International Movers from Singapore to Dubai & the UAE
Your Guide to Shipping Household Goods to the UAE
Planning your move to the UAE? Relocating your household belongings internationally requires careful preparation, from having the right customs documents ready to understanding which items may be restricted or require additional approval.
This guide covers the key things you need to know when shipping your household goods to the UAE, helping you prepare for a smoother and more organised move.
Moving from Singapore to Dubai and Across the UAE
CM Relocation provides door-to-door international moving services from Singapore to destinations throughout the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Whether you’re relocating a few belongings or an entire household, our team can coordinate packing in Singapore, international shipping, customs clearance and delivery to your new home.
Documents You’ll Need for Customs Clearance
For your household goods to be cleared in the UAE, you'll need to prepare the appropriate documentation before your shipment arrives.
For a standard household goods shipment, you will need:
- UAE Emirates ID
- Inventory or packing list
- Express or Original Bill of Lading
- Copy of your passport
- Valid UAE residence visa
- Authorisation letter to your moving company for customs clearance and collection of documents from the shipping line or airline
- Authorisation letter addressed to the shipping line for release of the delivery order
A valid UAE residence visa is compulsory for customs clearance and to obtain the delivery order from the shipping line.
If you're planning your move before your UAE residence visa is ready, speak with your moving consultant about your individual circumstances before shipping.
Customs Duty on Household Goods
Importation of household goods is permitted when the shipment consists of personal effects and used household goods only.
Used personal effects and household goods are exempt from customs duty.
Brand-new items are subject to 5% customs duty based on their CIF value. If the original invoice is not provided, UAE Customs may assess the value of the item. In this case, 5% customs duty, 5% VAT on the duty amount, and processing charges may apply.
For brand-new items without an original invoice, a USD 300 fee may also apply.
Moving tip: If your shipment includes newly purchased items, keep the original invoices and let your moving consultant know before shipping.
When moving to the UAE, it's important to be prepared for customs inspections, as almost all shipments may undergo physical inspection or X-ray.
To make the inspection process easier, pack similar items together and clearly label your cartons. For example, books, CDs, videos, DVDs and magazines can be packed separately and clearly identified so they can be easily located during inspection.
Physical inspections may also result in additional warehouse handling charges from UAE Customs or the port authority.
While used household goods are generally permitted, certain categories of belongings may require additional consideration.
Importation is permitted for personal effects and used household goods. Used personal effects and household goods are exempt from customs duty.
For brand-new items, keep the original purchase invoices available, as they may be required for customs valuation.
The UAE has strict rules regarding certain goods. The following items are prohibited from being imported:
- Weapons
- Firearms, including ornamental firearms
- Ammunition
- Firecrackers
- Swords, daggers, spears and similar weapons
- Military uniforms or equipment
- Alcohol and spirits
- Narcotics
- Poppy seeds, flowers and leaves
- Banned drugs and medicines
- Medicines in large quantities, including those obtained by prescription for personal use
- Radio transmitters or communication equipment
- Certain statues and figures of animals with religious undertones
- Certain carvings and statues of humans, particularly nude figures
- Pornographic materials
- Gambling materials
- Foodstuff in large quantities
- Certain religious books other than those dealing with Islamic beliefs
- Controversial political literature and materials considered contrary to the principles of an Islamic State
Prohibited items found during customs inspection may be confiscated. In some cases, the consignee may also be required to provide an explanation and could face fines or imprisonment.
If you're unsure about an item, speak with your moving consultant before packing it.
Some items aren't necessarily prohibited but may be subject to review, censorship, licensing or additional requirements.
Records, tapes, films, photographs, books, magazines and periodicals may be subject to review and censorship by the UAE Ministry of Information. This process can take 10 to 15 days.
Live plants, seeds, fresh fruits and flowers are considered restricted items. If they are found to be objectionable, they may be destroyed and not returned to the consignee.
Drones require a licence from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
Printed materials such as brochures and advertising leaflets require authorisation from the National Media Council.
If you're shipping a vehicle as part of your relocation, additional documentation and customs requirements apply.
You may need:
- Commercial or purchase invoice
- Proof of ownership
- Express or Original Ocean Bill of Lading
- Passport copy
- Valid UAE residence visa
The vehicle must meet UAE import requirements, including the requirement for left-hand drive vehicles.
New and used vehicles are subject to 5% duty based on their CIF value, along with 5% VAT and applicable processing charges.
The Bill of Lading should include detailed vehicle information such as:
- Engine number
- Chassis number
- Make
- Model
- Colour
The vehicle must also have proof of ownership from the country of origin.
After customs clearance, UAE Customs will issue a vehicle clearance certificate, which must be submitted to the local traffic authority for registration.
Pet relocation requires advance preparation and specific documentation.
You may need:
- Air Waybill
- Original export health certificate
- Original proof of vaccination
- Rabies antibody titration test, where applicable
- Valid vaccination records
- Proof of internal and external parasite treatments within the two weeks before the flight
Dogs and cats under four months old cannot be imported into the UAE.
If you're planning to move with a pet, speak with your moving consultant early so you have time to prepare the required documents and arrangements.
The destination agent will issue an import permit for the pet. The permit is valid for one month, and a copy should accompany the pet's other original documents and Air Waybill.
Private individuals may import up to two pets.
Certain dog breeds are also listed as banned from importation. If you're moving with a dog, check the breed requirements well before your move.
Certain items cannot be shipped as part of your household goods and may require special handling or approval, including:
- Combustible liquids
- Corrosive substances
- Explosives
- Flammable materials
- Compressed gases
If you're unsure whether an item in your home falls into one of these categories, contact your moving consultant before shipping.
Before your shipment leaves Singapore, make sure you have:
- UAE Emirates ID
- Valid UAE residence visa
- Passport copy
- Detailed inventory or packing list
- Original or Express Bill of Lading
- Required authorisation letters
- Original invoices for brand-new items
- Checked prohibited and restricted items
- Checked requirements for vehicles, if applicable
- Prepared the required pet documents, if applicable
- Checked dangerous goods before packing
Avoid the stress of strict customs requirements, physical inspections and complex documentation. From professional packing in Singapore to customs coordination and delivery in the UAE, CM Relocation manages your door-to-door transit seamlessly, helping make your international relocation as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Planning your move to the UAE?
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How Can CM Relocation Help You Move to the UAE?
- Professional packing and preparation in Singapore
- Help with customs documentation and requirements
- Customs coordination and shipment clearance in the UAE
- Door-to-door delivery coordination
- Support for vehicles, pets and other special items
Choosing the Right International Moving Company from Singapore to UAE
General FAQ for Moving to UAE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. A valid UAE residence visa is required for customs clearance and to obtain the delivery order from the shipping line.
Used personal effects and household goods are exempt from customs duty. Brand-new items are subject to 5% customs duty based on their CIF value, along with applicable VAT and processing charges.
Almost all shipments may undergo physical inspection or X-ray. Packing similar items together and clearly labelling cartons can help make the inspection process easier.
Certain items are prohibited or restricted, including alcohol, firearms and weapons, narcotics, certain medicines, gambling materials, and some plants and food items. If you’re unsure about an item, check with your moving consultant before packing it.
More Questions on shipping to the UAE?
We will be happy to answer them.
Please email us at [email protected], and our relocation specialists will be happy to assist with your move from Singapore to the United Arab Emirates.