Moving to Dubai from Canada

Relocating to Dubai or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates is a major life decision—and choosing the right international moving company is essential. With decades of hands-on experience in overseas relocations, Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd. helps individuals, families, and corporate professionals move from Canada to the UAE with confidence and peace of mind.

As one of Canada’s established international moving specialists, Orbit provides end-to-end relocation services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates. Our comprehensive services include professional export packing, shipping documentation, ocean freight transport, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery at your new residence.

Orbit manages international household goods shipments daily, including consolidated and full-container sea freight to the UAE. Every move is planned by experienced international relocation consultants who understand UAE customs regulations, restricted items, and import requirements—helping you avoid delays, penalties, or unexpected costs.

Our transparent pricing, clearly defined transit timelines, and proactive communication ensure you always know what to expect throughout your move.

From the moment your shipment is packed to final delivery in the UAE, Orbit handles every detail with precision and care. Our services include:

• Professional export packing and materials
• Detailed inventory preparation
• Shipping and customs documentation
• Ocean freight transport to the UAE
• Coordination with trusted destination agents
• Residential delivery and basic furniture placement

Our structured process ensures your belongings are handled safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with Canadian and UAE regulations.

Orbit has successfully relocated:

• Professionals moving to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for work
• Families establishing new homes in the UAE
• Individuals making permanent or long-term international moves

Every relocation receives personalized attention, realistic timelines, and clear communication—because trust is built on experience, transparency, and consistent delivery.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation international moving quote or call
📞 (416) 661-4228 to speak directly with one of our international moving specialists.

• 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.

In accordance with the UAE Common Customs Law and applicable regulations in the State. Certain items are strictly prohibited, while others may be imported only with prior approval from the relevant authorities. For official guidance, please refer to dubaicustoms.gov.ae.

• Drugs and narcotics of all kinds, including poppy seeds, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, opium, qat, and similar substances.
• Gambling games, tools, and devices, including playing cards and dice.
• Publications, photographs, paintings, books, magazines, sculptures, or media that contradict Islamic faith, public morals, or promote political, religious, or moral corruption, including pornographic material.
• Counterfeit currency or counterfeit goods, and goods originating from boycotted countries.
• Hazardous and prohibited materials, including radioactive-contaminated materials, hazardous waste, asbestos sheets or pipes, ozone-depleting substances, toxic substances, naswar, betel leaves, and red laser pens.
• Three-layer nylon fishing nets.

Restricted Items (Importable Only with Prior Approval):

• Alcoholic beverages and pork products (subject to permits from relevant authorities such as Dubai Police or MOCCAE).
• Weapons, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, chemicals, fertilizers, and military-related items (subject to approval from the Ministry of Interior or other competent authorities).
• Telecommunication and signal-interfering equipment, including radar jammers and wireless radio devices.
• Tools, machinery, and mechanical or industrial devices requiring clearance from relevant regulatory bodies.
• Live animals (including swine/pigs), animal products, and items derived from endangered species, subject to environmental and veterinary approvals.
• Tobacco products exceeding permitted personal quantities.
• Toys, models, or devices such as dolls, balloons, remote-controlled aircraft, or similar items that may require prior authorization.

Importing pets into the United Arab Emirates is regulated by the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE) and UAE Customs. To ensure compliance and avoid delays, the following mandatory documents and conditions must be met:

• Valid pet owner’s passport copy – Required for the MOCCAE import permit application.
• Valid UAE residence visa for the pet owner – Typically required for residents importing personal companion pets.
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) – Must be implanted before vaccinations and must match all accompanying documentation.
• Up-to-date vaccination certificate – Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all pets. Dogs must also be vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. A minimum 21-day waiting period applies after the first rabies vaccination.
• Official veterinary health certificate – Issued by a licensed veterinarian or competent authority in the country of origin, typically within 5–10 days prior to arrival.
• MOCCAE import permit – Mandatory for all pet imports. Permits are generally valid for 30 to 90 days from the date of issue.
• Additional approvals (if applicable) – May be required for pets arriving from high-risk rabies countries (rabies titer test), certain restricted or banned breeds, service animals, or non-companion animals.

Please note: Pets must enter the UAE as manifested cargo (not in-cabin). Failure to meet import requirements may result in quarantine, delays, or refusal of entry. Certain dog breeds (e.g., Pit Bull Terrier and similar types) are prohibited, except in limited cases such as certified service animals.

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

Please note: All shipping and customs information provided is intended for general guidance only and is based on publicly available regulations at the time of publication. While Orbit International Logistics makes every reasonable effort to ensure accuracy, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, or regulatory changes that may occur.

For the most complete, current, and legally binding information regarding customs requirements in the United Arab Emirates, we strongly recommend contacting the relevant UAE customs authorities directly or visiting the official website at
dubaicustoms.gov.ae