| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Car Value | 150,000 SAR |
| Customs Duty (5%) | 7,500 SAR |
| Value After Duty | 157,500 SAR |
| Value Added Tax (15%) | 23,625 SAR |
| Total Before Additional Fee | 181,125 SAR |
| Additional Fee (if applicable) | From 30,000 to 75,000 SAR |
This means if you import a car worth 150,000 SAR that meets the specifications, you pay an additional 31,125 SAR (customs + tax). If it doesn’t meet the specifications, the amount increases.
Conditions for Importing Vehicles from Abroad
To import a car, it must meet the following conditions:
- Vehicle Age: No more than 5 years from the manufacturing date (for light vehicles). Heavy trucks also have a 5-year limit.
- Energy Efficiency Certificate: The car must comply with energy efficiency standards. You can check this via the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) website saso.gov.sa
- Technical Inspection: The vehicle must undergo inspection at an approved center to ensure its safety.
- Documents: You must provide the original form or certificate of origin, national ID or residency, and a document confirming the payment method.
- Payment System: The import must be under your personal name—you cannot use a legal agency for import (only for completing procedures).
Difference Between Citizens and Residents in Importing
For Saudi Citizens
- Allowed to import two vehicles every 12 months
- Allowed to import cars that do not meet age or energy efficiency requirements (additional fees apply)
- Allowed to sell the car after import
For Residents
- Allowed to import one vehicle every 3 years
- Prohibited from selling the car for 3 years from the import date (stamped on the customs card)
- Prohibited from importing commercial vehicles and buses
- Prohibited from importing cars that do not meet energy efficiency standards or exceed the allowed age
Vehicles Prohibited from Import
- Vehicles that are flooded or have been in a fire, accident, or rollover
- Vehicles previously used as taxis or police cars
- Vehicles that are stolen or have tampered VIN numbers
- Vehicles with left-hand drive converted to right-hand drive
- Armored vehicles
- Commercial vehicles for residents
Steps to Import a Vehicle
- Verify Conditions: Check the car’s age, compliance with energy efficiency standards, and required documents.
- Submit an Online Request: Through the vehicle import service for individuals on the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) website—no customs broker required!
- Use the Estimator: To calculate the fees and taxes you’ll pay.
- Prepare Documents: Proof of ownership, ID, and payment confirmation.
- Technical Inspection: If required, take the car to an approved inspection center.
- Pay Fees: Pay customs duties, VAT, and any additional fees.
- Customs Clearance: After payment and
- Inspection: Clearance takes 2-5 business days.
- Registration: Register the vehicle under your name at the traffic department.
- 📌 Verify the Energy Efficiency Certificate: This can save you thousands of riyals in additional fees.
- 📌 Use the Real Invoice: The Authority can detect manipulation in the value.
- 📌 Resident: Do not buy a car from abroad and sell it before 3 years — it won’t work.
- 📌 Record the Numbers: Calculate the full cost before buying a car from abroad — fees and taxes make a big difference.
- 📌 Shipping Booking: Book an approved shipping company so the car arrives safely.
- Between 20% to 50% of the car’s value
- A minimum of 20,000 Saudi Riyals
- This is based on Cabinet Decision No. (335) dated 15 Jumada II 1443 AH
- Vehicle Age: No more than 5 years from the manufacturing date (for light vehicles). Heavy trucks also have a 5-year limit.
- Energy Efficiency Certificate: The car must comply with energy efficiency standards. You can check this via the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) website saso.gov.sa
- Technical Inspection: The vehicle must undergo inspection at an approved center to ensure its safety.
- Documents: You must provide the original form or certificate of origin, national ID or residency, and a document confirming the payment method.
- Payment System: The import must be under your personal name—you cannot use a legal agency for import (only for completing procedures).
- Allowed to import two vehicles every 12 months
- Allowed to import cars that do not meet age or energy efficiency requirements (additional fees apply)
- Allowed to sell the car after import
- Allowed to import one vehicle every 3 years
- Prohibited from selling the car for 3 years from the import date (stamped on the customs card)
- Prohibited from importing commercial vehicles and buses
- Prohibited from importing cars that do not meet energy efficiency standards or exceed the allowed age
- Vehicles that are flooded or have been in a fire, accident, or rollover
- Vehicles previously used as taxis or police cars
- Vehicles that are stolen or have tampered VIN numbers
- Vehicles with left-hand drive converted to right-hand drive
- Armored vehicles
- Commercial vehicles for residents
- Verify Conditions: Check the car’s age, compliance with energy efficiency standards, and required documents.
- Submit an Online Request: Through the vehicle import service for individuals on the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) website—no customs broker required!
- Use the Estimator: To calculate the fees and taxes you’ll pay.
- Prepare Documents: Proof of ownership, ID, and payment confirmation.
- Technical Inspection: If required, take the car to an approved inspection center.
- Pay Fees: Pay customs duties, VAT, and any additional fees.
- Customs Clearance: After payment and
- Inspection: Clearance takes 2-5 business days.
- Registration: Register the vehicle under your name at the traffic department.
- 📌 Verify the Energy Efficiency Certificate: This can save you thousands of riyals in additional fees.
- 📌 Use the Real Invoice: The Authority can detect manipulation in the value.
- 📌 Resident: Do not buy a car from abroad and sell it before 3 years — it won’t work.
- 📌 Record the Numbers: Calculate the full cost before buying a car from abroad — fees and taxes make a big difference.
- 📌 Shipping Booking: Book an approved shipping company so the car arrives safely.
Key Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a resident import a car from outside Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but only one car every 3 years, and they cannot sell it before 3 years. Importing commercial vehicles or buses is not allowed.
Is importing electric cars allowed?
Yes, but they must comply with Saudi specifications and have an energy efficiency certificate. You must also pay the same customs duty of 5% and a 15% tax.
What is the difference between customs duty and VAT?
The customs duty is 5% of the car’s value, and VAT is 15% calculated on the total amount after adding the customs duty. This means the tax is calculated on (car value + customs duty).
Can I import a car older than 5 years?
If you are a Saudi citizen or hold a premium residency, you can, but you must pay an additional fee of 20%-50% of the car’s value, with a minimum of 20,000 riyals. If you are a regular resident, it is not allowed.
What are the required documents?
A document proving ownership of the car (original form or authenticated certificate of origin), national ID or residency license, and a document explaining the payment method.
Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority — Vehicle Import Regulations
Are you thinking of importing a car from outside Saudi Arabia? Importing vehicles from abroad is an option that attracts many people, but there are fees and taxes you need to know about before you start. In this article, we will explain in detail the import tax for vehicles from abroad — how much you pay, import conditions, and the steps from start to finish.
Who it applies to: Saudi citizens, residents, and holders of premium residency
Where to do it: via the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) platform — zatca.gov.sa
How much does it cost: 5% customs duty + 15% VAT + additional fee (in some cases)
When: Customs clearance takes 2-5 business days
⚠️ Important note: If your car does not meet energy efficiency standards or is over 5 years old, you will pay an additional 20% to 50% with a minimum of 20,000 SAR
How much are the fees and taxes for importing a car from abroad?
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has established a clear system for calculating fees on imported vehicles. There are 3 types of fees:
1. Customs Duty — 5%
First, you pay 5% of the customs value of the car. The customs value = purchase price of the car + shipping costs + any documentation fees. They calculate this based on the official invoice. If the authority is not satisfied with the invoice, they use the official agent’s list and deduct 10% annual depreciation (with a maximum 50% discount for cars).
2. Value Added Tax — 15%
After the customs duty, you pay 15% VAT on the total amount (car value + customs duty + any other fees). This tax is due at customs clearance at the port.
3. Additional Import Fee (for non-compliant vehicles)
If your car is used and does not have an energy efficiency certificate or is over 5 years old, you will pay an additional fee:
You can use the Estimated Calculator on the authority’s website to find out the exact amount before you start.
Practical Example: A Car Worth 150,000 SAR
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Car Value | 150,000 SAR |
| Customs Duty (5%) | 7,500 SAR |
| Value After Duty | 157,500 SAR |
| Value Added Tax (15%) | 23,625 SAR |
| Total Before Additional Fee | 181,125 SAR |
| Additional Fee (if applicable) | From 30,000 to 75,000 SAR |
This means if you import a car worth 150,000 SAR that meets the specifications, you pay an additional 31,125 SAR (customs + tax). If it doesn’t meet the specifications, the amount increases.
Conditions for Importing Vehicles from Abroad
To import a car, it must meet the following conditions:
Difference Between Citizens and Residents in Importing
For Saudi Citizens
For Residents
Vehicles Prohibited from Import
Steps to Import a Vehicle
Key Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a resident import a car from outside Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but only one car every 3 years, and they cannot sell it before 3 years. Importing commercial vehicles or buses is not allowed.
Is importing electric cars allowed?
Yes, but they must comply with Saudi specifications and have an energy efficiency certificate. You must also pay the same customs duty of 5% and a 15% tax.
What is the difference between customs duty and VAT?
The customs duty is 5% of the car’s value, and VAT is 15% calculated on the total amount after adding the customs duty. This means the tax is calculated on (car value + customs duty).
Can I import a car older than 5 years?
If you are a Saudi citizen or hold a premium residency, you can, but you must pay an additional fee of 20%-50% of the car’s value, with a minimum of 20,000 riyals. If you are a regular resident, it is not allowed.
What are the required documents?
A document proving ownership of the car (original form or authenticated certificate of origin), national ID or residency license, and a document explaining the payment method.
Source: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority — Vehicle Import Regulations
