Importing a car from China to UAE: full landed-cost guide 2026
Duties, VAT, who can import, what gets in, shipping — and the DDP price of 30 popular Chinese models in UAE, computed by our rules engine with sources and verification dates.
Who can import and what gets in
- • Who can import: Individuals (with residency) and companies; companies clear with a trade licence
- • Non-GCC-spec cars need a MoIAT conformity certificate and modifications
- • Export certificate valid only 30 days (matters for re-export to Africa)
Tax rules and sources
- Import duty 5% (on CIF) ↗ official 2026-09-02
- VAT 5% (on price + duty) ↗ verified 2026-09-02
- Registration AED 420–1,000 (by car value) ↗ verified 2026-09-02
GCC unified duty 5%, VAT 5% on (price + duty), about 10.25% in total; no recycling fee, no mandatory individual approval; Tasjeel/Shamil inspection then RTA registration. Total landed cost for used cars ≈ 13–18% of the car price. CIF is the usual basis in the Middle East.
Popular models: DDP price in UAE
| Model | FOB | DDP |
|---|---|---|
| BYD Seal 05 DM-iQuoted configuration · 2026-10-18 · Honor Edition 55KM Comfort · Plug-in hybrid · 1,497 cc | $10,685 | $16,153 |
| BYD Song Plus DM-iExample configuration (reference price) · Plug-in hybrid · 1,498 cc | $16,720 | $22,839 |
| BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus)Quoted configuration · 2026-10-20 · 2024 荣耀 · Battery electric | $16,248 | $22,317 |
| BYD Seal EVExample configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $23,748 | $30,626 |
| BYD Atto 2 (Yuan Up)Quoted configuration · 2026-10-18 · 2027 Flash Edition 401KM Leading Edition · Battery electric | $13,033 | $18,754 |
| BYD DolphinQuoted configuration · 2026-10-20 · 2025 420KM Free Edition · Battery electric | $14,000 | $19,826 |
| BYD Sealion 7Quoted configuration · 2026-10-20 · Battery electric | $28,076 | $35,422 |
| BYD Han EVExample configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $24,829 | $31,824 |
| BYD Seal U (Sealion 6)Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $19,964 | $26,433 |
| BYD Tang EVExample configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $33,479 | $41,408 |
| Geely CoolrayQuoted configuration · 2026-10-20 · MT · Petrol · 1,500 cc | $8,792 | $14,055 |
| Geely Xingyue L (Monjaro)Quoted configuration · 2026-10-22 · Petrol · 1,969 cc | $22,670 | $29,432 |
| Zeekr 001Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $36,723 | $45,003 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 ProExample configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,598 cc | $17,261 | $23,438 |
| Changan CS75 PlusExample configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,499 cc | $15,099 | $21,043 |
| GWM Haval H6Example configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,998 cc | $15,639 | $21,641 |
| Jetour T2 (Traveller)Quoted configuration · 2026-10-22 · 2026 · Petrol · 1,498 cc | $19,938 | $26,405 |
| Jetour X70Example configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,498 cc | $13,369 | $19,126 |
| XPeng G6Quoted configuration · 2026-10-22 · 2026 · EV 625 Max Tech Edition · Battery electric | $26,138 | $33,275 |
| MG4 EVQuoted configuration · 2026-10-20 · International Edition · Battery electric | $10,805 | $16,285 |
| Tesla Model Y (Shanghai-built)Example configuration (reference price) · Battery electric | $33,479 | $41,408 |
| XPeng G9Quoted configuration · 2026-10-22 · 2026 · 625 Max · Battery electric | $36,644 | $44,916 |
| XPeng X9Quoted configuration · 2026-10-22 · 2026 · EV 665 Max · Battery electric | $44,192 | $53,279 |
| XPeng MONA M03Quoted configuration · 2026-10-22 · 2026 · 540 Plus · Battery electric | $18,386 | $24,686 |
| AITO M7Example configuration (reference price) · Range extender · 1,499 cc | $42,129 | $50,992 |
| AITO M9Example configuration (reference price) · Range extender · 1,499 cc | $74,565 | $86,932 |
| MG5Quoted configuration · 2026-10-18 · Petrol · 1,495 cc | $9,210 | $14,519 |
| MG7Example configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,496 cc | $17,802 | $24,038 |
| Changan UNI-VExample configuration (reference price) · Petrol · 1,494 cc | $14,017 | $19,844 |
| Changan Nevo Q05Quoted configuration · 2026-10-22 · Battery electric | $13,744 | $19,542 |
Available to order now
Cars you can order now: same-day quotes by model with maker photos. Sign up free to see every trim and the price to your own country.
BYD Seal 05 DM-i
PHEV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $10,397+
BYD Destroyer 05
PHEV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $10,685+
BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus)
EV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $15,122+
BYD Atto 2 (Yuan Up)
EV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $13,033+
BYD Dolphin
EV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $14,000+
BYD Sealion 7
2026 · EV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $27,923+
BYD Sealion 07 DM-i
2026 · PHEV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $23,282+
BYD Tang DM-i
PHEV
LandedCar ✓
FOB $23,583+
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Indicative only: rates, freight and rules change. Every rule shows its source; verify before you commit.