What’s Allowed, What’s Not, and Top Tips for a Smooth Relocation

Moving to Dubai ? Most household & personal items are exempt from taxes for expats moving for residency — but the UAE has strict customs checks and a clear list of banned or restricted products. Here’s your 2025 compliant guide to what to know, what to avoid, and how to win at UAE customs!

What Can You Import Duty-Free?

• Used personal belongings (furniture, clothes, books, electronics, decor) if for your own use and “reasonable” for a home.
• Personal jewelry, packed food (sealed, non-fresh), children’s items, toys, bikes : duty-free in personal/family quantity.
• Gifts and souvenirs up to AED 3,000 in total value.
• Personal electronics (1–2 per type/device), laptops, gadgets for direct use.
• Duty-free on tobacco (max : 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500g tobacco), alcohol (max : 4 liters), perfumes (50ml), if not exceeding personal limits.

Note: Brand new or commercial-quantity items are taxed at 5% (customs duty + VAT), even if for home use.

Key Documents & Steps at Customs

• Detailed inventory/packing list (declare used vs. new, mark values clearly)
• Original passport and a copy of your UAE residence visa (even if pending/temporary—ask your agency for best timing)
• Bill of lading (sea freight), airway bill (air), or CMR (road)
• Proof of residence or work contract (if possible)
• Customs declaration on arrival (required for goods worth 3,000 AED+ or on the restricted list)
• Invoices and manuals for expensive tech or artwork (>10,000 AED/item recommended)

Tip: Customs may inspect/scan containers : label and declare everything honestly. Undeclared items risk fines/seizure.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Banned (never import): drugs, narcotics, poppy/paan, gambling devices, counterfeit goods, weapons, explosives, certain animal skins, ivory/horn, red laser pens, e-cig liquids with THC, anti-UAE religious/culture materials, pornography, products containing asbestos or radioactive material.
• Restricted (special permission): pets, guns/ammo, drones, walkie-talkies, plants/seeds, antiques/artworks, prescription drugs, medical equipment, fertilizer/pesticides, fireworks/explosives, satellite phones, large batteries.
• Food: No fresh fruit, meat, dairy, homemade or open foods; only sealed/packaged items allowed in personal quantities.
• Medication: All strong meds must be in original packaging + bring prescriptions; controlled drugs banned without UAE health authority permission.
• LGBTQ+ books/flags, political campaign content, anything “contrary to UAE values” can be confiscated.

Quantity & Value Limits

• Duty-free allowances above (tobacco, alcohol, perfumes, gifts) strictly enforced. Exceed = fines/seizure.
• Any single item or group above “residential quantity” can be taxed as a commercial import.
• Declare all cash/jewelry/valuables over AED 60,000 on arrival.
• Car/motorcycle/vehicle import : check special rules, must pay duty unless owned >6 months; full paperwork needed.

Special Cases: Cars, Pets, Medicine

• Cars: Can be imported if <5 years old (usually), full paperwork + duty unless kept for over 6 months. Ask about emissions and steering regulations (left-hand drive).
• Pets: Microchip, full vaccination records, import permit, and (often) recent health certificate required. Certain dog breeds prohibited.
• Prescription meds: Must have doctor’s letter / prescription and original boxes. Some painkillers/psych med = absolute ban.

Tip: Always confirm with your mover, embassy, or customs hotline for new/rare items. Rules do evolve!

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FAQ – Customs & Personal Goods

• Is furniture/laptop taxed? Used items, no tax. Brand new, in the box : pay 5% duty if value >3,000 AED or over two per type.
• How much alcohol/tobacco? 4L (wine/beer/spirits), 400 cigarettes (or 50 cigars/500g tobacco), 50ml perfume duty-free if you are 18+ ; must declare if more.
• Is my artwork/painting allowed? Yes, but provide documentation ; may be checked for cultural/religious acceptability or value.
• Are pets simple to bring? Not always—get all paperwork/permits at least 3 months before moving, and check breed bans.
• Will customs scan my container? Usually yes—random or targeted scanning always possible. Declare everything for smooth clearance!

Bottom Line: Move Smart, Stay Legal

Dubai is strict but clear: personal goods for real home use : OK and tax-free; forbidden/restricted or new business stock: never/5% duty. Always prepare docs, declare everything necessary, and check new rules before you pack and ship—Pickeenoo can help on every step.

Article Information:

• Article Length: ~5000 characters
• Internal Links: - Dubai Moving Checklist - Pre-departure Packing Guide - Legal Support for Expats - Customs Hotline Emirates - Pickeenoo Expat Relocation Forum
• Last Updated: November 2025
• Category: Moving / Customs / Expat Life