Before you look at prices, auction grades or shipping dates, answer one question about a car in Japan: which side is the steering wheel on? Japan drives on the left, so cars built for its domestic market are right-hand drive. The RTA states that a right-hand-drive vehicle cannot be registered in Dubai unless it has a classic plate. That single rule decides whether a Japanese import is worth pursuing.
This guide explains the routes that do work, the Japanese export paperwork, and what happens when the car reaches Dubai. Opera Shipping’s car import service can coordinate collection, export handling and freight once you have confirmed that the car fits one of these routes.
The three situations you are likely to be in
A modern right-hand-drive car from the Japanese domestic market. The RTA’s registration service page is clear that it cannot be registered in Dubai without a classic plate. If you want to drive it on UAE roads, this is not a viable purchase.
A right-hand-drive classic. The RTA’s classic vehicle inspection service applies to vehicles aged 30 years or more, subject to condition checks. For a qualifying older Japanese car, this is the route to explore. Confirm eligibility for the specific car before you buy, because age alone is not enough to pass.
A left-hand-drive car built in Japan for export. Japanese factories also build vehicles for Middle Eastern markets. Reporting on Toyota’s Land Cruiser plant, for example, describes a large share of its output going to the region. Confirm the steering position and specification of the exact car rather than assuming it from the model name.
Specification after steering
A left-hand-drive car that was not built to Gulf specification can still be registered in Dubai with a compliance document from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), when compliance is not shown on its customs card. Imported cars also need a technical inspection. Our separate guide to identifying a GCC spec car explains how to check a VIN through the GSO’s Mutabiq service.
The Japanese export paperwork
A registered car leaving Japan needs an export certificate. Japan Customs describes the temporary deregistration certificate for export, known in Japanese as 輸出抹消仮登録証明書, which is presented to customs for verification at export. A car that has already been temporarily deregistered uses a related export notification certificate instead.
These certificates are issued by the District Transport Bureau under Japan’s transport ministry, and the application can be made up to six months before the planned export date, according to guidance from a regional transport bureau. If you are buying through a dealer or auction agent in Japan, ask who will obtain the certificate and when you will receive a copy. Keep a copy of the export certificate with the purchase invoice and shipping documents.
Shipping from Japan to Dubai
For a valuable or rare car, a dedicated container keeps it enclosed from the Japanese port to Dubai. Where the arrival date matters, air freight is worth comparing, and our guide to air freight versus container shipping for luxury cars sets out the trade-offs.
Give us the car’s location in Japan, whether it is at an auction yard, a dealer or a private garage, and who holds the export certificate. Those details decide how collection is arranged.
Arrival in Dubai
UAE customs duty is 5% of the CIF value, covering the car, freight and insurance. Import VAT of 5% is then charged on the value including duty, as the Federal Tax Authority explains for importers.
Once the car is cleared, Dubai Customs issues a Vehicle Clearance Certificate. Registration then needs your Emirates ID, the electronic customs certificate, the purchase agreement, any MoIAT compliance document, a technical inspection and UAE insurance. For the same steps with a worked duty example, see our guide to importing a car to the UAE.
A quick screen before you commit
| Question | If the answer is yes | If the answer is no |
|---|---|---|
| Is the car left-hand drive? | Move to the specification check | Only proceed if it qualifies as a classic |
| Is it GCC spec, or can MoIAT compliance be shown? | Plan the shipment | Resolve compliance before paying |
| Is the title and damage history clean? | Proceed | The UAE bans rebuilt, flood and fire-damaged cars |
| Will the seller or agent supply the export certificate? | Book collection | Agree who obtains it before payment |
This screen summarises published RTA, customs and regulator rules for planning purposes. Recheck the official pages for your specific car, because requirements can change.
Start your Japan to Dubai quote
Send the chassis or VIN, the car’s location in Japan, its steering position and the date you need it in Dubai through our shipping quote form. We will confirm the practical route and set out the collection, freight and arrival steps.