Moving abroad from Dubai

International Moving Documents Checklist: Moving from Dubai

For an international move from Dubai, prepare four sets of papers: your passport and proof of residence, the mover’s numbered packing list with values, the shipping document, and the destination’s customs form, such as the UK ToR1, US CBP Form 3299, Canada’s goods to follow list (BSF186), India’s transfer of residence declaration or Saudi Arabia’s customs declaration with your iqama.

By Movers Dubai editorial teamLast checked October 2026 against HM Revenue & Customs (opens in a new tab), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (opens in a new tab) and Canada Border Services Agency (opens in a new tab)

Movers Dubai is an independent guide, not a moving company.

At a glance

Your own papers: Passport and proof of residence
From the mover: A numbered packing list with values
Shipping document: Bill of lading for sea freight or airway bill for air freight
Customs form: UK ToR1, US CBP Form 3299, Canada’s goods to follow list (BSF186), India’s transfer of residence declaration or Saudi Arabia’s customs declaration with your iqama

Last checked October 2026

Documents every international move needs

Passport, with the visa or residence status you will hold at the destination.
Proof of time abroad and of residence: the UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, tenancy or employment letters. Allowances in the UK and India depend on how long you lived abroad.
The mover’s inventory and packing list: numbered boxes, a description of contents and a value for each line. Check it before you sign.
Receipts for new or recently bought items, which some countries treat differently from used goods.
The shipping document: bill of lading for sea freight or airway bill for air freight, issued once the goods leave.
An authority for the customs broker at the destination, if the mover asks for one, so it can declare the goods for you.

Customs forms by destination

Official sources checked October 2026.
Destination	Form or relief	Key condition
United Kingdom	ToR1, transfer of residence relief	Apply before shipping for a reference number. At least 12 months living outside the UK; goods owned and used for 6 months; imported within 12 months.
United States	CBP Form 3299	Declaration for free entry of household goods shipped separately.
Canada	BSF186 and the goods to follow list	List goods with you and goods to follow at the border; later goods qualify only if listed. Former residents: goods owned and used abroad for 6 months.
India	Baggage Rules, 2026 (transfer of residence)	Allowance of Rs 1.5, 3 or 7.5 lakh by time abroad; shipment dispatched within one month of arrival or landing up to two months before.
Saudi Arabia	ZATCA personal effects exemption	For first-time foreign residents and returning residents; used goods; passport or iqama, proof of arrival, bill of lading.

Canada: the CAN$10,000 rule for former residents

For former residents returning to Canada, CBSA says any single item worth over CAN$10,000 pays duty and taxes on the amount above CAN$10,000. The six-month ownership rule is waived after five years or more abroad. Details are on the CBSA moving or returning page.

Paperwork to close in Dubai

The building’s move-out permit for the packing and loading day (permits guide).
DEWA move-out and final bill, and district cooling final settlement (utilities guide).
Ejari cancellation, agreed with your landlord (Ejari guide).
Internet and mobile contracts cancelled or moved, with equipment returned as the provider asks.
Certificates you may need abroad (degrees, marriage and birth certificates): if the destination wants them attested, start that early, as it is separate from shipping.

Moving a pet as well? It follows its own rules and paperwork; see pet relocation.

When to prepare each one

When to prepare each one
When	Document
As soon as you decide to move	Check passport validity and the visa or residence route at the destination.
Before the mover’s survey	List items you will sell or leave, and gather receipts for new items.
After the survey, before shipping	Customs form or relief (ToR1 must be approved before shipping), check and sign the packing list.
Packing day	Move-out permit; keep the packing list and your documents in hand luggage.
After the goods leave	Bill of lading or airway bill, and the broker’s contact at the destination.
Your last week in Dubai	DEWA final bill, district cooling, Ejari cancellation, keys and access cards returned.

Moving documents questions

What documents do I need to move household goods abroad from Dubai?

Your passport, proof of how long you lived abroad and of your new residence where the destination asks for it, the mover’s numbered packing list with values, the shipping document (bill of lading or airway bill), and the destination’s customs form or relief, such as UK ToR1 or US CBP Form 3299.

Which customs form do I need for the USA?

CBP Form 3299, the Declaration for free entry of unaccompanied articles, is used to clear household goods shipped separately into the United States. Returning residents can also read CBP’s answer on duty-free entry of household goods.

What is a goods to follow list for Canada?

When you arrive, you give the border officer a list in two parts: goods you bring with you and goods to follow. Goods that arrive later only qualify if they were on that original list. The officer records it on form BSF186, which you can fill in before you arrive.

Do I need to close my Dubai accounts before shipping?

Close them around your leaving date rather than before shipping: request the DEWA move-out and final bill, settle district cooling, cancel the Ejari with your landlord, and apply for the building’s move-out permit for the packing day.

Official sources

Papers ready for the survey?

Request a free quote for your international move. A mover can only prepare an accurate packing list once it has seen what you are taking.

Request a free quote

The mover sets the price, not Movers Dubai.