How to Buy a Car from Japan and Import It to the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a car from Japan and importing it into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular choice for many UAE residents due to the high quality, low mileage, and affordability of Japanese used vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a luxury sedan, rugged SUV, or a rare JDM sports car, Japan offers some of the best-maintained vehicles in the world.

Here’s your complete guide on how to buy a car from Japan and import it into the UAE successfully.

1. Understand UAE Import Regulations

Before purchasing, ensure the car meets UAE Federal Transport Authority (FTA) and local customs requirements :

  • Must be right-hand drive
  • Maximum age of 8 years old (from date of first registration)
  • Must meet Euro 4 emissions standards or higher
  • Requires import license or agent
  • Must pass fitness and safety inspection at authorized centers

Always verify current rules with the UAE Federal Tax Authority .

2. Choose a Trusted Japanese Auction or Exporter

Popular platforms include:

  • Aucnet
  • Goo-net Exchange
  • Cars247
  • Be FORWARD

Most UAE buyers use a Dubai-based broker or export agent who can bid, inspect, and handle logistics on their behalf.

3. Search for Suitable Vehicles

Use filters like:

  • Make/model (Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Mazda CX-5 are popular in UAE)
  • Year (must be under 8 years old)
  • Mileage (below 50,000 km preferred)
  • Shaken expiration date (ensures recent inspection)
  • Body and mechanical condition reports

Look for auction grades of 3.5 or higher for better quality.

4. Review Inspection Reports and Photos

Each listing includes:

  • High-resolution photos
  • Damage grade (Body/Paint/Mechanical)
  • Engine and transmission status
  • Maintenance history
  • Shaken test results

Request a video walk-through or pre-purchase inspection (PPI) if unsure about the car’s condition.

5. Place a Bid or Purchase Directly

If using a broker:

  • Set your maximum bid
  • Confirm payment methods (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)
  • Ensure all fees are transparent (auction, broker, shipping)

Winning bidders must pay promptly to proceed with export.

6. Arrange Shipping to the UAE

Choose between:

  • Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) – Most cost-effective method
  • Container shipping – Better for luxury or vintage cars

The main destination ports in the UAE are:

  • Jebel Ali Port (Dubai)
  • Port Rashid (Dubai)

Select port-to-port or door-to-door delivery depending on your needs.

7. Handle Import and Registration in the UAE

Steps include:

  • Submit required documents:
    • Bill of sale
    • Bill of lading
    • Insurance certificate
    • Certificate of origin
  • Pay customs duty and VAT :
    • Typically 5% customs duty + 5% VAT (varies by emirate)
  • Pass vehicle inspection at authorized centers (e.g., Tasjeel , FZCO )
  • Register with the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) or local licensing center
  • Obtain plate number, insurance, and registration documents

FAQs

Q: Can I import any car from Japan to UAE?
A: No. The car must be right-hand drive , not older than 8 years , and meet Euro 4 or higher emissions standards .

Q: How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to UAE?
A: Total cost includes:

  • ¥300,000–¥1,500,000 for the car
  • AED 3,000–10,000 for auction and broker fees
  • AED 8,000–15,000 for shipping and clearance
  • Customs duty and VAT (~AED 10,000–20,000 total)

Q: Do I need an import license to bring a car from Japan to UAE?
A: Yes, unless you’re using a licensed motor vehicle importer who can handle documentation and customs clearance.