Now non-residents or non-visa holders cannot register a vehicle in their name in UAE. However, you can buy a car and have it registered under someone else’s name, such as a resident friend or family member, or use a leasing service that handles the registration.
Buy / Sell Your Car
If you still want to register a vehicle then here is the complete guide on how to own a car in the UAE without a residence permit:
- Residency Requirement: Owning and registering a car requires a residence visa in the UAE. This is because the vehicle registration process is tied to your Emirates ID, which is only issued to residents.
- Non-Resident Ownership: While non-residents cannot directly register a car in their name, they can still purchase a vehicle and arrange for it to be registered under someone else’s name who is a resident.
- Find a Resident Sponsor: Identify a trustworthy resident (friend, family member, or business associate) who is willing to register the car under their name.
- Purchase Agreement: You can purchase the car, but the registration and legal ownership would be under the resident’s name. Make sure there is a written agreement that clarifies the ownership and responsibilities.
- Insurance: The car insurance will also be under the resident’s name. Make sure to add yourself as a driver if you will be driving the car.
- Registration Process: The resident will need to handle the vehicle registration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or the equivalent authority in their emirate.
- Leasing Company: Many car rental companies in the UAE offer long-term leasing services, which include registration and insurance. This option does not require a residence visa.
- Choose a Vehicle: Select the car you want to lease. Leasing agreements can range from a few months to several years.
- Payment: You will make regular lease payments to the company, which includes the cost of registration, insurance, and maintenance.
- Driving License: You will need a valid international driving permit (IDP) or a UAE driving license to legally drive in the UAE.
- Business Registration: If you own or have a business in the UAE, you can register the car under the company’s name.
- Documentation: You will need to provide the company’s trade license and other required documents for vehicle registration.
- Insurance and Registration: The vehicle will be registered and insured under the name of the company, but you can use it as an employee or owner of the business.
- Legal Agreement: All agreements should be documented to avoid any disputes later, especially if the car is registered under another person’s or company’s name.
- Financial Responsibility: Understand that the person or entity under whose name the car is registered will be legally responsible for any fines, penalties, or legal issues related to the vehicle.
- Driving License: You should have a valid driving license. For non-residents, an international driving permit is required.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Adhere to the UAE’s traffic laws and regulations to avoid fines and penalties.
- Residency Change: If you obtain a residence visa later, you can transfer the car’s registration to your name.
- Process: Visit the RTA or equivalent authority to complete the transfer process. You’ll need your Emirates ID, passport, visa, and other relevant documents.