Breaking |
Saudi Arabia Opens Clear Path for Older GCC-Plated Cars: Fees from SAR 20,000
and Corrective Deadline of 23 November
Saudi authorities clarify the route for older GCC-registered vehicles
In a clarification important to owners of GCC-plated vehicles inside the Kingdom, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) confirmed that certain vehicles registered in other Gulf Cooperation Council countries may be cleared and registered with Saudi license plates even when they exceed the normal used-car import age limit, provided all conditions are met. The clarification, reported by Al Eqtisadiah on 26 October 2026, arrives as the corrective window approaches its close.
This offers a formal pathway for some owners to regularize their vehicles rather than being forced to remove them. It is not, however, an open invitation for every older car.
Important: This is not a blanket cancellation of the standard five-year age limit, nor automatic approval for every older Gulf-registered car. Eligibility, ownership documents, vehicle condition and applicable payments remain essential. The general rule stays in place.
Who is eligible and what does it cost?
Under ZATCA’s general import rules, used light vehicles are normally limited to model years within five years (excluding the current year from the calculation). A defined exception allows Saudi nationals and Premium Residency holders to bring in certain used light vehicles that fail the age or fuel-efficiency requirements, subject to an additional financial charge plus standard duties and taxes.
|
Item |
What applies |
|
Older-vehicle exception |
Saudi nationals and Premium Residency holders only, subject to approval. |
|
Additional charge |
20%–50% of the vehicle’s assessed value, with a minimum of SAR 20,000. |
|
Other amounts (separate) |
Customs duty (typically 5%) + 15% VAT on the total + any other applicable fees. |
|
Vehicle eligibility |
Proof of ownership or export records, matching chassis details, inspection, and not on the prohibited list. |
Illustrative cost examples (additional charge only, before duty and VAT):
• Vehicle valued at SAR 50,000: 20% = SAR 10,000 → minimum SAR 20,000 applies.
• Vehicle valued at SAR 100,000: 20% = SAR 20,000.
• Vehicle valued at SAR 200,000: charge may reach SAR 40,000 or higher depending on the percentage applied. Final cost depends on official valuation and vehicle condition.
23 November 2026: who is covered and what happens next?
Saudi Arabia began applying its GCC-vehicle stay rules on 26 August 2026. Vehicles already inside the Kingdom before that date and covered by the regulations received a 90-day corrective period ending at the close of 23 November 2026. Owners can regularize by taking the vehicle out of Saudi Arabia or, where eligible, completing customs clearance and Saudi registration.
After the grace period, the standard rule applies: a cumulative 90 days (consecutive or split) in any 365-day period calculated from first entry. Overstaying can result in a fine of SAR 1,000–2,000 and possible impoundment. A single extension of up to 30 days may be requested on Absher before the original period ends; it does not equal approval for permanent registration.
Practical steps to register an eligible GCC-plated car
1. Confirm the owner’s eligibility and the vehicle’s admissibility. Gather proof of ownership or export records, identity documents and matching chassis details.
2. Authorize an approved customs broker to submit the declaration electronically via the Fasah platform. Returning to the original entry checkpoint is not required.
3. Complete required inspections and documentation, then pay customs duties, VAT and the additional financial charge.
4. Finish the traffic registration process to obtain Saudi plates. Start early — valuation and inspection can take time.
Frequently asked questions
Can all foreign residents use the over-age exception? No. It is limited to Saudi nationals and Premium Residency holders.
Has Saudi Arabia abolished its five-year import rule? No. The normal rule remains; only a defined exception exists with extra cost.
Does the 23 November deadline apply to every GCC-plated car? No. It is only the corrective deadline for covered vehicles already present before the rules took effect.
What if I miss the deadline and do not remove the car? It falls under the 90-day cumulative rule, with risk of fines and impoundment if exceeded.
Bottom line
The clarification offers a regulated path for some owners of older GCC-registered vehicles, but not a guaranteed or low-cost route for every car. Owners covered by the current corrective period should verify eligibility, calculate the total cost carefully, and begin procedures well before 23 November 2026.
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