HomeCar Import and Registration in Saudi Arabia

Requirements and Rules to Be Followed while Importing Cars  Into Saudi Arabia

Some key requirements and rules need to be followed when importing vehicles to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to avert hitches and complications. Here are the most crucial ones:

• Age of Car: Maximum of five years in age from the year of manufacturing

• GCC Specification Certificate: A GCC specification certificate from the same car should be presented. Any car used in the GCC must carry a sticker on the inside of the driver’s left door that provides relevant details in Arabic.

•  Necessary Documents:

• • Original and copy of purchase invoice.
  • National ID.
  • Original documents indicating the proof of ownership over the car.
  • Original documents of an export certificate which have validity from the exporting country.
  • Registration documents of the vehicle which are in force in the exporting country.

• Customs declaration (BAYAN):  Fill out a customs declaration available in the Saudi Customs Authority, 

• Inspection Requirements: The vehicle must be technically inspected at an authorised centre in Saudi Arabia to be declared fit for use and comply with the standards set by the traffic directorate.

Who Can Import  Cars to KSA

• Saudi Citizens: Any person who is a citizen of Saudi can import cars. 
• Residents: All expatriates in Saudi Arabia with valid Iqama residency permits can import cars. They need to observe the exact procedure and fulfil the requirements necessary, just like the Saudi nationals.
• Companies: Only legally registered firms running businesses in Saudi Arabia can import cars for business purposes. This applies to firms running car rentals, leasing, or even sales. 

Step-by-step procedure for Car Import and Registration in Saudi Arabia

• Find a Shipping Company: Ensure that the company is popular, marketable, and aware of procedures taken to admit cars in Saudi Arabia.
• Preparing documents: Have all the documents you need, which include proof of ownership, proof of purchase, that your vehicle has an export certificate as it is shipped, and the GCC specification certificate; now have everything ready as you ship.
• Ship the car: After completing the arrangement to ship the car to Saudi Arabia, a shipping company should be responsible for the logistics of taking the car up to the shipping place until it is well placed on the ship.
• Customs Clearance:
  • On arrival, submit the documents to the Saudi Customs Authority.
  • Pay all customs duties and taxes that shall be due, depending on the value of your vehicle and other factors. Pay the 15% added tax plus 5% customs tax, if applicable. You can then pay it via SADAD and share the receipt later with the Customs Clearance Services you hire.
  • Visit the FASAH website and obtain a customs clearance certificate upon the conclusion of the vehicle journey in customs.
• Technical Inspection:
  • Book FAHAS (MVPI appointment) and inspect the vehicle at an authorised inspection centre. 
  • Comply with reinstatement to the Saudi Arabian Standards Organisation (SASO).
  • Receive a technical assessment certificate if the car is eligible for the assessment.
• Registration:

Within 15 days, you have to inspect your car, register it, and insure it; otherwise, after that time, it will be illegal to drive your new car in Saudi Arabia.

• • • Book a ‘Muroor’ appointment through your ‘Absher account’ and visit the Saudi Arabian Traffic Department with the Technical Inspection Certificate, Insurance Proof, and all other documents submitted so far.
    • Complete the application for registration and pay the registration fee (Istimara fee)
    • Collect the registration card of the Saudi automobile and licence plates.

• Insurance: It may be necessary for an individual to obtain local insurance for the particular automobile; local here means an insurance policy strictly obtained in the nation (Register with ‘Tameeni)’. 
• Final Checks: Check that all the documentation is correctly processed, and the vehicle is registered well before taking the vehicle on the road.