Abu Dhabi to India Relocation Guide: How to Hire Movers
Moving from Abu Dhabi (the Capital of the United Arab Emirates) to India is a major decision—whether for personal, professional, or business reasons. At Moving Solutions, we partner with the best international moving companies to ensure a smooth, efficient, and affordable move. We provide you with three free quotes from pre-screened movers and packers based on your specific requirements, allowing you to compare and choose the right service for your needs. Whether you are moving your home, office, or commercial goods, we ensure that your relocation process is as easy and secure as possible.
If you are thinking about how you can book movers for moving to India, we would want to know that it’s easy and safe. All you need to take certain easy steps and your belongings are in safe hands. Here is how you can book the best movers for your upcoming Abu Dhabi to India relocation.
Share Your Move Details with Us
Fill out a simple quote form available on this portal with necessary details like your name, mobile number, email ID, moving date, current address, destination address, and requirements. After completing the form, simply hit the submit button and relax.
Get Free Quotes in a Minute
As soon as we receive your query, we will send you the details of the top 3 best-matched international relocation companies via SMS and Email. Also, these companies will call you shortly to confirm the booking details and give you the initial estimates. Remember, the movers will give you the final estimates only after assessing your belongings.
Compare and Book the Best Movers
Compare the quotes obtained from all the recommended international moving companies. When comparing the quotes, do not only look for prices but also consider other factors. Movers’ reviews, experiences, resources, and quality of services also matter a lot. So, compare all aspects and select the one that best fits your international moving needs and budget.
Key Steps in Abu Dhabi to India Relocation
Moving from Abu Dhabi to India can be a difficult process. However, you do not need to worry more because you can make the process seamless and easier with proper planning and the assistance of experienced movers. Here is what you can expect from Moving Solutions’ partner packers and movers.
Initial Planning
This is the process before movers give you final quotes for your move. Sometimes, the process is also called pre-move survey. In this process, a team from your potential movers and packers will visit your current place in Abu Dhabi to assess the total weight, volume, and dimension of the goods you want to ship to India. Based on your preferences, such as air freight shipping, sea (ocean) freight shipping, urgent shipment, non-urgent shipping, storage needs, luggage shipping, and pet relocation—the movers will guide you and help you plan your move accordingly. The team of movers will attentively listen to you and understand your preferences. Based on your timeline, budget, and the volume of goods—they will create a personalized shipping plan and give you the final price estimate in writing.
Packing and Loading
On the scheduled day or a day before your moving day, the team of expert movers will reach your home. They will pack your belongings with high-quality packing materials and sturdy boxes including cardboard boxes, crates, double crates, and appropriate padding supplies. While packing, they will keep in mind that they are packing for international relocation and pack everything in a way that must not get damaged in transit. In addition, they will take extra care to pack fragile items, electronics, and valuable goods. After completing the packing for your international move, the team will load your belongings into shipping containers and secure them for shipping.
Customs Clearance
One of the biggest challenges in moving internationally is customs clearance. Maybe, this is one of the reasons why people want to hire professional movers. The process of customs clearance both in the UAE and India is complicated. There is no way that you will import or export goods from one country to another without clearing the customs. The process also requires several documents and a lot of paperwork. Seems, the process is indeed challenging. However, you do not need to worry at all because our movers will help you with preparing the necessary paperwork and handling customs clearance on your behalf. You will get paperwork assistance in the following:
- Packing List: A detailed list of all items being shipped.
- Declaration of Value: Document outlining the value of the items for customs.
- Personal Documents: Passport, visa, and any permits required for customs in India. Movers will ensure that both the UAE and Indian customs procedures are handled smoothly, and without delays.
Shipping and Transportation
Once passed customs clearance in the UAE, your movers will ship your goods either by sea or air, depending on your preferences. In addition, the movers will monitor the entire shipment and provide you with regular updates. Once your shipment reaches India, they will also arrange local logistics and deliver your belongings to your desired place.
Unpacking and Setup
After delivering your goods to your destination in India, the movers will also help you unpack. If required, they may help you set up your items and furniture in your new home. However, you should make everything crystal clear beforehand whether they will handle the after-move tasks.
Shipping Methods from Abu Dhabi to India
We at Moving Solutions are committed to giving you a seamless moving and shipping experience. This is why our movers offer the best possible shipping options. They use both popular shipping methods: air freight and
- Air Freight Shipping: Ideal for smaller shipments, urgent deliveries, or valuable items. While air freight is more expensive, it’s faster and perfect for time-sensitive moves.
- Sea Freight Shipping: This is the most popular and cost-effective option for larger shipments. You can choose from LCL (Less than Container Load) or FCL (Full Container Load), depending on the volume of your goods.
Abu Dhabi to India Approximate Shipping Costs
The cost of hiring professional moving services, be it for domestic or international relocation, is not set in stone. The price depends on many factors. Usually, international movers consider the volume and weight of goods along with shipping methods. If you want to know the approximate shipping costs, please refer to the following price table.
| Shipping Method |
Container Size |
Approximate Cost (USD) |
| Air Freight |
Per kilogram |
Varies widely based on weight and destination |
| Sea Freight |
20 ft Container |
Around 1500-2000 USD |
| Sea Freight |
40 ft Container |
Around 2500-3000 USD |
| LCL (Less than Container Load) |
Per cubic meter |
Around 500-800 USD |
| FCL (Full Container Load) |
20 ft Container |
Around 1500-2000 USD |
| FCL (Full Container Load) |
40 ft Container |
Around 2500-3000 USD |
Factors Affecting Shipping Costs
Several factors impact the overall cost of shipping your goods from Abu Dhabi to India:
- Volume and Weight: Larger shipments will naturally cost more to transport.
- Shipping Method: Air freight is more expensive than sea freight, but faster.
- Container Size: LCL is more affordable for smaller shipments, while FCL is best for large volumes.
- Additional Services: Extra services like packing, unpacking, customs clearance, and insurance will affect the total cost.
- Distance: The farther your destination in India from the port, the higher the cost of local delivery.
Popular Shipping Ports in the UAE and India
Shipping Ports in the UAE
| Port Name |
Location |
Key Features |
| Jebel Ali Port |
Dubai |
Largest man-made harbor and the busiest port in the Middle East, major global hub for container transshipment. |
| Port of Fujairah |
Fujairah |
Only multi-purpose port on the UAE’s eastern coast, strategic location on the Gulf of Oman. |
| Port Rashid |
Dubai |
Important hub for cargo and cruise ship operations, close to the city center. |
| Khalifa Port |
Abu Dhabi |
Advanced deep-water port, part of Abu Dhabi Ports, handles container, bulk, and general cargo. |
| Port of Khor Fakkan |
Sharjah |
One of the most important transshipment hubs, known for its deep waters and strategic location. |
Shipping Ports in India
| Port Name |
Location |
Key Features |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Largest container port in India, handles over half of India’s container cargo. |
| Port of Mundra |
Gujarat |
Largest private port in India, known for high cargo handling capacity. |
| Port of Chennai |
Tamil Nadu |
Oldest artificial port in India, handles diverse cargo including containers, bulk, and liquid cargo. |
| Port of Visakhapatnam |
Andhra Pradesh |
Major port on the eastern coast, handles iron ore, coal, and container cargo. |
| Port of Kolkata |
West Bengal |
Oldest operating port in India, serving as a gateway for trade with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. |
Types of Shipping Containers for Ocean Freight
| Container Type |
Size (ft) |
Door Type |
Roof Type |
Floor Type |
Empty Weight (tons) |
| Dry Container |
20, 40, 40HC |
Double Doors |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Refrigerated Container |
20, 40, 40HC, 45HC |
Double Doors |
Insulated |
Wooden or Steel |
4-6 |
| Open Top Container |
20, 40 |
Double Doors |
Open |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Flat Rack Container |
20, 40 |
Open Sides |
Open |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Platform Container |
20, 40 |
Open Sides |
Open |
None |
2-4 |
| Transportable Tank |
20, 40 |
Top and Bottom |
Closed |
None |
4-6 |
| High Cube Container |
40HC, 45HC |
Double Doors |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
4-6 |
| Side Loader Container |
20, 40 |
Side Doors |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Double Door Container |
20, 40 |
Double Doors at both ends |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Tunnel Container |
20, 40 |
Double Doors at both ends |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
Required Documents for Moving to India
- Passport and visa
- Work permit for India (if applicable)
- Proof of employment or transfer letter
- Medical and vaccination certificates
- Education certificates (if moving for studies or work)
- Packing list and value declaration for customs clearance
Cost of Living in India vs. Abu Dhabi
Before moving, it’s important to understand the differences in the cost of living:
- Housing: Generally, more affordable in India, but varies greatly between cities.
- Groceries and Utilities: Cheaper in India compared to Abu Dhabi.
- Transportation: Public transport is widely available and affordable in India.
- Healthcare and Education: India offers more affordable options, though quality varies depending on location.
Why Moving Solutions for Abu Dhabi to India Relocation Services?
- Movers You Can Trust: We partner with only those moving companies who meet our parameters. We look for top-notch international moving companies that are licensed, registered, and experienced. We never make associations with those companies who fail to meet our quality parameters.
- Tailored Solutions: We understand very well that every move is unique. You may have different move requirements than others. This is why we also provide you with custom quotes based on your shipment size, timeline, and budget. In short, we will suggest only those names that are ready to cater to your unique preferences.
- Hassle-Free Process: Needless to mention, our movers are experienced and have the expertise to handle your move with efficiency. They manage everything from packing to customs clearance. This way they allow you to focus on settling into your new home.
- Transparent and Competitive Pricing: With clear pricing and no hidden fees, you can plan your move confidently. In addition, you compare quotes and save up to 30% on your move.
