How to Buy a Car in Dubai and Documents Required to Buy a car

Being mobile in a big city is a bliss. You cannot always rely on cabs and public vehicles, especially in a city like Dubai. If you have made the decision of investing your hard-earned money in a car, then you need to keep in mind various things like – the process of buying a new or old car in Dubai, documents needed for each of these, and best deals.

Buying a car in Dubai is comparatively cheaper as compared to western countries. A lot of elite people import their favorite cars from overseas into Dubai. This can be a cumbersome process. If given a choice, you should definitely buy your car directly in Dubai as it is hassle free, affordable, and super quick. Whether you need a new car or a used car depends on your driving experience and your budget.

Here’s how you can buy a car in Dubai –

• Research to determine which make and model is best for you
• Obtain a list of dealerships and private sellers offering your selected vehicle. Compare and contrast
• Explore finance options, if necessary
• Purchase vehicle
• Register and insure your vehicle. (You need to be able to present an inspection certificate if you’re buying a used car.)
• Enjoy your new car

After conducting research on the internet about the type of car you want to buy, find car dealerships in your area and visit them. A lot of these dealerships will offer you great deals (even on used cars) and you can definitely find a car in your budget. In case you are buying a used car, make sure to look up Dubai police’s website to ensure the car is free of fines and other outstanding charges. You also have the option of buying a car directly from the dealer.

Documents required for buying new and used car in Dubai

Documents for new car

If you are ready to buy a new car, then you should keep in mind that these are the documents that you might need –

• UAE residence visa (original and copy) – A residence visa is mandatory for opening a bank account in the UAE as well as for buying automobiles.
• Passport (original and copy)
• UAE resident ID – Also called Emirates ID, it is mandatory for everyone working and living in any of the emirates in the UAE.
• A valid UAE driving license – Driving licenses from specific countries (GCC and several European countries) are valid for driving a car in Dubai.
• Insurance documents – It is mandatory to insure your new car before you drive it out of the showroom.

Besides, these are the documents needed to buy a car on finance: 

• A salary certificate or employer’s letter, if financed through a bank or a loan company
• Bank statements from previous months (usually for 3 to 6)

Documents for used cars 

• UAE residence visa
• Emirates ID
• Passport copy
• Car insurance agreement copy 
• Previous registration card for the vehicle
• Valid Dubai driving license 
• Inspection certificate obtained from an authorized Vehicle Testing Centre

Car insurance in Dubai

Once you have purchased the car, make sure to get its insurance done. It is mandatory to have car insurance in the UAE. To get the best deals for car insurance visit www.buyanyinsurance.ae and compare different car insurance quotes online.

Keep in mind that if you are buying a used car, then the old owner needs to transfer the insurance to your name. Driving without insurance in the UAE is a punishable offence.

Car registration in Dubai

A lot of people might not know that you cannot drive in the UAE until you register your car. If you are buying a new car, it is most likely that the dealership will help you with the car registration process. However, for buying a second-hand car, you need to do certain formalities. You must bring a copy of their car insurance agreement, passport or local ID, their previous registration card, and if applicable, their car inspection certificate. Cars must be re-registered yearly. Failure to do so may result in legal complications.

To register your vehicle, pay a visit to the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA). Registering your vehicle is a quick ordeal and can be accomplished in a single business day. You may also renew your license and registration on the Dubai police website.

Car registration price in Dubai

Once the insurance is in place, you can register the vehicle. The new car registration cost will be AED 420. Additionally, you might need to open a traffic file, which will cost an additional AED 220. 

The cost of used car registration in Dubai is also AED 420; however, there are other fees associated with the transfer of ownership:

·        Vehicle Technical Inspection: AED 170

·        Transfer of Ownership: AED 350

·        Traffic File: AED 220

The registration has to be done every year, and for every month you’re late with re-registration, you will be fined AED 25.

How to buy a car in Dubai without driving license?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions. You can buy a car in Dubai even if you don’t have a driving license. All you need is a resident visa and all other documents mentioned above. Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to drive in Dubai or the UAE if you don’t have a valid driving license, but you can surely buy a car both used and new.

Can I buy a car in Dubai without down payment?

A down payment is normally mandatory to get a car loan in the UAE and it’s around 20%. However, some UAE banks offer down payment support to their clients through their credit cards. Additionally, a personal loan wouldn’t require a down payment so you could use it for a car purchase.

Author Bio

Kritika Manchanda is a content writer with BuyAnyInsurance. She has more than a decade of experience of churning out SEO friendly content. When she is not writing, she is either reading, or making travel plans.