The 5-year rule: which Korean cars can you import into Saudi Arabia in 2026?

Saudi Arabia requires that passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks (under 3.5 tons) be no more than five years old from their manufacture year at the time of import. In 2026 that means the car must be model year 2021 or newer — the count excludes the import year itself.

How is the year counted?

The rule applies to all passenger vehicles regardless of country of origin — Korea, Japan, Europe, or the US. It covers both new and used vehicles, and also applies to cars arriving from other GCC states.

Limited exceptions

• Classic vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for special exceptions
• Non-compliant vehicles can sometimes be imported by citizens or Premium Residency holders for an additional compensation fee
• The car must be left-hand drive — right-hand-drive vehicles are banned across every Gulf state

Because the rule can be updated, always confirm current eligibility with ZATCA or your customs broker before committing to a purchase. We filter listings on our site to stay within the eligible model-year range for Saudi Arabia.

Search for model year 2021+ cars in our catalog, or send us the model you want on WhatsApp and we'll confirm it fits the 5-year rule.