Moving to Dubai from Canada

Relocating internationally can feel overwhelming, but with the right partner, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or another city in the United Arab Emirates, Orbit International Moving Logistics is here to help make your move smooth and stress-free.

We specialize in international moves to the UAE, offering complete support including packing, shipping, customs paperwork, and delivery to your new home. If you need help moving to Dubai, are looking to relocate to Dubai, or want to move your family to Dubai, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve helped clients move to Dubai for work, start new chapters abroad, and safely move to Dubai with family. Our experienced consultants will answer your questions, guide you through timelines and costs, and ensure your belongings arrive safely and on schedule.

No matter where you’re coming from or why you’re moving, Orbit can help you get to your new life in the UAE with confidence.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a no-obligation quote. Call us today at (416) 661-4228

• Copy of passport
• Copy of residence permit / residency visa on passport
• Employment visa with entry stamp of UAE if residence visa not ready / Emirates ID copy / Emirates ID application form / Visa applicable form etc.
• Bill of lading (express release) / air waybill (AWB)
• Complete packing list in English detailing the contents of each package, including their value and the correct number of packages in the shipment.
• Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs for exemption from the payment of Customs duties (diplomats)
• Copy of diplomatic card (diplomats)
• Letter of authorization / undertaking

Specific Information

All documents must be in place prior to shipment arrival on port

• Without a residence visa or passport, shipments will not be cleared, nor will the shipping line release the delivery order or release order for the shipment.
• Import shipments may be intensively inspected by Customs authorities with charges incurred.
• The importation of household goods and personal effects into the UAE is exempted from Customs duties. 
• If any prohibited items are found during the Customs inspection, severe punishment will be imposed including fines, imprisonment, or both. All import duties are charged based on the costs, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of the shipment.
• Import Duties on new items are changed at 5%
• Shipments not cleared within 5 days from the arrival date at the port will not have a free port storage period granted and the shipment will attract port charges from the first day of arrival.
• Shipments that arrive before the weekend i.e. Friday and Saturday will automatically lose two days of Customs clearance and the shipment can become more susceptible to incurring port storage charges.
• There is no customs duty on used household items however customs may levy duty at their discretion. Both new and used motor vehicles/ boats incur customs duty of 5% on value assessed by customs. (in addition to the 5% on personal effects)
• Imported Used household goods are exempted from custom duties as long as the importer holds a UAE residency visa.
• UAE Customs is closed on Weekends (Friday and Saturday). All shipments arriving on Thursday, Friday or Saturday may attract some Port Storage/ Liner Demurrage Charges.

When shipping to Dubai, in order for our shipping services agent to be able to clear customs on behalf of the individual to whom the shipment is addressed (i.e. the consignee), certain supporting shipping information documentation is required. The consignee must provide a copy of their passport, as well as an authorisation letter that endorses the shipping services agent to act on their behalf.

Prohibited goods: Prohibited under the provisions of the Common Customs Law or any other regulation or law applicable in the State. For more information please check dubaicustoms.gov.ae

• Drugs and Narcotics of all kinds, including poppy seeds, flowers and leaves (Some prohibited goods may be imported subject to a pre approval by the relevant governing Authority – See below).
• Alcohol, Spirits, Pornographic Material, Pirated Goods, Fireworks, Ivory
• Weapons & Ammunition, Chemicals, Fertilizers, Laser Pens, Radar Jammers, wireless radio, Sculptures, Endangered Animal Species or any articles made from them such as but not limited to items made of ivory or rhinoceros horn
• Military uniforms
• Toxic and radioactive materials
• Gambling games including playing cards and dice
• Tools, machinery and devices of any kind
• Nylon fishing nets and live swine/pigs
• Paintings, Video tapes or Books, Political / Religious Literature or any item that contradicts Islamic faith and public morals
• Any carvings or statues of humans (especially nude)
• Statues and figures of animals with religious undertones
• Large quantities of cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco are restricted

Governing Authority	Goods
Ministry Of Climate Change & Environment	Live animals, plants, fertilizers and insecticides
Ministry Of Defence / Armed Forces / Ministry of Interior	Arms, ammunitions, explosives, and fireworks
Ministry Of Health & Prevention	Pharmaceutical products & Medical/ Surgical instruments & machines
National Media Council	Print materials, publications, and media products
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation	Nuclear energy-related products
Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology	New tires /E-cigarettes and electronic hookah
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority	Transmitters and radio equipment
Dubai Police	Alcoholic beverages
Dubai Municipality	Foodstuffs, personal care and cosmetic products
UAE Kimberley Process office	Rough diamonds

Pets – Documents Required

• Owner’s passport
• Owner’s UAE residence visa
• Certificate of vaccination
• Veterinary health certificate
• Import permit
• Permission from the embassy is required for importation

Vehicles

Some vehicles may be imported to the UAE for personal use (Not for Resale). Keep in mind that Dubai has some very hot days. This may affect the performance and maintenance of your vehicle.

Documents Required (Documents are required prior to the arrival of the shipment to the UAE)

• Copy of Residency Visa on passport
• Copy of passport
• Copy of diplomatic card (diplomats)
• Residence permit
• BOL
• Authorization letter
• Title
• Proof of purchase
• Proof of ownership
• Certificate of Origin
• Driver’s license (not required if you have a valid license in some countries, including the U.S. and much of western Europe)

General  Information

• Ownership duration is not a factor for duties.
• Duties on new items @ 5% and VAT on total shipment value +5% motor vehicles.
• Customs will usually clear a vehicle within 1 -2 weeks of arrival. However, this may change from time to time. They will issue a “clearance certificate”, which will be required for registration with the traffic department.
• Owners of the goods that are bringing cars must be able to provide a copy of their UAE residence visa or no clearance and release will take place.
• Olde vehicles more then 10 years of age will require a pre approval to import
• Windows of vehicles can NOT be with tinted glass.
• Only left handed cars are allowed.

Details needed for Customs clearance:

• Model of the vehicles with the model number
• Color of the vehicle
• Year of manufacture
• Current market value
• Engine and chassis number
• Total weight of the vehicle

United Arab Emirates Embassy Contact Information

If you are planning to move from Canada to Dubai, and you have specific questions or concerns about the customs process or shipping laws in the UAE, here is the contact information for the UAE embassy in Ottawa:

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
125 Boteler St.
Ottawa, ON K1N 0A4 Canada
Phone: (613) 565-7272
Fax: (613) 565-8007 / 565-8000

Moving to Dubai is a major life step, whether you’re relocating from Canada or anywhere else in the world. At Orbit International Moving Logistics, we make the process easy and stress-free. Our trusted team handles every detail, so whether you’re emigrating to Dubai for work, family, or a fresh start, you can count on us to get you there smoothly. If you’re planning to relocate to Dubai, let Orbit take care of the logistics while you focus on your new journey.

Free Shipping Estimates & Relocation Consultations 

What sets Orbit International Moving apart from other shipping companies is the level of service we offer our customers. We provide free estimates with no obligation and always listen to your concerns so we can find the best shipping solutions for your relocation needs. If you want help moving to Dubai, are preparing to move to Dubai for work, or planning on moving family to Dubai, we’re here to help. When moving family to Dubai with Orbit International Moving, you’ll never be subject to surprise costs because our rates are always all-inclusive.

As a leading international moving company in the Toronto area, Orbit International Moving has established an extensive worldwide network of agents who share our passion for customer satisfaction. It is through this network of exceptional partners that we provide our customers with the highest level of service when you relocate to Dubai, whether for personal reasons or for moving family to Dubai.

Thanks to our solid reputation for providing outstanding service to our customers, we’ve built our business on steady referrals and repeat customers. If you need help moving to Dubai, trust Orbit Moving to make it smooth and stress-free.

Please note:All shipping and customs information contained herein is meant for general guidance. Orbit International Logistics does not take responsibility for any errors or omissions that may result from its use. For complete and current information regarding customs policies in the United Arab Emirates, please contact the UAE customs office at dubaicustoms.gov.ae