UAE regulations for importing your household goods on relocation

If you’re planning on a long-stay move to the UAE and intend to take all your belongings with you, here’s most of what you’ll need to know about import taxes and duties.

Demographically speaking, expats far outnumber locals in the UAE, meaning you’ll have a ready-made, vibrant expat community once you’ve arrived. Bringing in your household goods may not be totally straightforward, but it’s far easier than in many other regions favoured by expat professionals.
The first good news is that your regular household effects and belongings including electronics are import duty and tax free for foreigners arriving for residence for the first time. It’s not surprising as, in recent years, the region has introduced many steps aimed at attracting expat professionals.

If you’re planning to travel back to your home country on a regular basis, either for work reasons or to visit family, the majority of personal effects you’ve purchased overseas as well as a certain amount of alcohol and tobacco will be duty free on your reentry. The UAE’s online customs page gives full details of allowable items and quantities. This also allows some leeway to include items you didn’t bring when you first arrived. Stuff to watch out for includes some medications, including codeine in any form, and checking out the customs page’s list of prohibited goods will save you from making a disastrous mistake out of ignorance.

If you’re considering importing your car, customs duty of five per cent will be levied, calculated on its market value plus one per cent insurance plus shipping costs. Be aware that UAE regulations only allow a five year depreciation valuation. A raft of documentation is required, including the original invoice, export declaration, shipping company trade license, a bill of lading, your passport and your visa or residence permit. Unless there’s a very special bond between you and your car, it’s far easier to simply buy another vehicle once you’re settled in!