How to Ship a Car from Dubai to Europe (2025 Guide) | Freight My Car

Planning to ship your car from Dubai to Europe? Learn about RTA export, customs duties, VAT, CoC, and registration in Germany, France, Netherlands & more. Expert tips included.

1. Preparing for Export in Dubai

Before your car ever sees a port, it must be legally cleared for export by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai.

Required Documents:

- Emirates ID & Passport Copy
- Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya)
- Export Certificate Request Form
- Proof of Sale (if applicable)
- Bank Clearance Letter
- No Objection Certificate (if financed)

Step-by-Step Export Certificate Process:

1. Visit RTA or vehicle testing center.
2. Request an Export Certificate.
3. Final inspection (if needed).
4. Surrender plates.
5. Pay fee (AED 100–150).
6. Receive certificate, export insurance, and plates.

2. Choosing the Right Shipping Method

Options:

A. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) - Cost-effective, open transport, $1,200–$1,800.
B. Container Shipping - Enclosed, better for luxury/classics, $2,000–$3,500.

3. Customs Clearance & Import Procedures in Europe

Import Duty: 10% of CIF value
VAT Rates:
- Germany: 19%
- France: 20%
- Netherlands: 21%
- Italy: 22%
- Spain: 21%

Required Documents:
- Export Certificate
- Bill of Lading
- Invoice, Passport, Insurance, CoO

4. Vehicle Compliance & Homologation in the EU

Homologation ensures safety/emission compliance.
Certificate of Conformity (CoC) proves compliance.

Country-Specifics:
- Germany: TÜV approval if no CoC
- Netherlands: RDW checks
- France: DRIRE inspection
- Italy: Local MOT approval

5. The 846A Certificate for France Registration

Certificat de dédouanement 846A proves duty/VAT payment.

Required for registration in France.
Issued by Bureau de Douane.

Required Documents:
- Mulkiya, Export Certificate, Invoice
- ID, Address Proof, Customs Forms

6. Registering the Car in Your Destination Country

Documents:
- Identity, CoC, Customs docs, Insurance, Inspection Report

Registration Fees:
- Germany: €120–€300
- Netherlands: €400+
- France: €250–€600
- Spain: Up to €1,000

7. Timeline Overview

Export Docs: 2–3 days
Shipping: 18–30 days
Customs: 3–5 days
Homologation: 5–15 days
Registration: 1–2 weeks
Total: 4–8 weeks

8. Cost Summary (Example: Dubai to Germany)

RTA Certificate: $50
Shipping: $1,300
Insurance: $100
Duty: $2,000
VAT: $4,180
Inspection: $150
Registration: $250
Total: ~$8,030

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Missing Export Certificate
- Ignoring CoC
- Undervaluing car
- No marine insurance
- Skipping pre-shipment inspection

Conclusion

Shipping your car from Dubai to Europe is doable—especially with proper prep.
Let Freight My Car handle the complexities—from Dubai’s export to European registration.

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