Moving to Dubai? The 2025 Guide to International Shipping Costs & Customs
Published on December 4, 2025
Moving to Dubai? The 2025 Guide to International Shipping Costs & Customs
Moving to Dubai is an upgrade. The career opportunities, the lifestyle, and the sheer energy of the city are second to none. But if your shipping container gets stuck in Jebel Ali Port for weeks because of a simple paperwork error, or you're hit with a surprise 10% tax bill on your own furniture, that dream quickly becomes a logistical nightmare.
This isn't a travel guide. This is a logistics briefing. As experts who have managed thousands of relocations into the UAE, we've seen every costly mistake an expat can make. This guide provides the insider knowledge you need to navigate the complexities of an international move to Dubai, save money, and ensure your new life starts smoothly.
The "Duty-Free" Loophole: How to Avoid Import Taxes
The biggest point of confusion for new arrivals is customs. The rules are simple, but only if you know them.
Used personal and household goods can be imported into the UAE 100% duty-free and tax-free. To qualify, you must have a valid UAE Residence Visa (or at least your entry permit confirming residency is in process) and your goods must be "used."
The "New Box" Trap: The 10% Mistake
This is where people get caught. Dubai Customs officials are trained to spot commercial imports disguised as personal moves. If they see items that are brand new and still in their original retail packaging (e.g., a new TV in its Sony box, a new chair in its IKEA box), they will classify it as a commercial import and charge you 5% Import Duty + 5% VAT.
Expert Tip: Before you ship, unbox any new items. If you bought a new dining set in the UK, unbox it and use it once. If you bought a new TV, take it out of the box. Pack it in a plain moving carton. An unboxed item is a "used personal effect." A sealed retail box is a taxable import. This simple step can save you thousands of dirhams.
Crucial Warning: Prohibited Items in UAE
Dubai has strict laws. Do not pack the following, or your shipment will be seized:
- Poppy Seeds: Strictly banned (even on bagels).
- Radio Transmitters: Walkie-talkies or short-wave radios.
- Gambling Paraphernalia: Poker chips, roulette wheels.
- Certain Medications: Codeine or Tramadol without a specialized prescription.
- Ivory: In any form (e.g., piano keys, antique chess sets).
Sea vs. Air: Timelines from Major Hubs
Your choice between sea and air freight is a direct trade-off between time and money. For a full household move, sea freight is the only economical option.
- FCL (Full Container Load): Think of this as your private room. You get an exclusive 20ft or 40ft container. It's faster and more secure. Best for 2+ bedroom homes.
- LCL (Less than Container Load / Groupage): This is the shared hostel of shipping. Your goods are consolidated with others. It's cheaper for small moves but takes 2-3 weeks longer due to consolidation delays.
Estimated Door-to-Door Transit Times to Dubai
| Origin | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|
| UK/Europe | 4 - 6 weeks | 5 - 7 days |
| USA/Canada | 8 - 10 weeks | 7 - 12 days |
| India/Pakistan | 2 - 3 weeks | 3 - 5 days |
| Australia | 7 - 9 weeks | 7 - 10 days |
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Dubai? (2025 Estimates)
The cost is based on the volume of your goods (CBM), your origin country, and the service level. Here are some realistic, data-driven ranges for a door-to-door sea freight service.
Note: You should also budget approx. 2.5% to 3.5% of your goods' value for Marine Transit Insurance.
| Home Size | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bed (LCL Shipment) | $2,500 - $4,500 | 9,000 - 16,500 |
| 2-Bed Apartment (20ft Container) | $5,000 - $7,500 | 18,000 - 27,500 |
| 3-Bed Villa (40ft Container) | $8,000 - $12,000+ | 29,000 - 44,000+ |
The Documents You Cannot Forget
Your mover will guide you, but you are responsible for providing these documents.
- Passport Copy (including the UAE Residence Visa page)
- Emirates ID Copy
- Detailed Packing List / Inventory: This is mandatory for customs. A professional mover will create this for you.
Warning: How to Spot a "Rogue" Mover
The international moving industry has its share of "ghost brokers"—companies that have a fancy website but own no trucks or staff. They offer a cheap quote, then sell your job to a low-quality subcontractor.
- The Scam: They offer an impossibly low quote to win your business. Once your container is at sea, they will invent new, mandatory charges ("port fees," "customs fees") and hold your belongings hostage until you pay.
- The Solution: Only use an accredited or vetted mover. A company with a FIDI/FAIM accreditation is the gold standard, as they are independently audited for financial and operational quality. If a mover isn't accredited, they must be vetted for a valid local trade license, insurance, and a physical office. This is the core service MoveConnector provides.
Conclusion
You are entrusting strangers with everything you own. Don't pick the cheapest quote you find on a classifieds site. Pick the safest. A successful move to Dubai is not about finding the lowest price; it's about finding the best value and the most security.
Start your Dubai journey the right way. Compare vetted international movers now.