If you have ever lived in Dubai or been to Dubai often, you probably noticed that cars are not only affordable, but they are also in excellent condition. It’s no wonder that many Indians start to think to themselves, “Can I import my car to India from Dubai?” or, “What will be the cost of shipping a used car from Dubai?”
The answer is yes, you can import a car, but there are laws, paperwork, and taxes related to shipping a car to India from Dubai. Whether you want to import anything from Dubai to India, from a car import of a second hand car to just dream of a luxury model ride you have in mind, continue reading this guide for everything you need to know from the Dubai to India car import rules of 2025 to the costs, necessary documents and examples of personal car imports and a second-hand car export from Dubai.
Why Import Cars from Dubai?
Dubai is famed as a car lover’s paradise. This is why many people prefer to import an automobile from Dubai:
- Lower Costs in Dubai: Cars, especially luxury vehicles, are less expensive in Dubai than in India.
- Condition of Cars: Due to strict laws on road safety, cars are better maintained.
- Higher Volume of Luxury Cars: Brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Land Cruiser are in abundant supply.
- Availability of Secondhand Vehicles: Expats sell their cars at good price making it attractive for buyers considering secondhand car import from Dubai to India.
Dubai to India Car Import Rules 2025
Prior to being able to operate your vehicle, you must follow the Dubai to India car import regulations 2025:
- Right Hand Drive Vehicle Only: Left Hand Drive vehicles cannot be registered in India.
- Port Restrictions: You can only import vehicles through clearance ports such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Nhava Sheva.
- Emission Norms: The vehicle has to meet Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) standards.
- Ownership Requirement: Ownership of a vehicle for at least 6 months is normally required to ship.
- Carnet Dubai Concept: If you are temporarily bringing a vehicle to India (for example, on a short visit), you can use the “Carnet Dubai” form instead of the full import coverage of duty.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Import Car from Dubai to India
Importing a vehicle from Dubai is more than just a purchase and shipping process. You need to have the legal papers, pay customs duties, and attend the RTO process. Below is a detailed walk-through of each process so you know what you need to do:
Step 1: Select the Suitable Vehicle
Determine if you wish to import a new vehicle, a used vehicle, or a premium vehicle. Factors to consider are:
- Only right hand drive vehicles are allowed into India.
- The vehicle must comply with the BS6 emissions standard.
- For used vehicle imports from Dubai to India you normally have to provide proof of 6 months ownership abroad.
Step 2: Check Dubai to India Car Import Rules 2025
Review the most recent rules related to Dubai to India car import rules 2025 and make sure that your car fits into the allowed categories. There are regulations on the car’s age, emission standards, and roadworthiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Paperwork is crucial for customs clearance and RTO registration. Here’s a checklist:
| Document | Purpose |
| Passport & Visa/Residence Proof | To prove identity and ownership abroad |
| Purchase Invoice of the Car | To show the original cost of the car |
| Insurance Papers | Proof of valid insurance during shipping |
| Bill of Lading / Shipping Bill | Issued by the shipping company for transport details |
| Carnet Dubai (if applicable) | For temporary import without paying full duty |
| Customs Clearance Certificate | Mandatory approval from Indian Customs |
| Pollution Compliance Certificate | To confirm BS6 emission standard compliance |
| RTO Form 20, 21, 22 | Required for registration in India |
| PAN Card / Aadhaar Card | Identification for tax purposes |
| Proof of Ownership Abroad (6+ months) | Needed for second-hand car imports |
Having all these ready in advance makes the process smoother and prevents delays at the port.
Step 4: You Must Hire Shipping Services
Once the documentation has been completed, you should arrange shipping from Dubai to India:
- It is best to use Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off). This is the least expensive option. Cars are driven onto the ship.
- Container shipping is more expensive but safer than Ro-Ro, especially for luxury cars.
Step 5: Settle Dubai to India Car Import Fees
This includes:
- Shipping expenses (around ₹1-2 lakh)
- Insurance & port handling
- Customs duties on car imports from Dubai to India (about 125%–165% on the CIF value)
The duties can add about double or triple to the cost of the car so be sure to calculate carefully.
Step 6: Clear Customs in India
Indian Customs will inspect your car and documents. You’ll need to pay the applicable customs duty and GST before the vehicle is released.
Step 7: Complete Registration of your Vehicle with RTO
In the end, you must present the customs clearance certificate, invoice and other documents to the local RTO for:
- Vehicle Registration Number (Number Plate)
- Road Tax Payments
- Pollution Certificate
You can only legally drive the vehicle in India after the registration process has been completed.
With these steps, you now have a clear roadmap on how to import a car from Dubai to India without confusion.
Also Read: Best Mileage Cars in India Under ₹5 Lakh: Affordable & Fuel-Efficient Options
How Much is Car Import Tax in India?
The principal cost incurred while importing cars from Dubai to India is the custom duty. The following is the breakdown of that cost:
- New Cars : Approximately 165% of CIF cost (Car cost plus insurance and freight).
- Used Cars: Approximately 125% of CIF cost.
- Luxury Cars: Varying rates of higher duties based on engine size and value.
Hence when people ask, What is the tax charged for importing cars in India?, the answer is, it is almost twice or thrice the price one pays for the car in Dubai.
Example: Toyota Land Cruiser Import from Dubai
Suppose you want to import a Toyota Land Cruiser from Dubai to India in 2025.
| Expense Category | Approx. Cost (in INR) | Details |
| Car Price in Dubai | ₹40,00,000 | Average resale value in Dubai for 2022 model |
| Shipping Charges | ₹1,50,000 | Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) or container service |
| Insurance & Handling | ₹50,000 | Transit insurance + port handling |
| Custom Duty on Import | ₹60,00,000 | About 150% of CIF value |
| RTO Registration & Road Tax | ₹3,00,000 | Varies by state |
| Agent Fees (Optional) | ₹1,00,000 | If you use car import agents in India |
Final Landed Price in India = ₹1.06 Crore (approx.)
While the price of the car in Dubai is only ₹40 lakh, the landed import car from Dubai price tag in India exceeds ₹1crore due to the charges and taxes. Consequently, many people prefer carnet Dubai for temporary imports or simply focus on luxury models where the price differential still makes sense.
Carnet Dubai (An Option for Temporary Car Import)
If you’re not considering long-term residence in India, but you want to bring your car registered in Dubai on a short trip to India, then Carnet Dubai is your best option!
Carnet Dubai is an international customs document that lets you legally import your car into the country temporarily, while avoiding paying the entire custom duty. It is essentially a passport for your car and is legal in India following international customs agreements.
Key Points About Carnet Dubai:
- Validity: Holds a normal validity of 12 months, although it can be extended depending on circumstances.
- Duty-Free Import: You will not need to pay the exorbitant custom duty on bringing your car from Dubai to India, however, you will need to ensure you re-export the car within the allotted time allowed by the Carnet.
- Best for NRIs and Visitors: Carnet Dubai is a great option for Indians who are currently working in Dubai and visiting India for a limited occasion.
- Required Documents: Your passport, Dubai car ownership papers, current car insurance, and of course the Carnet document.
How Much Will It Cost to Import a Used Car from Dubai to India?
The most frequently asked question is: What cost is involved in importing a used car from Dubai to India?
The cost includes:
- Price at Dubai for the car
- Freight charges from Dubai to India
- Insurance & port handling charges
- Customs duty & import tax in India
- RTO registration fees
Typically the import charges to import any car from Dubai to India can land up in the range of 100%-180% of the price of the car.
Can You Import Luxury Cars From Dubai to India?
Absolutely! Of course! In fact, this is one of the most common reasons that people want to import cars from Dubai. Dubai has a very strong luxury car market, where brands such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Range Rover, and Rolls-Royce are almost always available at a much cheaper price compared to India.
If you are going to be importing a luxury car, you should also know that there is some condition and costs to account for.
Some rules for luxury car import:
- Only right-hand drive luxury cars are permitted in India.
- The car must comply with BS6 emission norms.
- Vehicle import can be carried out through specific ports in India such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Nhava Sheva.
- There is a much higher custom duty on luxury cars imported from Dubai to India sometimes exceeding 165% of the car’s cost.
- For second hand luxury vehicles, you will need to be able to provide proof of at least 6 months ownership of the vehicle abroad.
Cost involved in importing a luxury car from Dubai to India
- A car that is about ₹50 lakh in Dubai, would approximately by ₹1.2- 1.3 in India after all the duties, GST and registration.
- Some of the premium brands, such as Rolls Royce or Bentley could sometimes add another zero to the price.
Check: Mahindra XUV700 & Skoda Kylaq New GST Rate – Latest Price Update
Role of Car Import Agents in India
For someone who is importing a car from Dubai to India for the first time, the whole process can become overwhelming. You will have to understand the customs duty on car imports from Dubai to India and have all the proper papers in hand, and even a small mistake could result in your potential car getting stuck in customs or worse, detained due to an error in the paperwork.
This is where a qualified and competent car import agent in India comes into place.
What car import agents do:
- Clearance – They will take care of the legal requirements with Indian Customs, releasing your car, so you do not have to worry about any loss or incurring further charges.
- Duties – Import duties and taxes can often get lost on someone not familiar with the entire process, but they will ensure that everything is covered, calculating exactly what the Dubai to India car import will cost so that you know what is expected up front.
- Shipping arrangements – Regardless of whether you are shipping Ro-Ro, or container shipping, they will assist in communication with the shipping company and check the status of your car shipment.
- RTO Registration – They can also help to prepare forms and certificates to register your car with the RTO, including acquiring your number plates.
- Document Management – They will also ensure the documentation from your carnet Dubai papers to the insurance are all in sync and not missing.
Conclusion
Although importing a car from Dubai to India is possible, it is expensive considering Dubai to India car import charges and custom duty on car import from Dubai to India.
If you are considering a second hand car import from Dubai to India or a luxury car, be sure to determine the total cost before deciding. Using a carnet Dubai can save money for short term stays, while using car import agents in India will ease the process of smooth delivery of the vehicle.
With some careful planning on your part you will know how to import a car from Dubai to India, and avoid surprises.
