Can I import a right-hand-drive Japanese car to the UAE?

No — right-hand-drive vehicles cannot be registered on UAE roads. The UAE is a left-hand-drive country and the RTA does not permit RHD registration. We source LHD Japanese-market and GCC-export cars at auction, so your vehicle arrives registration-ready.

What is the age limit for importing a car to the UAE?

UAE RTA requires imported vehicles to be less than ten years old from the date of manufacture. For 2026 imports that means a 2016 model or newer. Vehicles older than ten years require special RTA approval, which is rarely granted for standard private vehicles. Classic cars thirty years old or older may qualify for heritage brown-plate registration under a separate process.

How much is the import duty on a car in the UAE?

5% GCC customs duty on the CIF value, plus 5% UAE VAT on the CIF-plus-duty total — a combined burden of roughly 10.25% of CIF. Non-GCC-spec vehicles also face ESMA compliance testing costs. Our team confirms the exact figure for your car before you commit.

Which port does my car arrive at in the UAE?

Jebel Ali Port in Dubai is the primary entry point for imported vehicles. It is one of the busiest container ports in the world and connects directly to all the emirate delivery routes we cover.

Do you handle the RTA inspection and registration paperwork?

Yes. Our licensed team manages UAE customs clearance, ESMA testing where required, and the RTA technical inspection at an authorised centre. We arrange delivery to your emirate once the car clears inspection — you do not need to deal with the port or authority offices yourself.

Cost to import a car from Japan to United Arab Emirates

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

The UAE is one of the most active used-car markets in the Gulf, and Japanese vehicles are prized for their reliability and competitive purchase price at auction. The critical rule to understand before you start: the UAE is a left-hand-drive country, and right-hand-drive cars — which make up the bulk of Japan's domestic stock — cannot be registered on UAE roads. We source LHD Japanese-market and re-export cars that meet UAE RTA specifications, so your car arrives legally registrable from day one. Additionally, the UAE requires all imported vehicles to be less than ten years old from the date of manufacture; for 2026 imports that means a 2016 model or newer must be in your hands, and anything older requires special RTA approval that is rarely granted for standard private vehicles. On the cost side the UAE is comparatively light: the GCC applies a 5% customs duty on the CIF value, and UAE VAT of 5% is then charged on the CIF-plus-duty total, giving a combined tax burden of roughly 10.25% of CIF — far lower than most markets in Asia or Africa. Non-GCC-spec cars also face ESMA compliance testing on arrival, which our team factors into every quote. Jebel Ali Port is the primary entry point, and our licensed team handles the full chain: auction sourcing in Japan, export, ocean freight to Jebel Ali, RTA technical inspection at an authorised centre (Tasjeel, Shamil or equivalent), and delivery to your emirate.

Main ports: Jebel Ali Port
Import age rule: UAE RTA requires imported vehicles to be less than 10 years old from the manufacturing date. Vehicles over 10 years require special RTA approval. Classic vehicles ≥30 years may qualify for heritage brown-plate registration with separate approval.
Steering: LHD
Duties & taxes: 5% GCC customs duty on CIF + 5% UAE VAT on (CIF + duty). Combined burden ~10.25% of CIF. LHD only; RHD not registrable. Vehicles must be <10 years old from manufacturing date.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to United Arab Emirates

Confirm LHD eligibility and age
Tell us your budget and requirements. We only shortlist left-hand-drive cars built in 2016 or later (for 2026 imports) so the vehicle clears UAE RTA rules cleanly. We also check ESMA compliance requirements for non-GCC-spec models before sourcing.
Auction sourcing in Japan
Using our licensed USS auction access (Members Card L-1525), our team finds the specific car, reads its auction sheet and grade, and confirms real condition — mileage, accident history and specification — before you commit.
Export and ocean freight to Jebel Ali
We handle Japanese export customs, book the vehicle onto a vessel bound for Jebel Ali Port, and send you the sailing schedule and container tracking.
UAE customs clearance and ESMA testing
On arrival we clear UAE customs, pay the 5% GCC duty and 5% VAT, and arrange ESMA compliance testing if required for non-GCC-spec vehicles. Salvage-title cars are rejected at this stage — we never source them.
RTA technical inspection
Every imported vehicle must pass an RTA technical inspection at an authorised centre (Tasjeel, Shamil, etc.) before it can be registered. We schedule this and accompany the paperwork.
Delivery to your emirate
After inspection the car is delivered to your door in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain or wherever you are, at a price quoted upfront before you pay anything.

Import duties & taxes in United Arab Emirates explained

The UAE levies a 5% GCC customs duty on the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value of an imported vehicle. UAE VAT of 5% is then applied to the combined CIF-plus-duty amount, making the total tax burden approximately 10.25% of CIF — one of the lightest in the region. Non-GCC-spec vehicles are subject to ESMA compliance testing, which adds an additional step and cost that varies by make and model. Note that only LHD vehicles can be registered, and the car must be under ten years old from the manufacturing date. Because the exact customs value and testing requirements depend on your specific car's year, spec and declared CIF, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for United Arab Emirates

Toyota Land Cruiser
The dominant choice across the Gulf — legendary off-road capability, massive resale value, and easily found in GCC-spec LHD through Japan's auction lanes. The 200 Series and 300 Series are perennially in demand in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
See prices
Toyota Prado
A slightly smaller and more affordable alternative to the Land Cruiser, with the same Toyota reliability and strong resale in the UAE — popular as a family SUV across all seven emirates.
See prices
Nissan Patrol
The other iconic Gulf SUV. The Y62 Patrol is a flagship family hauler in the UAE, and Japanese-market and GCC-export examples available at auction command strong interest from buyers who want the full V8 specification.
See prices
Honda Fit
For buyers after a practical, fuel-efficient city car rather than an SUV, the Japanese-market Fit offers a well-packaged cabin and hybrid options at a very accessible auction price — noting it is RHD from Japan's domestic market, so we confirm LHD sourcing options before proceeding.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A reliable compact sedan at a budget price point, sourced through Japanese domestic auctions. We confirm steering eligibility on a per-unit basis for UAE registration requirements.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in United Arab Emirates

Dubai — Delivery from Jebel Ali Port to Dubai runs approximately $60 for a sedan.
Abu Dhabi — Delivery from Jebel Ali Port to Abu Dhabi runs approximately $120 for a sedan.
Jebel Ali — Collection at Jebel Ali Port costs approximately $150 for a sedan.
Sharjah — Delivery from Jebel Ali Port to Sharjah runs approximately $160 for a sedan.
Ajman — Delivery from Jebel Ali Port to Ajman runs approximately $170 for a sedan.
Al Ain — Delivery from Jebel Ali Port to Al Ain runs approximately $190 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a right-hand-drive Japanese car to the UAE?: No — right-hand-drive vehicles cannot be registered on UAE roads. The UAE is a left-hand-drive country and the RTA does not permit RHD registration. We source LHD Japanese-market and GCC-export cars at auction, so your vehicle arrives registration-ready.
What is the age limit for importing a car to the UAE?: UAE RTA requires imported vehicles to be less than ten years old from the date of manufacture. For 2026 imports that means a 2016 model or newer. Vehicles older than ten years require special RTA approval, which is rarely granted for standard private vehicles. Classic cars thirty years old or older may qualify for heritage brown-plate registration under a separate process.
How much is the import duty on a car in the UAE?: 5% GCC customs duty on the CIF value, plus 5% UAE VAT on the CIF-plus-duty total — a combined burden of roughly 10.25% of CIF. Non-GCC-spec vehicles also face ESMA compliance testing costs. Our team confirms the exact figure for your car before you commit.
Which port does my car arrive at in the UAE?: Jebel Ali Port in Dubai is the primary entry point for imported vehicles. It is one of the busiest container ports in the world and connects directly to all the emirate delivery routes we cover.
Do you handle the RTA inspection and registration paperwork?: Yes. Our licensed team manages UAE customs clearance, ESMA testing where required, and the RTA technical inspection at an authorised centre. We arrange delivery to your emirate once the car clears inspection — you do not need to deal with the port or authority offices yourself.