Moving from UAE to UK

Moving from the UAE to the UK — Door-to-Door Removals You Can Trust

Moving from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or anywhere in the UAE to the United Kingdom. London Moving manages your move end-to-end. Export packing in the UAE, sea or air shipping, UK customs, and delivery to your new address.

  • IAM, BIFA, FIATA member
  • Groupage, FCL 20/40ft, air freight, box-only
  • UK ToR guidance for used personal effects
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • UK storage and unpacking options
IAMInternational Association of Movers
BIFABritish International Freight Association
FIATAGlobal freight network
4.8/5customer ratings

Why choose London Moving for UAE → UK

  • One team from UAE pickup to UK delivery
  • Export packing and ISPM-15 crating for fragile items
  • Flexible modes to match budget and deadlines
  • Clear ToR and customs document support
  • Transparent scope and pricing

Service options from the UAE to the UK

Shared container groupage

Pay for the space you use. Best for apartments, partial households, or staged moves. Regular consolidations from the UAE.

Full container load (FCL)

Dedicated 20ft or 40ft container. Fewer handling steps. Strong choice for full homes and fixed dates.

Air freight

For essentials and time-critical items. Typical door-to-door 3 to 5 days depending on routing and customs. Airline-compliant packing and full documentation.

Door-to-door boxes

Ship cartons or luggage only by air or sea. Labels, pickup, customs and UK delivery handled. See box shipping.

Pricing guide and transit times

Use these ranges for planning. Final quotes depend on volume, access, packing level, season, insurance, and UK delivery address.

Mode Typical Volume Transit Time Guide Price (GBP)
Groupage (shared) 3–12 m³ 8–10 weeks £900–£2,500
FCL 20ft 28–32 m³ 5–7 weeks £3,500–£5,700
FCL 40ft 55–65 m³ 5–7 weeks £5,900–£8,700
Air freight 0.5–2.0 m³ 3–5 days £9–£15 per kg
Door-to-door boxes 1–10 cartons 7–14 days (air) / 6–9 weeks (sea) From £65 per box

Tip. Book building access and service lift slots in the UAE. Arrange UK parking suspensions where needed. Access planning prevents delays.

UK customs and ToR (Transfer of Residence)

Many returning residents can import used household goods with reduced duty and VAT using ToR. Apply before shipping where possible.

  • Live outside the UK for a qualifying period
  • Own and use the goods before import
  • Ship within the allowed time window after moving

ToR application: Apply for ToR relief (ToR1). UK import guidance: Transfer of residence to the UK.

Documents you prepare

  • Passport and UK address details
  • Visa or BRP if applicable
  • ToR approval reference if eligible
  • Packing list and inventory
  • Proof you lived abroad if requested

We prepare

  • Export packing inventory and photos
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
  • Insurance certificate if taken
  • UK delivery booking and access checks

UAE export reference: Dubai Customs clearance guidance. Airline baggage rules: Emirates baggage.

Moving tips for UAE → UK

  • Book service lift and loading bay slots with your building
  • Confirm truck access rules in compounds and towers
  • Pack an open-first box for the first week in the UK
  • Use double-wall cartons for books and fragile kitchen items
  • Crate TVs, glass, mirrors, marble and artwork for sea transit
  • Label boxes by room and priority for faster delivery
  • Measure UK doorways and stairwells before delivery day
“Clear communication from UAE pickup to UK delivery. Packing was careful and the schedule matched the plan.” — Customer, moved 2024

FAQs

How long does a UAE → UK move take?

Air 3–5 days. FCL sea 5–7 weeks. Groupage 8–10 weeks depending on consolidation and UK delivery.

Can I use ToR for used household goods?

Yes if you meet HMRC criteria. Apply before shipping and share the ToR reference so we attach it to your import entry.

Is groupage safe for fragile items?

Yes. We export-pack, crate where needed, palletise fragile pieces, and limit handling during consolidation.

Do you offer UK storage?

Yes. Short- and long-term storage. See storage.

Can you ship boxes only?

Yes. Door-to-door box shipping by air or sea. Boxes service.

Middle East → UK routes

Ready to plan your UAE → UK move

Send dates and an inventory. We build a plan covering packing, shipping mode, ToR, and UK delivery.

Chat with us!
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