A Guide to Relocating to United Arab Emirates

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Important information you need to know when moving to the 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…

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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 when Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To the UAE

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.

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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

Gerson 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.

Additional Services for your move to the United Arab Emirates

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to the United Arab Emirates, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to the United Arab Emirates

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover 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.

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

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 Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

Trusted Global Moving Services –
Why Choose Us?

Real feedback from people who chose our international moving company.

Move from France to Australia

Rated 5 out of 5

“My move was way less stressful than expected! GMS packed everything, stored it for a week, and moved it all to my new home just as promised!”

Great Service!

Rated 5 out of 5

“GMS provided a very professional service when we moved to Spain last month. They were easy to work with and moved everything on time.”

Excellent service

Rated 5 out of 5

Best experience ever! I desperately needed a mover to help with a last minute relocation, and GMS were so helpful in making it a seamless process!”

A Guide to Relocating to United Arab Emirates

Important information you need to know when moving to the United Arab Emirates

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To United Arab Emirates

Additional Removal Advice when Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To the UAE

Useful Links

Popular Destinations in United Arab Emirates

Additional Services for your move to the United Arab Emirates

Moving Your Money

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to the United Arab Emirates

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Additional Import Advice

Relocating Your Pets to United Arab Emirates

Additional Import Advice

Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Prohibited / Banned Items

Do not move any of these items to United Arab Emirates:

Trusted Global Moving Services – Why Choose Us?

Move from France to Australia

Great Service!

Excellent service

Trusted Global Moving Services –
Why Choose Us?