Moving from Europe
to the UAE
Relocating to the UAE from Europe? Simplo's overseas groupage service makes the move affordable and straightforward. You share container space with other shipments heading on the same route to Jebel Ali port — paying only for the volume you actually use. We manage the entire journey from collection anywhere in Europe through to door-to-door delivery at your UAE address.
Whether your destination is Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, or anywhere else in the Emirates, Simplo coordinates collection, consolidation, sea freight via the Suez Canal, Dubai Customs clearance, and final delivery.
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Why use groupage for your move to the UAE?
Europe to UAE is one of the most active expat moving routes in the world. With groupage, your belongings are consolidated with other carefully packed shipments moving on the same route. The result is a professional, fully managed overseas move at a fraction of the cost of booking a full container — and with one of the faster transit times of any long-haul route, thanks to the Suez Canal.
Key benefits
- You only pay for the cubic metres you use
- Flexible collection from anywhere in Europe
- Regular sailings from Rotterdam to Jebel Ali port via Suez Canal
- Dubai Customs clearance fully managed by our licensed clearing agent
- Door-to-door delivery to all UAE emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and beyond
- Optional packing, storage, and transit insurance
Transit times — Europe to the UAE
Sea freight via the Suez Canal makes Europe to UAE one of the more competitive long-haul routes. Typical door-to-door times:
| Route | Transit time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe → Dubai (Jebel Ali) | 4–6 weeks | Via Suez Canal; groupage incl. consolidation |
| UK → Dubai | 4–5 weeks | Well-served route, frequent sailings |
| Southern Europe → Dubai | 3-5 weeks | Shorter sailing distance via Suez |
| Europe → Abu Dhabi | 4-6 weeks | Via Jebel Ali, then onward delivery |
Note: Groupage adds 1–2 weeks for consolidation at our Rotterdam hub. Dubai Customs clearance at Jebel Ali adds approximately 1–2 weeks on arrival. Book at least 6 weeks before your target delivery date.
UAE customs — what you need to know
The UAE has clear and straightforward customs rules for incoming household goods. Simplo prepares all documentation and works with a licensed clearing agent at Jebel Ali port to ensure smooth, compliant clearance.
What is duty-free
- Used personal household goods and personal effects are fully exempt from customs duty in the UAE
- Furniture, clothing, appliances, and electronics for personal use are all eligible
- Goods must be clearly for personal use — items that appear new or are in commercial quantities may attract a 5% customs duty
- A valid UAE residence visa is required before your shipment can be released by Dubai Customs
- Your shipment should ideally arrive close to your date of entry into the UAE
What is prohibited — do not ship
- Narcotics, controlled substances, and drugs
- Weapons and firearms (without prior import permit from UAE authorities)
- Pornographic or culturally offensive material
- Counterfeit goods or pirated media
- Pork products and alcohol are subject to strict restrictions
- Any goods that contravene UAE cultural, religious, or legal values
Important — UAE residence visa requirement
A valid UAE residence visa is mandatory before your shipment can be cleared. Without it, Dubai Customs will not release your goods and the shipping line will not issue a delivery order. If your visa is delayed after your goods arrive, port storage charges will apply. Simplo advises on shipping timing at the point of booking to help you align your shipment arrival with your visa issuance.
Key documents required
- Copy of passport (photo page — must match shipping documents exactly)
- UAE residence visa — must be valid at time of customs clearance
- Emirates ID copy or Emirates ID application form (if visa newly issued)
- Employment visa with UAE entry stamp (if residence visa not yet finalised)
- Bill of lading (sea freight)
- Detailed itemised packing inventory with declared values (in English)
Simplo reviews your documentation before departure to ensure everything is in order for Jebel Ali clearance.
Shipping a vehicle to the UAE
- Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted in the UAE — right-hand drive cars (common in the UK and Ireland) cannot be imported
- Vehicles with heavily tinted glass are restricted
- UAE residence visa is required before vehicle clearance can proceed
- Dubai Customs issues a vehicle clearance certificate within 2–3 days — required for UAE traffic department registration
- Vehicles older than 10 years require approval from the local agent
Advise Simplo at the time of booking if you wish to ship a vehicle. We confirm eligibility and handle the additional documentation required.
How your move works,
step by step
1. Get an instant quote
Enter your origin country, destination, and estimated volume. Our calculator gives you an immediate price estimate for your groupage move to the UAE.
2. We plan your shipment
Once you confirm, we match your shipment with others on the same route. Your collection date is scheduled at a time that works for you.
3. Collection and consolidation
We collect your belongings from anywhere in Europe and consolidate them at our hub near Rotterdam, ready for ocean freight.
4. Sea freight via Suez Canal
Your container departs on a scheduled service to Jebel Ali port, Dubai. We track progress and keep you informed throughout the transit.
5. Dubai Customs clearance
Our licensed clearing agent at Jebel Ali handles all customs documentation and coordinates directly with Dubai Customs on your behalf.
6. Door-to-door delivery
Your goods are transported from the port to your final address anywhere in the UAE. Optional unpacking and storage are available.
Additional services
Alongside the core groupage service, you can add:
- Professional packing at your home
- Packing materials supplied in advance
- Short- or long-term storage at origin or destination
- Transit insurance coverage
- Vehicle shipping alongside household goods (left-hand drive only)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move from Europe to the UAE?
Groupage pricing is based on volume (cubic metres). The Europe to UAE route is well-served and competitively priced due to high demand. Use our instant quote tool for a real estimate based on your volume and destination city in the UAE.
How long does shipping from Europe to Dubai take?
Door-to-door groupage typically takes 4–6 weeks from Northern Europe, including consolidation and Dubai Customs clearance. Southern European origins can be slightly faster at 3–5 weeks. We recommend booking at least 6 weeks before your target delivery date.
Do I need a UAE residence visa before my goods arrive?
Yes — a valid UAE residence visa is required before your shipment can be cleared through Dubai Customs. Your goods cannot be released without one. If your visa is delayed and your goods are already at Jebel Ali, storage charges will apply. Simplo advises on timing at the booking stage to help you avoid this.
Are household goods duty-free when moving to the UAE?
Yes. Used personal household goods are exempt from customs duty in the UAE, provided they are for personal use and accompanied by the correct documentation. New items found in a shipment may attract a 5% customs duty. Simplo reviews your inventory before departure to flag anything that may cause issues.
Can I ship my car to the UAE from Europe?
Yes, with important conditions. Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted — right-hand drive cars cannot be imported into the UAE. Vehicles must not have heavily tinted glass, and must not be older than 10 years without prior agent approval. UAE residence visa is required for vehicle clearance. Advise us at booking if you wish to include a vehicle.
Which port does my shipment arrive at in the UAE?
Almost all household goods shipments to the UAE arrive at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai — the largest container port in the Middle East and Gulf region. From there, Simplo coordinates onward delivery to any UAE emirate including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Do you collect from all European countries?
Yes — we collect from all European countries. Our consolidation hub near Rotterdam is ideally positioned to serve the whole of Europe, with regular sailings to Jebel Ali via the Suez Canal.
Ready to move?
Start your groupage quote and get an instant estimate for your overseas move.
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