Removals to the UAE

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Shipping to the UAE from the UK

Our removals team is comprised of experts who can help you with international removals to the UAE and reduce stress at every stage from packing to delivery.
Many expats choose to relocate to the UAE for its glorious climate, lucrative employment opportunities and in search of unique localised cultures that can be found nowhere else. Relocations to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are three of the most common for expats every year. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is one of the most modern cities in the world and migrants will be able to enjoy stunning scenery and a high standard of living. The port of Jebel Ali is one of the busiest ports in the world and the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) is a popular location for international companies. The UAE has a rich history of busy ports along the Persian Gulf, which you can read about in our short history of the UAE. However many younger people or those without families are often enticed by moving to Dubai because of its decadence and splendour which is hard to beat. Find out more about our international shipping services to help you when moving to Dubai. If you need convincing, read our top 10 reasons to move to Dubai!

 

Removals to the UAE – Useful Shipping Information

 

With over a decade of international relocation experience, our Removals Managers have a vast array of experience in handling all of the components and managing the various functions required for your relocation to the UAE. We ensure that your possessions arrive in the condition they left in when shipped and within the parameters of your schedule. Our moving team who manage shipping to UAE can provide you with the most up to date information and regulation requirements which you will need for your overseas move. They will be on hand to guide throughout all the stages of moving to the UAE.

Exclusive Use / Full Container Load (FCL) Service: Container shipping to the UAE through the FCL option is recommended for a full house removal. This allows you to have sole exclusive use of a 20ft or a 40ft steel shipping container. As a rough guide, the contents of a three bedroom house usually fit into a 20ft container.

Shared Container / Groupage Service: For removals to the UAE, you will find that if you have less than a full container load of 20ft, you can ship your belongings to the UAE using our groupage service. This is essentially a shared container service. This way you can split the cost with other consignments. This is a cheaper option for many people who do not want to ship their whole house or are trying to keep the costs down for their international removals to UAE.

Shipping a Car to the UAE

Fortunately, there are no age limits for vehicles when importing a car to the UAE during your relocation. As experienced International Moving specialists helping many individuals and families with moving to the UAE, your car will be in very safe hands. A made to measure wooden frame is hand built inside the container to ensure maximum protection during your international move, whilst your car is secured to avoid any shifting or incidental damage throughout its time in transit. Find out more about shipping a car internationally and removals to UAE .

Moving a Pet to the UAE

If you are interested in moving to the UAE and want to take your pets with you as part of your extended family group, we can help with documentation advice and careful transit for your pet to reduce both yours and their stress. Moving a pet to the UAE during you relocation requires an import permit. Requirements for this include a document from your veterinary surgeon (signed and stamped) showing the animal was vaccinated against rabies between one year and 30 days previously. 

Moving Your Money to the UAE

As part of our shipping service to UAE John Mason International FX provides a complete range of currency exchange services allowing you to transfer money to the UAE with a click of a button. 

Custom Regulations in the UAE

For customs clearance to take place upon arrival of the shipment, the client must be present in the UAE at the time of clearance.

When moving to UAE clients should be respectful of the Islamic faith and therefore not ship any non-Islamic religious items.

Nearly all shipments will have a physical inspection by UAE Customs during your overseas move to UAE. If any prohibited items are found in the shipment, they will be confiscated and in some cases, explanation will be required from the client and possible penalties applied. It is important that you are aware of the prohibited items prior to shipping. A full list is contained in your Customs Guide.

Items that are restricted for removals to United Arab Emirates includes records, films, photographs, magazines, and books and are subject to censorship by the UAE Ministry of Information.

In most cases, used household goods and personal effects will not attract duty whilst new items will however be subject to customs duty.

Find out more on import regulations for the UAE.

Finding a Job in the UAE

When it comes to the current job market, the UAE remains a very competitive destination with a positive outlook for professionals looking for a position or planning to relocate to this expat haven. We would normally advise that those looking to live in the UAE discuss or arrange interviews with prospective employers ahead of their international removal to ensure that they are in the best position to secure a job swiftly upon arrival. In many cases a job will need to be confirmed or secured before expats are able to begin the process of moving to the UAE. To read more about popular industries to work in the UAE, check out our guide.

 

Finding a place to live in the UAE

Many employers in the UAE either provide accommodation or an allowance to be used on accommodation. Make sure that you know the kind of deal you are being offered before signing your contract and moving to the UAE. Buying a house to live in the UAE is also an easier way of gaining residency permission.

Getting a visa for moving to UAE

There are a few easy ways of get a renewable residency in the UAE which is critical to consider prior to moving to the UAE. Methods in which you can obtain a renewable residency visa in the UAE include through employment, starting a company or business in the UAE or investing in a property.

Once you have secured work, starting a new life in the UAE is a straight forward process. You will need both a work permit and residency visa which your employer will apply for. Residency visas for the United Arab Emirates are valid for up to three years, but can be renewed. The application fees and medical checks for your move to the UAE will cost around £1000.

Please keep in mind that customs regulations can change on a regular basis so please contact us for further information regarding your overseas relocation to the UAE. A full Customs Guide to the United Arab Emirates is available upon request. 

For more information about moving to Dubai specifically please read our destination Guides:

Other Popular Destinations

FAQ

Yes, you can ship your vehicle to the Middle East, but you will need to comply with certain requirements. Generally, you will need to provide proof of ownership, a valid driver’s license, and insurance documents. Some countries in the Middle East may also require additional documentation such as import permits or emissions certificates. Your Move Manager can provide more information on the specific requirements for your vehicle’s shipment. It’s important to note that shipping a vehicle can be a complex process and may require additional fees, so it’s best to discuss your options with your Move Manager.

Customs regulations can vary depending on the specific country in the Middle East that you are shipping to. Generally, you will need to provide a detailed inventory of your belongings, a commercial invoice, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the nature of your shipment, you may also need additional documentation such as permits or licenses. It’s important to work with a trusted and experienced international removals company like John Mason International to ensure that you comply with all relevant regulations.

 

Our Accreditations

As one of the leading providers of overseas removals and relocation services on a national and international scale, we pride ourselves on offering a professional and friendly service. We have been recognised as one of the leading international moving companies and are proud of our credentials and the quality standard they represent. In 2023, we became the most trusted moving company in the UK.
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Some of our Customer Reviews

The packers were careful, quick and courteous. I highly recommend this company and would definitely use them again! Efficient, polite, punctual: could not ask for more.

Hertfordshire, UK to Virginia, USA - March 2023

From start with Michelle to finish with Gill the level of service was excellent. John Mason and its international partners handled my move from Devon to Australia seemingly effortlessly. I couldn't ask for better.

Devon, UK to Perth, Australia –April 2023

Absolutely one of the best movers I have worked with. Pleasant helpful admin staff and the delivery drivers were absolute angels sorting and moving the boxes where I asked them to. Arrived exactly when they said it would.

Yorkshire, UK to Sydney, Australia - March 2023

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