Importing a vehicle to Kuwait can be an exhausting process. But with the correct information and preparation, international car shipping can be a smooth and hassle-free experience. So, we will outline a step-by-step process on how to import a car to Kuwait with ease. Let’s dive right in.
Obtain a vehicle import permit
Before importing a car to Kuwait, you must obtain a vehicle import permit from the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry. And yes, legalities are tedious but extremely necessary. So, you will need to prepare these documents:
- Your passport and residency visa.
- Proof of ownership of the vehicle.
- Original invoice of the vehicle purchase.
- Certificate of origin.
- Bill of lading.
- Kuwait Civil ID card.
Even though this process seems complicated initially, you can obtain all these documents online by submitting a few forms. And we are sure you already have half of it. But on the bright side, if you decide to work with international movers Kuwait provides, besides transporting and shipping, they can also help you with the legal part.
Prepare your vehicle for shipping
Before you can import car to Kuwait, you must prepare it for the journey ahead. This means a simple visit to a mechanic is a must. Do a complete checkup and change batteries and liquids, and cover minor repairs if there are any. Once you cover the legal part and are ready to ship your vehicle, you must make another stop at a mechanic to empty your tank and check the electronics. Most shipping companies require this to lower the chances of unfortunate events. And remember to wash the vehicle thoroughly. If your vehicle is nice and clean, it will go much smoother in customs.
Clear the vehicle with customs
If you want to import a car to Kuwait with ease, you must work with customs. Once you have obtained the import permit, you must clear the vehicle with Kuwait customs. For this step, you must prepare a vehicle import permit and all the above documents. Customs will inspect the vehicle and may require additional documentation or fees before allowing it to enter Kuwait.
Pay customs duties and fees
You must pay customs duties and fees before receiving the import permit and registering the vehicle. The customs duties and fees vary depending on the vehicle’s make, model, and year. And again, working with reliable movers Kuwait residents rely on will make this process much smoother and easier. They will cover all fees and take care of customs while including everything in the price of the shipping service. Keep that in mind before agreeing on a shipping contract. There are many beneficial services you can utilize, so make sure to communicate about them beforehand.
If you want to import a car to Kuwait with ease, you must register the vehicle with the Ministry of Interior first
After clearing the vehicle with customs, you must register it with the Kuwait Ministry of Interior. You will need to provide a vehicle import permit, customs clearance certificate, original vehicle purchase invoice, proof of vehicle ownership, and a Kuwait civil ID card. Upon doing so, the Ministry of Interior will inspect the vehicle and may require additional documentation or fees before registering it. And do not get confused by the process. This is all normal and by the law—all to avoid counterfeit vehicles and parts reaching the market.
Obtain car insurance
Before driving an imported vehicle on Kuwaiti roads, you must obtain car insurance from a licensed company in Kuwait. Again, you must prepare several documents and legalities to get the said insurance. You’ll need vehicle registration papers, a valid driver’s license, proof of residency in Kuwait, an import permit, and a civil ID card. The cost of car insurance in Kuwait also varies depending on the vehicle’s make and model.
So, if you want to import a car to Kuwait with ease, you must carefully plan and prepare for it. It might look hard, but from what we have explained, this is the easiest it gets. Just consult your moving and shipping company and the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry before taking any steps. With the correct information and guidance, the process can be a smooth and hassle-free experience. But above all, safe and legal.