Yachts imported into the UAE attract 5% customs duty on declared value and 5% VAT, payable to UAE Customs at the port of entry. Permanent import requires bill of sale, original registration, builder's certificate, marine insurance, and a clearance from the maritime authority. Temporary admission allows up to 90 days without duty using a Yacht Cruising Permit. Free-zone registration (DMCC, JAFZA) lets non-residents own UAE-flagged yachts via an FZE structure. Customs clearance typically takes 5–10 working days.
Submit a customs declaration with the bill of sale, builder's certificate, and commercial invoice, pay 5% duty and 5% VAT, then register the yacht with the destination emirate's maritime authority. The full process takes 3–6 weeks.
Imported yachts attract 5% VAT on declared customs value, paid at the point of entry alongside 5% customs duty. Internal UAE second-hand yacht sales between residents are generally exempt.
Yes, under a Yacht Cruising Permit for up to 90 days. The permit is issued by the maritime authority of the destination emirate (AED 1,000–3,000) and prohibits charter use.
UAE Customs (under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security — ICP) handles duty and VAT. The maritime authority (DMCA, Abu Dhabi Maritime) then handles registration.