How to import a used car in Saudi Arabia?

After settling down in Saudi Arabia, many expats want to import a used car from the UAE or some other country. Here is the complete process to import a used car to Saudi Arabia;

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Who can Import a car to KSA?

The following people can import a car to Saudi Arabia;

• Iqama holder with a valid iqama.
• A GCC Citizen.
• GCC = Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain.

Here are the most important things that you must be aware of before importing cars to Saudi Arabia;

1. Saudi citizens and Gulf nationals can import 2 cars in a year.
2. Saudi Iqama holders can import only 1 car in 3 years.

Which car can be imported?

A vehicle meeting the following requirements can be imported to Saudi Arabia;

• The origin country is not Israel.
• Left-hand side drive (no modification allowed).
• The vehicle’s body is not damaged.
• No accidental car is allowed to be imported.
• The police never used the car.
• The vehicle is never used as a taxi.
• The car is not more than five years old.

Is importing a car cost-effective?

If you are importing a car to Saudi Arabia only to save money, you better reconsider your choice. Although car prices in Saudi Arabia are higher than in the Gulf, such as the UAE and Kuwait. Thus, what you get locally is more costly than what you can import.

Nonetheless, when you add the cost of import in this calculation, these costs can add up to make your car even more expensive. Thereby making you regret going through all the hustle for nothing. 

Cost of Importing a Car

The following costs need to be incurred when importing a car to Saudi Arabia. In the following calculation, we have assumed the price of the car to be SR 100,000.

• VAT: 15% i.e. SR 15,000.
• Customs Duty: 5% i.e. SR 5,000.
• Custom Clearance: SR 650.
• Shipping Cost: SR 2,000.
• Bayan (Customs Declaration): SR 300.
• Temporary Custom License Plate: SR 300.
• SASCO Certificate: SR 300.
• Fahas: SR 115.
• Istimara Fee: SR 300.
• New Car Number Plate: SR 100.
• Car Insurance: SR 1,000.
• Total cost: SR 25,000.

The total official cost to import a vehicle for SR 100,000 is SR 25,000. Moreover, you will also have to pay for the customs clearance agent.

Required Documents for the Import

The following documents are required for the customs clearance in Saudi Arabia;

• The export declaration is issued by the customs administration of the exporting country.
• Purchase Invoice.
• Certificate of Origin.
• An export form issued by the traffic police of the exporting country.
• Certificate of ownership of the vehicle duly attested by the Saudi embassy of the exporting country.
• A clearance certificate issued by the exporting country validating that the vehicle is free from debt, bank lease, etc.
• A police clearance certificate for the vehicle.
• Power of attorney is the importer is not the owner.
• Declaration of import issued by the first port of entry in GCC.
• Further guidance is available on the Saudi Customs website.

Steps for importing the car to Saudi Arabia

Step 1: Purchase your car

First thing first, purchase a car from another country to import it to Saudi Arabia. For that, ensure the car is in good condition and you are satisfied with it. 

Transfer money which in usual cases is through the wire transfer through banks. Make sure you do it the legal way and get yourself equipped with the purchase invoice and the documents so that you are able to prove vehicle ownership.

Step 2: Arrange Shipment for the car

Get your car shipped to Saudi Arabia through a reliable shipping company. Even though accidents during shipments are not common, but you have to remain on the safe side. A reliable shipment company will always give you comprehensive insurance coverage.

Step 3: Visit the Fasah website

Next, you need to visit the Fasah website. This will help you get authorization from your customs clearance clerk to handle all the customs procedures on your behalf. However, make sure you are equipped with the following documents:

• National ID or Iqama.
• Purchase invoice.
• A title certificate that showcases the ownership of the car. (the original form or the export certificate).
• Traffic department clearance
• De-registration from the country of origin.

Step 4: Collect your car

Once your car has arrived in Saudi Arabia, it will be inspected by the customs officer. He shall examine the vehicle and enter its data on the system.

After that, you are liable to pay 15% added tax + 5% customs tax, if any. This payment can be made through SADAD. You can share the receipt copy with the customs clearance services you have hired.

To attain the car plates with a customs card, you will have to pay SR 300. Remember that these will be temporary, and you will have 15 days to get your vehicle legally registered in Saudi Arabia. 

Once done, the competent customs officer at the operations office will issue the vehicle customs card and exit permit. After that, the receipt will be signed, and the vehicle will be handed down to the owner or the clearing agent.

Step 5: Imported Car Insurance and Registration

You only have a 15-day grace period to inspect your car, register, and get it insured. If any of the steps are missing, your vehicle will become illegal, and you will not be able to drive it in Saudi Arabia.

• Make an appointment for Fahas.
• Pass the Fahas, which will enable you to buy insurance for it.
• Get Car insurance in Saudi Arabia.
• Get Muroor Appointment.
• Visit the traffic police office with the required documents mentioned above to collect Istimara.
• Take a new number plate from Muroor.
• Replace the temporary customs number plate with the permanent Saudi number plate.

And done, now you can enjoy your ride on your imported vehicle!