Selling, shipping or returning your car when you leave Dubai
RTA’s ownership change needs a valid Emirates ID for buyer and seller, so a sale has to happen before your visa is cancelled. Shipping the car abroad needs an export certificate, and a lease has its own early-return terms.
The steps, in order
- Decide: sell, ship or return the carSelling takes time; shipping needs an export certificate.6 weeks before
- Shipping the car abroad? Export certificateCancel the Dubai registration with an export certificate.2 weeks before
- Sell the car and transfer it at RTA KeyClear fines and Salik, settle the loan, transfer, then cancel insurance.12 days before
- Return the leased or long-term rental carCheck early-return fees and clear fines first.3 days before
Questions people ask
- Can I sell my car after my visa is cancelled?
- Do I need an export certificate to ship a car from Dubai?
- How long is the export certificate valid?
- Can I apply after my visa is cancelled?
- What do I need to transfer a car in Dubai?
- How much does RTA charge?
- I’m short on time. What’s the fastest way to sell?
- When will I get my car lease deposit back?
Leaving soon? Get these steps, and everything else that applies to you, with real dates counted back from your flight.
Build my free plan