When importing a car with overseas residency, most delays happen not at Customs but in the document file: a missing passport page, a residence card close to expiry, or proof of residence that doesn't match the rest of the file. This article goes through the full list of documents in order of stage, with tips that make your case stronger.
Tip: We've put this same list as an interactive checklist on the Residency Services page. Tick each document once it's ready; your progress is saved on your device and you can print it.
1. Identity and residency documents (required)
Passport, all pages
Not just the photo page. Continuity of residency is judged by the entry and exit stamps, so every page, even blank pages in between, must be scanned. If you changed passports during the relevant period, include the old passport too.
Valid residence card
The residence permit of the country you live in, with enough validity when the case is registered. A card that has only a few weeks left can put the case on hold; if a renewal is due, renew first.
National ID card and birth certificate
A clear copy of both sides of the national ID card and every page of the birth certificate.
2. Proof of actually living there (required)
This is the most sensitive part of the case. The residence card shows you had “permission” to live in that country; these documents show you actually lived there:
- Employment contract or employment certificate
- Lease or title deed for your home
- Bank statements in your country of residence
- If available: municipal registration, insurance or bills in your name
The more of these documents you have, and the better their dates match your period of residency, the stronger the case. Each country has different names for these documents; for example, the Emirates ID and employment contract in the UAE, or the İkamet and lease in Turkey. See the list of common countries on the Residency Services page.
3. Financial documents (required)
Proof of currency funding
The currency to buy the car must come through a channel Customs can trace: personal funds abroad or official currency supply systems. A proof of funds letter and foreign bank statements are the most common documents here. This part usually determines the timeline of the whole case.
4. Order-stage documents
Car pro forma invoice
A pro forma from the foreign seller with the car's full specifications and chassis number (VIN). A mistake in the chassis number or model causes problems at order registration.
Technical and standards specifications
The car's technical catalogue and emissions documents, for matching against the country's standards rules. Get these documents before you pay a deposit and have them checked.
5. Shipping and clearance documents
- Shipping and insurance documents: Bill of Lading, shipping insurance policy and final sales invoice
- Certificate of origin if requested
- Non-transfer undertaking: drawn up and signed at clearance; know in advance that the car can't be sold until the end of the legal period
Practical tips for scanning and preparation
- Scan in colour and high resolution. Most delays come from an illegible image or a missing passport page.
- Make one clearly named file per document and keep them all in one folder, e.g. “passport-all-pages.pdf”.
- Line up the dates. The periods on your employment contract, lease and passport stamps must match.
- Start official translation early. Documents that aren't in English or have a complex structure may need official translation.
- Keep the originals with you. For in-person visits, bring the printed checklist together with the original documents.
Summary
A complete file means faster clearance and lower storage costs. Complete the documents in sections 1 to 3 before buying the car; sections 4 and 5 are added along the way. If you're not sure your documents are enough, Saramand's experts review your case for free before you spend anything.
