Relocation to the UAE / Dubai
Planning a move to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or another emirate of the UAE? Hartmann International has been organising overseas moves since 1856: with a permanent, trained team, FAIM-certified standards, a worldwide partner network and complete customs handling in the United Arab Emirates from a single source.
Your move to UAE / Dubai – everything from a single source
Whether it is an apartment in Dubai Marina, a villa in Abu Dhabi or an assignment to Sharjah – we plan your move to the UAE from the first consultation to furniture assembly at your destination. As a member of AMÖ, FIDI and move alliance we handle sea and air freight, packing, insurance and the customs clearance in the Emirates, all from a single source.
- International private removals – flat, house, full service
- Company and employee relocations worldwide
- Sea, air and road freight incl. container loading
- Customs clearance & export/import documents
- Part-load shipments & storage in our own facilities
- Moving boxes, packing material & furniture dis-/assembly
- Disposal of items you no longer need
- AMÖ-, FIDI- & FAIM-certified international standards
One-stop move
From packing to customs clearance – one dedicated contact for your move abroad.
International expertise
Dubai and the UAE are among our sought-after overseas destinations: we ship your household goods in our own container via the port of Jebel Ali near Dubai – and take care of clearance with the customs authorities of the Emirates.
Your belongings in safe hands
Professional and sea-worthy packing and insured transport all the way to the destination.
Your move from Germany to Dubai and the UAE
From the first consultation to setting up your new home, we take care of everything: we plan your move, supply packing material and moving boxes, pack securely for sea transport, organise the shipping via the port of Jebel Ali and reassemble your furniture at the destination.
On request we handle the transport only or the complete full service – including part-load transport, storage in our own facilities and relocation service. That makes your move to Dubai plannable and stress-free, despite the long distance and the hot climate on site.
Transport routes to the UAE
The main route to the UAE is sea freight in a container: for a complete household, your own 20- or 40-foot container is the most economical solution. We pack securely for sea transport, load and organise the shipping via the major port of Jebel Ali near Dubai – including delivery to your home in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ajman.
Air freight is ideal for urgent or smaller shipments – when important items need to be in the Emirates quickly, for example at the start of an assignment. We handle packing, documents and the whole process via the airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
There is no pure overland route for a move to the UAE – within the Emirates our partner network handles the onward transport from the port of Jebel Ali to your new address, whether to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ajman. That way your goods reach the more distant emirates safely too.
Move stress-free with Hartmann International
Since 1856 we have accompanied you at every step – from the personal consultation through the binding fixed-price quote to furniture assembly at your destination. Your goods are covered by the statutory carrier liability; on request we arrange extended transport insurance at replacement value. We work with permanent, fairly paid staff and vetted partners on site.
With our relocation service we take the official paperwork off your hands – for job-related moves as well as for private customers. We support you with, among other things, your residence visa and Emirates ID, finding a home, your bank account, insurance and connecting electricity and internet. That way you arrive in the Emirates relaxed from the very start.
Your international move in 5 steps
Enquiry
Free of charge by form, e-mail or phone.
Consultation & survey
We record volume, transport route and customs requirements.
Fixed-price quote
Transparent & in writing, incl. transport and customs.
Transport
Packing, loading and shipping by sea, air or road.
Delivery & assembly
Delivery, unpacking and furniture assembly at the destination.
Customs & documents for your move to the UAE
The UAE is not part of the EU: a customs declaration in the Emirates is required for every move, together with a complete packing list of your goods. If you are transferring your place of residence, you can usually import your used household goods on preferential terms – we handle the process and tell you exactly which documents are needed and when.
For entry and clearance you need a valid passport and an appropriate visa or residence visa. Please note that in the UAE certain goods are restricted or prohibited from import (for example alcohol or certain media) – we clarify this with you in advance so that the import runs smoothly.
What does a move to Dubai or the UAE cost?
The cost of a move to the UAE depends mainly on the volume, the destination emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman), the transport route (sea freight in your own container, part load or air freight) and the services you choose. The effort for customs clearance in the Emirates is added on top. A further lever is the part load: you share the container and pay only your portion.
Flat-rate guide prices are of little value for overseas moves. After a short assessment – by phone, video or on site – you therefore receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs, including transport, packing and customs handling.
Calculate your moving costs online
Use our online moving calculator to get a non-binding first estimate for your international move in just a few minutes – volume, distance and services step by step.
Prefer a personal touch? Request a free quote ›
Good to know about your international move
Container sizes
A 20-foot container holds about 30 m³ (roughly a 2–3-room flat), a 40-foot container about 60 m³ (a whole house).
Part-loads save money
With a part-load you share the cargo space with other shipments and pay only your share – ideal for smaller volumes and some flexibility on timing.
Plan ahead
Plan your move ideally 2–3 months in advance, or 3–6 months for overseas – for customs applications and sailing/flight schedules.
Insurance
Every transport is covered by carrier liability; for international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value.
Import restrictions
Not everything may be imported – certain foods, plants, medicines or weapons are restricted. We tell you in advance what can go on the inventory list.
Pets & vehicles
Cars, motorcycles and pets can come along too – pet transport is handled by specialised partners; we tell you which documents are required.
Tip: our moving checklist helps with planning. Transit times depend on destination and transport route – mainland Europe usually a few days, overseas several weeks; we state the exact timeframe in your quote.
Our reference projects
Real international moves, real results – a selection of our international and overseas projects.
Move from China to Herzebrock-Clarholz
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Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
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Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
Full-service move from Frankfurt to Vitrolles
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Your personal contact for international moves
International moving team · Hartmann International
From the first enquiry to your arrival in Dubai or another emirate you have a dedicated contact – no call centre. We advise you personally on sea freight via Jebel Ali, customs and import restrictions, residence visa and scheduling, and coordinate everything from a single source.
Move well prepared – with our checklist
Keep every step in view: our free moving checklist guides you from planning to move-in through all the key to-dos – deadlines, re-registration, no-parking zones and packing.
Request your free quote now
Ready for your move to Dubai or the UAE? We will get back to you promptly with a fair fixed-price quote including customs handling – by phone on +49 5251 87500-0 or directly via our form.
Frequently asked questions
What does a move to Dubai or the UAE cost?
It depends on the volume, destination emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman), the transport route (sea-freight container, part load or air freight) and the services you choose; customs clearance in the Emirates is added on top. After a short assessment you receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs. A part load can save you even more.
How does transport to the UAE work – sea or air freight?
The main route is sea freight in a container: for a complete household your own 20- or 40-foot container is the most economical solution, shipped via the major port of Jebel Ali near Dubai. Urgent or smaller shipments go by air freight via the airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We pack securely for sea transport and deliver to your home.
How long does a move to Dubai take?
For sea freight via Jebel Ali, allow several weeks as a rule, depending on the departure port and route, plus customs clearance in the Emirates and the onward transport to your address. Air freight is considerably faster. We state the exact timeframe in your binding quote.
Are there customs duties for a move to the UAE?
The UAE is not part of the EU, so a customs declaration in the Emirates with a packing list is required. If you are transferring your residence, however, you can usually import your used household goods on preferential terms. We handle the whole process and tell you which documents are needed.
What documents do I need for a move to the UAE?
For entry and customs clearance you need a valid passport and an appropriate visa or residence visa, together with a complete packing list of your goods. We support you with the customs documents so that the import runs smoothly.
Are there import restrictions for certain goods in the UAE?
Yes. In the UAE certain goods are restricted or prohibited from import – including, for example, alcohol and certain media. We clarify with you in advance which items are affected so that there are no problems with customs clearance in the Emirates.
Can I also transport my household goods to the UAE as a part load?
Yes. With a part load you share the container with other shipments and pay only your portion – the most economical option if you are flexible on timing. We handle the customs clearance in the Emirates here too.
Are my belongings insured on the way to the UAE?
Yes. Every transport is covered by the statutory carrier liability. For overseas moves in particular we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value, which we arrange on request.
How are my belongings protected against the hot climate in the UAE?
We pack securely and in a climate-appropriate way: sensitive furniture, electronics and pictures are protected with suitable materials against heat and humidity during shipping. That way your household goods arrive undamaged in Dubai or Abu Dhabi too.
Do you move to all emirates of the UAE?
Yes. We organise moves to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman as well as to the other emirates. From the port of Jebel Ali our partner network handles the onward transport to your new address.
What our customers say
„Excellent guidance and support with the move to Great Britain.”
„Great team, excellent move! Very reliable, friendly and professional.”
„The staff were absolutely outstanding. An absolute recommendation!”
„The staff handled our household goods carefully and professionally.”
„After our practice relocated a year ago and that went excellently too, I have now also moved privately with Hartmann.”
„I can wholeheartedly recommend Hartmann International to anyone who needs a removal company.”
Hartmann International is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews on ProvenExpert.
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We move you –
regionally, across Europe and worldwide
From Paderborn we organise your move to Dubai, the UAE, throughout Europe and worldwide.