Short answer: on top of the purchase price, budget for export handling, shipping and insurance, 10% EU customs duty, import VAT at your country’s rate, port and clearance fees, approval or modifications, registration and preparation — plus repairs or parts if needed. Some countries add registration taxes.
The cost framework
| Cost | Applies | Depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | Always | Negotiation, FX rate (AED→EUR) |
| Pre-purchase inspection | Recommended | Package chosen |
| Repairs and parts | If needed | Scope, parts availability |
| UAE export handling | Always | Deregistration, transport to port |
| Shipping and insurance | Always | RoRo vs container, ports, value |
| Customs duty | Usually | 10% of customs value for passenger cars |
| Import VAT | Always | DE 19%, IT 22%, ES 21% — reclaimable for many dealers |
| Port and clearance | Always | Port, agent |
| Approval and modifications | If no EU type approval | Vehicle, country |
| Registration taxes | Country-specific | e.g. Spain IEDMT by CO₂; Italy IPT by kW |
| Preparation | Usually | Condition |
A worked example
For an illustrative 2021 Mercedes-AMG G 63 bought for about €102,190 and sold by a VAT-registered dealer:
- Germany: landed ≈ €119,449, potential margin ≈ €8,282
- Italy: potential margin ≈ €10,000
- Spain: the 14.75% registration tax turns it negative (≈ −€5,800)
Same car, very different results. The price gap was roughly €50,000 in every market.
Three numbers to keep apart
- Price difference = European comparable − UAE price (a signal, not profit)
- Landed cost = purchase + all import and other costs
- Potential margin = expected resale − landed cost − expenses
Next steps
Use the free import cost calculator, or get every car pre-calculated in the platform. Need help with repairs, parts or shipping? Discuss a vehicle.
Rates change; confirm with your customs agent and tax adviser.