Vehicle Guide
A Guide to Importing a Car to Cyprus: Process, Taxes & Tips (2025)
Bringing your car to Cyprus can be a great way to have transport ready from day one. However, the import and registration process is notoriously complex, involving multiple government departments, specific paperwork, and potential taxes. This CyExpats.com guide breaks down the procedure into manageable steps to help you navigate the system successfully.
The Key to Saving Money: Transfer of Residence Relief
If you are moving your "normal residence" to Cyprus permanently, you can apply for relief from import duties, excise duty, and VAT. To qualify, you must prove you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 continuous months and have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before your move. This is a crucial step that can save you thousands of Euros.
The Import & Registration Process Flowchart
The process differs slightly depending on whether your car is coming from an EU or non-EU country. Here is a simplified overview of the journey from arrival to getting your Cypriot number plates.
1Vehicle Arrives in Cyprus (Limassol Port)
Your car arrives via a shipping company. You will need the Bill of Lading and other shipping documents from your agent to begin the customs process.
2Customs Clearance
You must declare your vehicle to the Customs and Excise Department. Here you will submit your application for Transfer of Residence relief (if applicable) using Form C1040. If relief is granted, you get Form C72A, which confirms all duties and taxes are settled. If not, you must pay any applicable VAT and excise duty.
3Department of Road Transport (DoRT/TOM) Inspection
Take your car and all customs paperwork to a District Vehicle Examination Centre of the DoRT. They will conduct an inspection to confirm the vehicle's details and issue a CO2 emissions certificate.
4Roadworthiness Test (MOT)
Your car must pass a roadworthiness test at a government-approved private inspection centre (similar to the UK's MOT). You will need your documents from the DoRT inspection to do this.
5Final Registration & Road Tax
Return to the DoRT with all your documents: customs forms, inspection certificate, MOT certificate, and proof of Cypriot car insurance. You will pay the registration fee and the first road tax payment. Congratulations, you will now be issued your Cypriot registration certificate and number plates!
Required Document Checklist
Being organised with your paperwork is essential. You will likely need multiple copies of everything.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Original Vehicle Registration Document | Proves ownership and vehicle details (e.g., V5C for UK cars). |
| Shipping Documents (Bill of Lading) | Proof of export from the country of origin and arrival in Cyprus. |
| Customs Form C72A | The crucial document from Customs confirming that all duties/taxes have been paid or waived. |
| Passport & Residency Permit | To prove your identity and legal residence status in Cyprus. |
| Proof of Cypriot Insurance | You cannot register the car without valid insurance from a Cypriot provider. |
| MOT Certificate | Proof the vehicle has passed the Cyprus roadworthiness test. |
| T2L or T2LF Form (for EU cars) | Proves the "Community status" of the vehicle, showing VAT was paid in another EU country. |
| Proof for Transfer of Residence (if applying for relief) | Utility bills, rental contracts, employment contracts from both your previous country and Cyprus to prove you have genuinely moved residence. |
Costs to Consider
- Shipping: This can range from €800 to €2,000+ depending on the origin and shipping method (RoRo vs. container).
- Excise Duty & VAT: If you do not qualify for relief, this is the biggest cost. It's calculated based on the car's value, engine size, and CO2 emissions and can be substantial.
- Registration Fee: A one-off fee of approximately €150 paid to the DoRT.
- Road Tax: An annual tax based on your car's CO2 emissions. For older, higher-emission cars, this can be several hundred Euros per year.
🧮 Calculate Your Costs!
The numbers can be confusing. Use our dedicated calculators to get a clear estimate:
- 👉 Car Import Cost Calculator: Estimate VAT, customs duties, and registration fees.
- 👉 Car Ownership & Running Cost Calculator: Budget for insurance, road tax, and maintenance.
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