Can I ship furniture and personal belongings from overseas?

Used household goods and personal effects belonging to eligible people arriving for their first UAE residence may qualify for customs-duty exemption, subject to conditions. New items are not covered by that exemption, so do not assume your entire shipment will enter duty-free. Ask your mover or Dubai Customs to confirm how your circumstances and inventory will be treated.

Prepare a detailed packing list and confirm the required identity, residency and transport documents with your clearance agent. If your residence documents are still being processed, check whether clearance can proceed before the shipment leaves. Also check prohibited and restricted items, as some goods require separate approval.

Request a quotation covering packing, freight, insurance, destination handling, clearance, delivery and any storage charges. Ask what happens if customs clearance is delayed or your home is not ready. Compare the complete cost with replacing bulky items after arrival.

Measure your new home and confirm building access before shipping large furniture. Coordinate delivery with your handover, move-in permit and service-lift booking, and keep essentials with you in case the shipment arrives late.