless you hold specific permits or meet certain criteria. Always check the car’s age first.
Step-by-Step Process to Import a Car from Japan to Dubai
The procedure involves a few stages. It seems complex, but a good partner makes it manageable.
- Sourcing & Purchase: You find the LHD car at a Japanese auction or dealer. Skyery Auto assists here.
- Export from Japan: The car needs to be deregistered in Japan. An Export Certificate is issued.
- Shipping: We arrange the car’s shipment from Japan to Dubai, usually to Jebel Ali Port.
- Dubai Customs Clearance. You pay duties and taxes once the car arrives. You receive a Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC).
- RTA Inspection: The car must pass an RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) inspection.
- Registration: You get insurance and register the car. New UAE plates are issued.
Required Documents for Car Import to Dubai
Paperwork is key. A missed document means delays at the port. You will need:
- The original Invoice for the vehicle (to prove ownership and value).
- The Bill of Lading (the shipping document).
- The official Japanese Export Certificate.
- Your Passport, UAE Visa, and Emirates ID.
We help organize these documents before the ship arrives. Good preparation speeds up clearance.
Customs Duties, VAT & Other Fees (2025 Update)
The costs add up. You need a solid budget for the car import tax in Dubai in 2025. The main fees are standard in the UAE.
- Customs Duty: 5% of the car’s valuation (determined by UAE Customs).
- VAT (Value Added Tax): 5% (calculated on the car’s value plus the customs duty).
You will also pay fees for port handling, customs clearance agents, RTA testing, and registration. The Japan to UAE car shipping cost also affects your total landed price. Budget accordingly.
Vehicle Registration After Import
You have the VCC. The car is officially in the UAE. What happens next? You need to get it road-legal. The vehicle must undergo testing at an authorized RTA facility, like Tasjeel or Shamil. The Dubai vehicle registration for imports process checks the car’s safety and confirms it meets UAE standards.
You acquire UAE insurance if the car passes the RTA inspection and the imported car check. Then you register the vehicle with the RTA. You get your plates. You are ready to drive.
Why Use Skyery Auto for Japanese Car Imports to Dubai
The process has many moving parts. Customs rules. Shipping logistics. RTA standards. It can feel overwhelming. Skyery Auto specializes in this exact route. We know how to import a car from Japan to the UAE.
Our team in Japan sources the specific LHD models suitable for the UAE market. We handle the export procedures in Japan. We manage the shipping of a car from Japan to Dubai. Our local Dubai team helps with clearance and guides the RTA process. The Skyery Auto Dubai import service simplifies your acquisition. We handle the complex parts so that you can enjoy your new vehicle.
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