Arrange shipping & customs for your belongings

What to bring

Prices checked August 2026

Do it

1. 1

   Understand the one rule that governs the whole timeline

   Dubai Customs releases used personal effects duty-free to residence-visa holders. Until your visa is issued, your shipment is just cargo sitting at Jebel Ali accruing storage. If your visa is still in process when the container lands, your mover can usually hold it in bonded storage, at your cost. Ask what that costs per week before you book, not after.

2. 2

   Build an inventory that survives an inspection

   List everything by room with a realistic value. Almost every shipment is X-rayed or physically opened. Used goods clear free; anything that reads as new or as a commercial quantity attracts 5% duty plus 5% VAT, and missing invoices for new items make that worse. Unbox new purchases before they ship, and keep receipts for anything expensive.

3. 3

   Take the restricted list seriously, it is not the EU list

   Alcohol does not belong in a household shipment. Also out or restricted, regardless of how normal it was at home, replica or decorative weapons including swords, gambling equipment, unlicensed satellite receivers, and anything politically or religiously sensitive. Books, films and photographs can be inspected and held for censorship review. Drones need GCAA registration, and controlled medication needs advance MOHAP approval.

4. 4

   Book 6 to 10 weeks ahead and expect the clearance tail

   Sea freight from the UK or Europe to Jebel Ali runs roughly 4 to 5 weeks door to door; from the US east coast 25 to 30 days port to port, and considerably longer from the west coast, where the cargo usually transships. Then add 1 to 2 weeks for clearance at Jebel Ali on top of the sailing.

Words you'll hear

Common questions