Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain are notable members of Gulf Cooperation Council, and car buying process is pretty similar in all three countries, with an exception of a few.
First off, you must be a national or registered expatriate to buy a car. A new vehicle needs to be registered in your name, however, if you are going to buy a used car you must transfer it under your name. The process of finding a suitable car is the same everywhere. No need to worry about registering a new car, as the authorized dealer will get that part done for you.
Here are some of the things that should be considered while buying a new or used car in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
Vehicle registration or ownership transfer in Kuwait
As being the buyer of a new or used car, you must appear at the General Traffic Department to register your vehicle or transfer the ownership, respectively. New vehicles are registered for a period of three years in Kuwait. It should then be renewed for 1 more year, within 10 days of expiry. The credentials that you would need to provide for a new registration or transferring the old one are stated as under:
-Recommended application forms (separate for new and used vehicles)
– Proof of identity and place of residence
– Proof of vehicle ownership (sales invoice for new cars and sales agreement for used)
– Valid vehicle insurance (for both new and used cars)
– Original record of vehicle (for used cars only)
– A copy of driving license
– Report of technical inspection of the vehicle (in both the cases)
– Receipt of deposited fee (KD 05 for transferring the ownership)
Vehicle registration or ownership transfer in Qatar
Weather you buy a new or used vehicle in Qatar, it must be registered under your name through the Ministry of Interior’s Traffic Department. For new vehicle, the car should be brought to the Traffic Department along with the required documents. For used vehicle, you together with the seller should visit the competent authority for the transfer of ownership. Documentary evidences required for the overall process are described below:
– Filled and signed application form for registration or ownership transfer
– A copy of identity or passport with valid visa
– Insurance document that should have been obtained before starting the registration process
– No objection certificate from the previous sponsor (for used cars only)
– A copy of driving license
– Receipt of QR 100 deposited for new registration or transfer of existing ownership
Vehicle registration or ownership transfer in Bahrain
Every automaker has authorized dealer in Bahrain, you should not have any issues while buying a new vehicle. Majority of Bahrain Residence change their vehicles with each passing year, so finding a two to three year old car is fairly easy. Either new or used, the car buyer must undergo some procedures as set by the General Directorate of Traffic. Before you pay a visit to the authorities, arrange the following documents.
– A copy of Central Population Registration (CPR) card
– A copy of valid driving license
– Properly filled and signed application form (The form can be acquired from car registration office at General Directorate of Traffic)
– Receipt of fee deposited for vehicle ownership transfer (Transfer of ownership fee is estimated BHD 16)
– Vehicle inspection certificate proving it safe to drive (Take the vehicle for a professional inspection, which may cost around BHD 10)
– A certificate of at least one year and third party insurance
If you are transferring the ownership to your name, you have to settle all of your outstanding liabilities including fines and penalties. Kingdom of Bahrain’s eGovernment Portal allows you to pay off your fines easily through the internet. Log on to Payment of Traffic Contraventions webpage and start the process. However, the e-portal could only be used to pay minor traffic contraventions.
We hope that you have found the above information useful. If you have any question regarding car buying process in the Middle East, please feel free to leave a comment and we will try our best to answer your query.
Always remember, fasten your seat belt, drive safe and do not speed or use your mobile while driving. Motoraty.com always want you to be safe on the road.