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MOVING TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Les Émirats Arabes Unis / Los Emiratos Arabes Unidos / Os Emirados Árabes Unidos / Die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate / Förenade Arabemiraten
A Guide to Relocating to United Arab Emirates
Want to move to Dubai? Considering moving to Abu Dhabi? Or thinking about an international removal to Sharjah. Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to the United Arab Emirates…
USEFUL DOWNLOADS
Everything you need to help you plan your international move to United Arab Emirates.
Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To United Arab Emirates
Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to the United Arab Emirates:
- Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
- Copy of Residence Visa on passport
- Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air / Waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to the UAE for you.
- Detailed Removal packing list – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
- Copy of Diplomatic Card or passport (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
- Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs for any exemption (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to the United Arab Emirates. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Emirati Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.
Additional Removal Advice
- Import shipments may be intensively inspected by Customs authorities.
- The importation of household goods and personal effects into the UAE is exempted from Customs duties.
- If any prohibited items are found during the Customs inspection, severe punishment will be imposed including fines, imprisonment or both.
- Import of all new goods etc. is subject to the payment of Customs duties at 5% of CIF value
- All import duties are charged based on the costs, insurance and freight (CIF) value of the shipment.
Useful Links
We always recommend speaking directly to the relevant embassy for the most accurate and up to date moving advice:
Popular Destinations in United Arab Emirates
Global Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in the United Arab Emirates:
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman. Get a quote to one of these places
Need Help?
If you are unsure about what you need, one of our international move managers is always willing to help. Just call us on +44 20 7097 5335 , or fill out an international removal enquiry, and we’ll ease you through the process.
Moving Your Money
If you’re moving to United Arab Emirates, it’s very likely you’ll have to exchange a large amount of currency. Many people waste thousands doing this through their bank as they think there is no alternative; but we partner with Global Reach who specialise in doing just this. Global Reach will offer all Global Moving Services customers preferential rates when exchanging currency and guarantee to beat other rates you’re receiving. Ask one of our move managers about this, to find out more click here or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335 .
Get Insurance
We always advise taking out an insurance policy with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.
If you have already contracted us for your international removal to United Arab Emirates, then you can download the insurance form and email the completed form back to your international relocation manager.
Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle
Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to United Arab Emirates:
- Vehicle Import Approval (VIA)
- Registration papers from country of origin
- Purchase receipt
Additional Import Advice
- Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
- Copy of UAE residence Visa
- Copy of Diplomatic Card (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
- BL / AWB
- Vehicle Certificate of Title (must include detailed description, including engine number, year of production, colour, etc.)
- Proof of ownership
- Original Certificate of Origin
- Commercial Invoice / Original Purchase Invoice
Relocating Your Pets to United Arab Emirates
These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to United Arab Emirates
- Copy of Owner Passport
- Copy of Residence visa
- Import Permits
- Veterinary details
- Medical Records
- AWB
- Copy of Diplomatic Card (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
Additional Import Advice
- Consignee must be present for Customs inspection.
- Used cars are subject to Customs duty and tax.
- Vehicles with tinted glass restricted for import.
Restricted & Dutiable/Taxable Items
Think very carefully before moving these items to the United Arab Emirates. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to The United Arab Emirates:
- The following items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated: Spirits, wine and beer (24 cans per carton and no more than 355 ml per can), Cigarettes (400), cigars (50), tobacco (500)
Prohibited/Banned Items
Do not move any of these items to United Arab Emirates:
- Weapons of all kinds
- Military uniforms
- Narcotics of all kinds, including poppy seeds, flowers and leaves
- Banned substances, including drugs and medicines without prescription
- Radio transmitters, wireless transmitters and communication equipment
- Pornographic materials
- Controversial political literature and materials contrary to Islamic principles
- Toxic and radioactive materials
- Items manufacture by Israeli black-list and of Israeli origin
- Food items containing pork
- Articles made from endangered animals or made of ivory
- Alcohol
- Statues and figures of animals with religious undertones
- Nude carvings and statues of humans
The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:
- Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
- Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
- Airbags
- Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
- Ammunition of any kind
- Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
- Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
- Biological Samples
- Car Batteries
- Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
- Chainsaws
- Cheques (Bank)
- Christmas Crackers
- Counterfeit Currency
- Dangerous Goods
- Driving Licence
- Drugs (Including Prescription)
- Engines
- Excrement / Filth
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fish (Dead or Live)
- Foodstuffs (all kinds)
- Hazardous Goods
- Human Remains (including ashes)
- Infectious Substances
- Knives
- Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
- Lighters
- Lottery Tickets
- Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
- Oils
- Paints
- Passports
- Perishable Goods (All)
- Plants / Seeds etc
- Printer Toner
- Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
- Stamps
- Tobacco
- Water
- Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
- Windscreens
Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Global Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Global Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.