Moving to UAE

IMPORT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS

For expat families, the process of moving to a new country, finding a suitable accommodation or good school for their kids is just one of the many things they have to deal with as they prepare to start life in their new environment. Managing the whole process alone can be stressful and time consuming, and so the help of relocation experts is highly recommended. At Move One Relocations we understand the importance of making a seamless transition when settling in your new destination, and are committed to making this possible.

Used household goods can be imported duty free. List of documents required for duty free customs clearance:

• Copy of passport
• Clear copy of detailed Inventory
• Valid UAE residence/work visa which is not over 6 months old at the time of arrival of the goods
• Signed Authorization letters in original – one addressed to the shipping line and one to the custom authorities (Formats will be provided by our office)
• If valid UAE residence visa is not available, a letter from the sponsor company in original will help in getting the shipment cleared duty free. A deposit of 5% of assessed value of the goods will be made to customs after which it will be refunded once receiving the visa. A time limit within which the visa has to be submitted to customs is 59 days, after which it will no more be refunded.
• If UAE visa is over 6 months old, customs duty at 5 % of assessed value of the goods will be applied.

Note: There is no set rule as how much, in terms of volume, can an individual imports to UAE. It is recommended though to have a reasonable volume that corresponds to the owner as an individual or a family.

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Returning citizens can bring in items duty free any time. List of documents required for duty free customs clearance:

• Passport copy
• Clear copy of detailed Inventory
• Authorization letters – one to shipping line and one to Dubai customs authorities

Note: There is no set rule as how much, in terms of volume, can an individual imports to UAE. It is recommended though to have a reasonable volume that corresponds to the owner as an individual or a family.

In order to clear house hold goods and personal effects duty free, it is mandatory to clear it within 6 months of returning to the country. In case of over 6 months, duty amount 5% from value of the goods will be applicable.

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Used personal effects can be brought duty free. List of documents required for duty free customs clearance:

• Passport copy
• Itemized Inventory
• Diplomatic visa or letter from embassy
• Authorization letters – one to shipping line and one to Dubai customs authorities

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The following items cannot be imported to UAE:

• Anti-Islam literature
• Pornography
• Firearms
• Narcotics
• Toxic and radioactive material
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Pork and/or Pork Products
• Anything originating in Israel and/or bearing the Jewish sign

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Vehicle import into UAE is subject to 5% duty on the assessed value of the car by customs. Documents required for clearance:

• Original title of the vehicle
• Export documentation from the country of origin or purchase invoice (If purchase invoice is not available, Move One can arrange custom made invoice with the value)
• Passport copy
• Valid UAE visa (stamped)
• Authorization letters in original

Notes
Vehicle should not be over 10 years old. One person cannot import more than one vehicle in one visa term. Move One can assist with vehicle registration formalities and help the shipper with processing insurance with additional charges.

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No special permits are needed for import of these items, for import clearance those documents need to be submitted which are required for import of normal household goods. For temporary imports (art works for exhibitions) valued inventory will be required. 5% of art work’s value has to be put as deposit until the goods are re-exported.

Notes
Before importing any special items to UAE, please contact our office in order to check the appropriate permit requirements.

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Import of tobacco products to UAE in an unaccompanied HHG shipment can be accepted if amount is limited to personal use. If amount is in bulk, it will be confiscated by customs and fine might be applied. Alcohol of up to 2 litres ONLY can be included in the unaccompanied household goods shipment. Alcohol above 2 litres in the shipment will be confiscated by customs.

Notes
If large amount of alcohol is found, the shipment will be confiscated and the customer may be fined for including these items into the shipment.

Import of stuffed animals or riffles are prohibited to be imported to the UAE.

Notes
If the above items are found in the shipment customs will confiscate and the customer may have to pay heavy penalty and/or face imprisonment. If one of these special items are included in the household goods (Ivory keys to Piano) a special permit might be required. Move One office should be contacted in advance to arrange the permit and confirm specific requirements.

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EXPORT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Regulations, charges or restrictions may apply to household goods exports as they leave UAE and when they arrive at their destination country. Specialists at Move One Relocations are experts in local rules and industry regulations and will handle your transaction on both sides. At Move One Relocations we understand the importance of making a seamless transition as your foreign assignment in UAE is coming to an end, and are committed to making this possible.

There is no restriction on export of HHG. For customs clearance foreign citizens need to provide the following documents:

• Passport copy
• Valid UAE visa (canceled page if canceled)
• Clear copy of detailed Inventory

UAE citizens
UAE citizens need to provide the following documents for export customs clearance:

• Passport copy

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Documents required for shipping:

• Passport copy
• Diplomatic visa copy/ ID

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• Anti-Islam literature
• Pornography
• Firearms
• Narcotics
• Toxic and radioactive material
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Food
• Stuffed animals

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Before a car is exported, it needs to have export plates which should be arranged by owner. The following documents will be required:

• Passport copy
• UAE visa page
• Original Export certificate from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA)
• Export plate

A car can either be driven by the owner to the port for loading to the container, or Move One can arrange a pick-up service from owner’s residence.

Notes
RTA certificate has to be taken by the shipper by providing the car title to the RTA department and this should be arranged prior to the loading of the car.

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No special permits are needed for export of these items. For export clearance those documents need to be submitted which are required for export of normal household goods.

Notes
As long as these items are used and in an acceptable quantity in the shipment these can be exported out of the UAE. Amount of carpets, paintings, artwork and antiques should be in proportion to the items being exported.

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