Clearing Abu Dhabi Customs
If you’re moving from the UK to live in Abu Dhabi, your used household goods and personal effects can normally be imported duty-free, provided you meet the UAE customs requirements for personal belongings.
For foreign nationals, the exemption applies when you are arriving to reside in the UAE or another GCC country for the first time and can provide evidence that your work or residence will be for at least 365 days. Your belongings must be used, for your personal use, imported in non-commercial quantities and shipped from your previous country of residence.
What documents are required for customs clearance in Abu Dhabi?
When your household belongings arrive in Abu Dhabi, they must clear UAE customs before final delivery can be arranged.
For a typical household-goods shipment, you will normally need:
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- Document
- Valid passport copy
- Who provides it
- Customer
- Why it is needed
- Confirms the identity of the person importing the household belongings.
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- Document
- UAE residence visa or Emirates ID
- Who provides it
- Customer
- Why it is needed
- Confirms your UAE residency details for personal-effects customs clearance.
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- Document
- Detailed packing inventory
- Who provides it
- Prepared by 1st Move International
- Why it is needed
- Lists the furniture, boxes and household items included in your shipment.
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- Document
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Who provides it
- Issued by 1st Move International
- Why it is needed
- Confirms the shipment and transport details for goods arriving by sea or air.
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- Document
- Commercial invoices for new goods, where applicable
- Who provides it
- Customer
- Why it is needed
- Customs may require invoices for newly purchased household goods included in the shipment.
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- Document
- Customs or shipping authorisation, where required
- Who provides it
- Customer, with our guidance
- Why it is needed
- Our UAE agent or shipping line may require you to sign an authorisation allowing them to complete clearance or shipment-release formalities on your behalf.
1st Move International prepares your detailed packing inventory and shipping documents and coordinates with our UAE customs-clearance and delivery agents. We will advise you before arrival if any additional documentation or signed authorisation is required for your shipment.
For more detailed information, see our UAE customs guide for personal effects.
What items are restricted or prohibited in Abu Dhabi?
The UAE has strict rules covering goods that are prohibited or require prior approval from the relevant authorities.
Restricted or controlled categories can include:
- Certain medicines
- Weapons and ammunition
- Some food products
- Plants and animal products
- Communications equipment
- Other controlled or regulated goods
If you’re unsure about anything you intend to ship, please check with us before it is packed so we can advise whether it can be shipped or whether additional documentation or permits may be required.
You should also check our UAE restricted and prohibited goods guide before shipping.
