2026 Import Guide
🇦🇪 → 🇪🇸
Importing a Car from Dubai to Spain
Calculate customs duty (6.5%), VAT (21%), registration tax, homologation and sea freight — all in seconds.
Free calculatorReal 2026 dataInstant result
6,5%
Customs duty
of CIF value
21%
Import VAT
on CIF + duty
~25–30%
Total surcharge
of car price
Important: Importing from Dubai involves customs duty and VAT that don't apply to EU imports. Use the calculator to know the exact cost before you buy.
Calculator — Dubai to Spain
Pre-configured for imports from the UAE.
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How is the total cost built up?
Car price (example)€40,000
+ Sea freight (approx.)€2,200
+ 6.5% duty on CIF€2,743
+ 21% VAT on (CIF + duty)€9,450
+ Homologation + ITV + fees~€3,000
Estimated total~€57,400
Indicative example. Use the calculator for your case.
Import Process from Dubai
1
Find and buy the car in the UAE
1–4 weeks
Search Dubizzle, Cars.co or local dealers. Verify the car has European spec or that homologation is feasible.
2
Book ro-ro sea freight
20–35 days
From Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) to a Spanish port. Transit takes 20–35 days. Mandatory transport insurance.
3
Customs clearance in Spain
3–7 days
On arrival, a customs agent clears the vehicle: duty (6.5%) and VAT (21%). Documents: invoice, packing list, bill of lading (B/L).
4
Individual homologation
2–8 weeks
Take the car to a control body (IDIADA, INTA…) for individual homologation. Cost: €800–4,000 depending on model.
5
ITV and final registration
1–2 weeks
With the homologation, pass the Spanish ITV. Pay the registration tax to the Tax Agency and request plates at the DGT.
Dubai vs. Germany — which makes more sense?
Factor🇦🇪 Dubai🇩🇪 Germany
Customs duty6.5% CIF0%
Import VAT21%0%
Homologation€800–4,000Included (COC)
Transport€1,600–2,800€500–1,200
Exclusive carsF-150, Yukon…Not available
Used luxury marketVery activeSmaller offer
Total time3–4 months4–8 weeks
Importing from Germany is usually cheaper unless you want a model that's not available in Europe.
Popular Models from Dubai
Tesla Model S/3/X/Y
Reg. tax exempt
Lamborghini Urus
Potential savings
Rolls-Royce Ghost
Pre-owned
🇺🇸
Dodge Challenger
UAE-only
GMC Yukon
Not in EU
Ford F-150
Exclusive pickup
What to watch out for before importing
- Verify the model has European spec or that homologation is possible — some UAE models cannot be homologated in Spain.
- The car must pass the Spanish ITV and meet WLTP/Euro 6 emissions rules.
- Request the vehicle history (Carfax or similar) — the Dubai market has high turnover.
- AED/EUR exchange rate can affect the final price. Confirm price and shipping cost in writing.
- Hire a specialist broker for non-EU imports to handle customs clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions — Importing from Dubai
Non-EU vehicles pay 6.5% duty on the CIF value (car cost + insurance + freight). On top of CIF + duty, 21% VAT applies. For a €40,000 car with €3,000 transport, customs costs are about €12,500 extra.
Yes. Cars sold in the UAE don't have European homologation. You'll need an individual homologation certifying the vehicle complies with Spanish and European rules. The cost runs €800–4,000 depending on model. Cars already with European spec (many Mercedes, BMW or VW sold in the UAE) make the process easier.
Transit from Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) to Spain takes 20–35 days depending on the destination port: Valencia 25–30 days, Barcelona 22–28 days, Algeciras 20–25 days. Transport cost is €1,600–2,800 by port.
No. Pure EVs (0 g/km CO2) are exempt from Spain's registration tax regardless of origin. They still pay customs duty (6.5%) and VAT (21%) when crossing into the EU.
Yes. The UAE drives on the right, so cars are left-hand drive — same as Spain and continental Europe. No steering conversion is needed, unlike UK or Japanese imports.
Often cheaper in Dubai vs Spain: certain American models (Cadillac, Dodge, GMC), pickup trucks (Ford F-150, RAM 1500), special-spec versions of European brands, and the second-hand luxury market for Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Lamborghini.