How to Sell Your Car in the UAE From Abroad

You have left the UAE, but your car is still parked here. Maybe the move happened fast, or a buyer fell through at the last minute. The good news: you can still sell it without flying back. This guide explains how it usually works, based on the Dubai RTA rules. Other emirates have similar but separate processes.

Important: rules and fees change. Always confirm the latest requirements with the RTA (or the traffic authority of the emirate where the car is registered) before you start.

Step 1: Appoint someone in the UAE with a power of attorney

When the owner cannot attend the ownership transfer, a representative can act on their behalf. According to the RTA, the representative needs a power of attorney that specifically covers the sale and disposal of vehicles. A general power of attorney may not be accepted, so make sure the wording is right.

Choose someone you trust: a friend, a colleague or a family member who lives in the UAE. They will hand over the car and sign on your behalf.

Step 2: Get the power of attorney attested

If you sign the power of attorney outside the UAE, the RTA requires it to be ratified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in practice it also needs to go through the UAE embassy or consulate in the country where you sign it. Plan for this step, as it can take time depending on the country.

Step 3: Clear fines, Salik and any loan

A car usually cannot be transferred while it has unpaid traffic fines, unpaid Salik dues or an active bank loan. Fines can often be checked and paid online. If the car is financed, the loan must be settled and the bank must issue a release before the transfer can go ahead.

Step 4: Prepare the documents

• The car’s registration card (Mulkiya)
• The attested power of attorney and your representative’s Emirates ID
• A copy of your passport and Emirates ID, if available
• Car keys and any service records

The buyer also needs valid insurance in their own name, and the car may need to pass a technical inspection, depending on its age and registration status.

Step 5: Agree the price and get paid safely

Agree the price before your representative hands over the car. For sellers outside the UAE, a bank transfer to your own account is usually the safest option, because you can confirm the money has arrived before the car leaves.

The easier option: sell to a car buyer that handles it

Selling privately from abroad means coordinating viewings, test drives and negotiations through someone else. Selling to a car-buying service is usually simpler: you send photos and details on WhatsApp, agree a fixed price, and your representative only needs to hand over the car and documents on one visit.

See how we buy cars from owners outside the UAE →

Quick checklist

• Power of attorney covering sale and disposal of vehicles
• Attested by the UAE embassy/consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if signed abroad
• Fines, Salik and any loan cleared
• Mulkiya, keys and your representative ready
• Price agreed and payment method confirmed