Dubai is one of the world’s leading hubs for car trade and shipping, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and experienced logistics companies connected to global sea and air routes. However, shipping a car from Dubai involves much more than simply preparing the vehicle and loading it into a container. It requires a thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory procedures governing export, especially when the vehicle is under bank financing, not registered in the shipper’s name, or destined for regions outside the GCC, such as Europe.

Many car owners and expatriates in the UAE often wonder how to handle such special cases. Common questions include:
Can a financed or mortgaged car be shipped?
Is it allowed to ship a car that isn’t registered under the sender’s name?
What are the requirements for shipping a UAE-registered car to another continent?

Although these may seem like simple questions, they involve precise official procedures linked to customs, banks, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and even the import laws of the destination country. Understanding these rules beforehand helps avoid legal complications or port delays and ensures a smooth shipping process from preparation to final delivery.

Can a Financed or Mortgaged Car Be Shipped from Dubai?

Yes, a financed car or one under a loan can be shipped from Dubai but only after obtaining formal approval from the financing entity, whether it’s a bank or a financial company. Since a financed car is not yet fully owned by the buyer until the loan is fully paid, it is illegal to export or ship it abroad without prior consent.

The first step is to apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or financing company. This certificate is issued once the lender confirms that the client is up to date on payments and has no outstanding dues. In some cases, the bank may require full settlement of the loan or an alternative financial guarantee before granting approval.

Once the NOC is obtained, it must be submitted to the RTA to cancel the vehicle registration or issue a temporary export certificate, which is required before beginning customs procedures.

It’s also important that the Bill of Lading and customs documents reflect the same name as the owner registered with the bank to avoid rejection by customs authorities.

In short, you can legally ship a financed car from Dubai by following these official steps:

• Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or financing company.
• Clear any outstanding financial obligations.
• Get an export certificate from the RTA.
• Complete customs and shipping procedures.

Following these steps ensures the vehicle is shipped abroad legally and released smoothly at the destination port.

Can I Ship a Car That Is Not Registered in My Name?

Yes, you can ship a car that is not registered under your name, but only under specific conditions imposed by the RTA and Dubai Customs to ensure the legality of the process and protect the original owner’s rights. The main rule is that no one can export a car abroad unless they are the legal owner or have an official power of attorney from the registered owner.

If the car is not registered in your name, there are two legal ways to ship it:

1. Official Power of Attorney (Notarized Authorization)
The original owner must issue a notarized power of attorney in your name either through a notary public or at a UAE embassy authorizing you to ship and export the vehicle. This document must be attached to the customs clearance papers and will be recognized by the shipping company and customs.

2. Temporary Ownership Transfer Before Shipping
You may transfer ownership to your name through the RTA before initiating the shipment. Once transferred, the UAE registration is canceled, and an export certificate is issued, allowing legal exportation.

The name on the Bill of Lading must match the name on the export certificate or power of attorney, as any discrepancy could result in customs rejection.

For cars newly purchased from showrooms or auctions but not yet registered, you must retain the original purchase invoice and notarized sales contract as temporary proof of ownership until official registration.

Can I Ship a UAE-Registered Car to Europe for Tourism?

Yes, you can ship a UAE-registered car to Europe for temporary tourism, but there are specific requirements and steps to follow before traveling.

Conditions:

• The car must be registered in your name, or you must have an official authorization from the owner.
• The car must have a valid UAE plate and active insurance.
• You must hold a valid international driving license.
• It’s advisable to have a valid residence permit or tourist visa for the European destination.

Required Documents:

• Original car registration (Mulkiya).
• Temporary export certificate (Tourist Travel Certificate) from the RTA.
• Passport and entry visa for the European country.
• International driving license.
• International car insurance (known as the Green Card in Europe).
• Carnet de Passage (international customs transit document).

How to Export a Car from the UAE to Europe

To ensure your car is accepted at the European port and registered legally there, you must follow a series of steps beginning in Dubai and continuing upon arrival in Europe.

1.Cancel the Car Registration
If the car is registered with UAE plates, it must first be deregistered at the RTA, which will then issue an official Export Certificate the key document required by customs for export clearance.

2. Ensure Compliance with EU Standards
The car must meet European Union (EU) standards for emissions, lighting, and safety systems. GCC-spec cars may require minor modifications such as headlight adjustments or exhaust system changes.

3.Obtain a European Certificate of Conformity (COC)
Most European countries require a COC for registration. If unavailable, it can be obtained from the vehicle manufacturer’s European representative or an authorized testing agency.

4.Shipping Method
Cars can be shipped by container or RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) service. Make sure the shipment is covered by international marine insurance that protects the vehicle until arrival at the European port.

In summary, to export a UAE car to Europe:

• Cancel the registration with the RTA.
• Obtain an export certificate.
• Verify EU compliance.
• Prepare the COC document.
• Arrange shipping with an experienced export company.

Key Tips and Summary

Shipping cars from Dubai abroad, whether financed or UAE-registered, requires precise knowledge of legal and customs procedures to avoid delays or extra charges. Dubai’s ports are among the most organized in the region, but they strictly enforce regulations to ensure safe operations and verified vehicle ownership.

The most important advice is to work with a trusted and experienced shipping company, as they can manage the entire process from customs clearance to final delivery. It’s also advisable to settle all bank loans or dues before export, and ensure all official documents, ownership certificate, export certificate, and international insurance are valid.

Finally, expatriates and importers should review the destination country’s regulations in advance, especially regarding environmental standards, customs duties, and registration requirements, to avoid unexpected issues upon arrival.