Import Cars from the UK to Cyprus

Your expert partner for sourcing and shipping cars and 4x4s directly to Limassol. We provide a seamless, all-inclusive service from start to finish.

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK directly to Cypriot ports. Whether you need a brand-new luxury car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK Car Export Service for Cyprus – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. If you have a specific model in mind or need recommendations, our specialists find cars matching your exact specifications. All prestige brands are available, including Mercedes, Porsche, Land Rover, BMW, Toyota, Jaguar, and Range Rover.

If you've already found a car you love, share it with us and we'll help you get the best deal and buy it VAT-free. It doesn't matter if you've found it with a non-export dealer; we're happy to step in, buy the car VAT-free, and pass the 20% saving directly to you.

VAT Reclaim Service

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service. This is one of the most significant savings available when importing to Cyprus.

Vehicle Inspection & Preparation

Mileage verification and HPI background checks
Full mechanical inspection
Paintwork reconditioning (if required)
Customisation, tuning, and modifications available

Car Shipping to Cyprus

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK to Cyprus car shipping service, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Cyprus import requirements. Our service includes complete shipping booking management, secure inland transport to the UK departure port, and both Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping to Limassol, depending on your vehicle type and protection requirements.

Shipping from the UK to Cyprus takes between 16 and 21 days depending on vessel schedules and the shipping service you choose. RoRo shipping is the most economical option, while container shipping offers superior protection for high-value vehicles. Hybrid and electric vehicles must be shipped in a container to meet shipping regulations.

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in Cyprus. We send all required documents to your address or clearing agent.

UK to Cyprus Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Importing a vehicle to Cyprus involves understanding specific regulations and restrictions. Cyprus allows both permanent and temporary vehicle imports, each with different requirements and documentation needs.

Who Can Import Vehicles:

Used vehicles: Private individuals can import used cars (defined as pre-registered vehicles with a V5 logbook)
New vehicles: Only registered car dealers are permitted to import new cars
Temporary imports: Individuals can temporarily import a vehicle for up to six months under specific conditions

Pre-Shipment Requirements:

Before shipping your vehicle, ensure the following:

Remove all organic material from the motor vehicle to prevent biosecurity issues
Arrange professional steam cleaning of the engine and undercarriage
Avoid valeting the interior, as this can cause mould and mildew during transit
Gather all necessary documentation well in advance
Consult with a customs broker for updated requirements

Cyprus Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Age Restrictions:

Vehicles must be less than 5 years old on the date of arrival in Cyprus to be eligible for registration, unless you are transferring your permanent residence to Cyprus
The age is calculated from the "Date of First Registration" to the date of arrival at port
Vehicles over 5 years old cannot be registered unless the owner is transferring normal residence to Cyprus
Classic cars over 25 years old may qualify for vintage vehicle registration if approved by FIVA (Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens)

Vehicle Classification:

Used vehicles: Pre-registered vehicles with a V5 logbook in circulation
New vehicles: Only importable by registered dealers
Classic/Vintage vehicles: Subject to special registration procedures

Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA):

For registration purposes, your vehicle should display a Type Approval Number (point K) on the V5C. This confirms the vehicle has WVTA and is certified as meeting required standards.

If no WVTA is present on the V5C, a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) must be issued in Cyprus before registration. This requires taking the vehicle to an SVA Testing Centre for inspection and certification.

Documents Required for Cyprus Car Import

Essential Import Documents:

V5 Logbook (original—do not send with vehicle)
Certificate of Title/Ownership documents
Purchase Invoice (if the vehicle was recently purchased and not in your name on the V5C)
Bill of Lading
Proof of Insurance
MOT Certificate (UK roadworthiness certificate)
Proof of identity (valid driving licence)
HPI Certificate
Original Export Certificate

For Customs Clearance:

Permanent imports: Customs form C1040 (to be signed in person at Cypriot Customs offices)
Temporary imports: Customs form C1040 (applied for a temporary rather than a permanent basis)
Invoice or Bill of Sale (if vehicle not registered to importer)
Proof of UK origin documentation (for preferential customs tariff treatment)

Registration Documents (after customs clearance):

V5C / Registration Certificate (stamped at Ministry of Finance)
Bill of Sale or Invoice (if the vehicle is not in your name—must be stamped)
C72A form (issued by Customs confirming customs clearance)
CO₂ emissions certificate (issued by Road Transport Department)
Roadworthiness certificate (issued by RTD-authorised examination centre)

For Classic/Vintage Vehicles:

FIVA certificate confirming the vehicle is approved as vintage
Declaration that vehicle specifications comply with the International Technical Code for Vintage Vehicles

Cypriot Customs Duties & Taxes

Import Duty:

The duty you pay depends on whether you can prove UK origin and your residency status:

UK origin + proof: No import duty payable; VAT 19%
Non-UK origin or unproven origin: 10% import duty + 19% VAT
Transfer of residence exemption: No duty or VAT (conditions apply)

VAT:

Standard rate: 19% applies to all vehicle imports
Transfer of residence exemption: VAT may be waived if conditions are met

Excise Taxes:

Excise taxes are imposed on most cars imported into Cyprus, contributing to overall import costs.

Roadworthiness Test:

Approximately €40 for the inspection at an RTD-authorised examination centre.

Registration Cost:

Approximately €150 for documentary certification and vehicle registration (should take 2–3 days to complete).

Annual Circulation Tax:

Imported vehicles are charged circulation tax at a higher rate than locally purchased vehicles. The amount depends on fuel type, vehicle age, and CO₂ emissions.

Permanent vs. Temporary Import Options

Option 1: Permanent Import

For permanent imports, you must personally attend Cypriot Customs offices (located in Limassol or Paphos) to present the following documentation:

Original V5C Logbook
Copy of purchase invoice or bill of sale (if recently purchased)
Copy of Bill of Lading
Completed Customs form C1040 (signed by you)

After customs clearance, you'll receive a C72A form confirming customs clearance. This form must be presented to the Road Transport Department to register your vehicle.

Registration deadline: You have 10 days from the date on your C72A form to complete registration and keep the vehicle permanently in Cyprus.

Option 2: Temporary Import

Temporary imports allow vehicle usage for up to six months under existing registration plates. The documentation required is the same as permanent imports, but the C1040 form is applied for temporary rather than permanent importation.

Requirements for temporary use:

Valid certificate of registration and road licence from country of origin
Valid driving licence from country of origin (or international driving licence)
Valid vehicle insurance from a company registered and operating in Cyprus
The vehicle cannot be lent, sold, or disposed of; must be used for private needs only

Important note: Authorisation to temporarily import is granted solely at Cypriot Customs' discretion. You must re-export the vehicle before the 6-month period expires.

Import Duty & Tax Relief for Residents

Transfer of Residence Exemption:

If you are transferring your permanent residence from the UK to Cyprus, you may qualify for significant tax exemptions:

Eligibility criteria:

You must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months before transferring to Cyprus residence
You must have owned and driven the vehicle in the UK for at least six months prior to moving
The vehicle must be imported within 12 months of transferring residence to Cyprus
The vehicle must be in "Free Circulation" in the UK (no outstanding duty or tax)
No restrictions on the car prior to shipping (no outstanding finance or tax)

Benefits:

One vehicle can be imported duty-free and tax-free
Vehicles of any age can be registered (not just under 5 years old)
VAT exemption applies (no 19% VAT payable)

Condition after registration:

You must retain ownership of the vehicle for at least 3 years from the date of registration in Cyprus

Statement of Origin:

A "statement of origin" confirms that your vehicle qualifies for preferential customs tariff treatment. This may be issued by the manufacturer or exporter or based on "importer's knowledge" if you have sufficient information to verify UK origin.

UK Origin Certification

To qualify for duty-free import (without transfer of residence), your vehicle must be certified as UK origin. The selling invoice must clearly state that the car is of UK origin to be accepted.

For registration, the vehicle must display a Type Approval Number (point K) on the V5C, confirming Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) and UK origin certification.

Arrival Procedures & Customs Clearance For Cyprus Clearing

Step 1: Collect Bill of Lading

After arrival, pay freight charges to the shipping company and collect the Bill of Lading.

Step 2: Appoint Clearing Agent

We recommend appointing a local customs clearing agent in Cyprus before your vehicle arrives. This simplifies the customs process significantly. We can provide contacts for reputable clearing agents.

Step 3: Present Documentation at Customs

You must present the following at Cypriot Customs offices (Limassol or Paphos):

Original V5C Logbook
Bill of Lading
Completed Customs form C1040 (signed by you)
Purchase invoice (if vehicle recently purchased)

Step 4: Receive C72A Clearance Certificate

Cypriot Customs will issue a C72A form confirming your vehicle has been customs cleared. Your clearing agent will file the S72A form through their RTD account online.

Step 5: Collect Vehicle & Pay Charges

Once all duties and port charges are paid, your vehicle can be collected from the port authority warehouse.

Step 6: Register Vehicle

Present the C72A form and all registration documents to the District Vehicle Examination Centre of the Road Transport Department (RTD) to register your vehicle on Cypriot plates.

Vehicle Registration in Cyprus

Registration Requirements:

All imported vehicles must undergo registration with the Road Transport Department (RTD) before being used on Cypriot roads.

Documents required:

V5C / Registration Certificate (stamped at Ministry of Finance)
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice (if not registered to importer—must be stamped)
C72A form (customs clearance confirmation)
Roadworthiness certificate

Registration process:

Stamp documents: Present the V5C and purchase invoice to the Stamp Duty Section of the Ministry of Finance for stamping
CO₂ certificate: Submit stamped documents to the District Vehicle Examination Centre of RTD, who will issue a CO₂ emissions certificate
Roadworthiness exam: Take your vehicle to an RTD-authorised examination centre for a roadworthiness test (similar to the UK MOT). Cost: approximately €40
Final registration: Submit all documentation, including the roadworthiness certificate, to the District Vehicle Examination Centre of RTD to formally apply for registration

Registration timeline: 2–3 days Registration cost: Approximately €150

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Cyprus car import regulations, taxes, and procedures, consult these official sources:

Cyprus Government Agencies:

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK to Cyprus?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality new and used vehicles directly from the UK to Cyprus via Limassol. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about:

Vehicle sourcing and pricing
Cyprus import regulations and age restrictions
Import duties and VAT savings
Shipping options (RoRo vs. container) and timelines
Clearing agent recommendations in Cyprus
Transfer of residence exemptions
Residency requirements for duty-free import
Registration procedures and costs
Classic and vintage vehicle imports
Total cost breakdown, including all Cyprus-side expenses
UK origin certification and preferential customs treatment

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner.