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 calculator📋 Real 2026 data⚡ Instant 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
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.
1
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.
2
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).
3
Individual homologation
2–8 weeks
Take the car to a control body (IDIADA, INTA…) for individual homologation. Cost: €800–4,000 depending on model.
4
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.
5
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 cars✅ F-150, Yukon…❌ Not available
Used luxury market✅ Very active⚠️ Smaller 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.