🚗 Can I import a car to Cyprus?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes — but you must clear customs, pass inspection and register the vehicle. The process: (1) customs clearance (Customs & Excise), (2) approval + roadworthiness inspection (Road Transport Department), (3) insurance, (4) registration and plates. From outside the EU: duty (0–10%, ~10% for passenger cars) plus VAT 19% on the CIF value; Cyprus has no excise duty on vehicles. From the EU: usually no duty, and no new VAT if it was already settled in another member state. Transfer-of-residence relief exists, with a 3-year no-sale lock. In short: yes, with clearance and registration.

📋 The rules

Process: customs → inspection → registration
From outside the EU: duty 0–10% + VAT 19%
No excise duty on vehicles
From the EU: usually no duty/new VAT
Transfer of residence: relief, 3-year no-sale lock

🔓 Exceptions

Cyprus drives on the left — RHD is standard
Older vehicles: stricter roadworthiness/emissions checks
Temporary import for visitors/students, with conditions

⚠️ Penalties & fines

For transfer-of-residence relief you must have owned the vehicle ≥6 months before moving, been resident outside Cyprus ≥12 months, and the car must arrive within 12 months. Selling before the 3 years triggers retroactive duty/VAT plus penalties. Driving an uncleared/unregistered vehicle leads to seizure. Beware a myth: "if I move to Cyprus, any car I bring is automatically tax-free" is false — only if the strict conditions (6-month ownership, 12-month residence abroad, 12-month window, 3-year lock) are met. Tip: the roadworthiness test (MOT) and insurance are mandatory.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

How do I import a car to Cyprus?

The process involves customs clearance by Customs & Excise, approval and a roadworthiness inspection by the Road Transport Department, insurance, and registration with Cyprus plates. Without these, driving the vehicle is illegal.

How much VAT and duty do I pay?

For a vehicle from outside the EU, duty of 0 to 10 percent, about 10% for passenger cars, plus VAT of 19% on the CIF value applies. Cyprus levies no excise duty on vehicles. For a vehicle from the EU there's usually no duty, and new VAT only if it wasn't settled elsewhere.

Is there relief for transfer of residence?

Yes. Someone moving their normal residence to Cyprus can import a vehicle free of duty and VAT if they owned it for at least six months before, were resident outside Cyprus for at least twelve months, and the vehicle arrives within twelve months.

Can I sell the car soon?

Not without consequences. A vehicle with transfer-of-residence relief can't be sold, transferred or re-registered for three years after registration. Early sale triggers retroactive duty and VAT plus penalties.

Can I import a left-hand-drive car?

Cyprus drives on the left, so right-hand drive is standard. Left-hand-drive vehicles can be imported and registered, but are discouraged for safety, and some categories face extra scrutiny.

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