For anyone importing a car to Cyprus, the duty and VAT detail below is where most budgets are won or lost.
Importing a car to Cyprus can be a financially beneficial decision, but it is not always the cheapest or simplest option. It all depends on where the car is being imported from, whether it is new or used, its emissions, technical condition, and whether the import is registered as a private purchase, dealer supply, or relocation for permanent residence.
Cyprus allows the registration of imported vehicles through the Department of Road Transport; however, the process remains strictly regulated and requires a large number of documents. For used passenger cars in category M1 imported from non-EU countries, registration must be submitted online through an authorized importer — according to the rules of the Road Transport Department of Cyprus.
When NOT to Import a Car to Cyprus
When savings disappear after taxes and fees
The main mistake buyers make is comparing only the price of the car abroad with the price of a similar car in Cyprus.
For cars from non-EU countries, Cypriot customs typically applies:
10% import duty
19% VAT on the customs value
This means that a car that seems advantageous in Japan, the UK, or another non-EU country can quickly stop being a good purchase after adding:
shipping
insurance
port fees
customs clearance
import duty
VAT
registration
inspections
road tax
possible modifications to meet local requirements
If the final cost is close to local market prices, importing usually loses its meaning.
When the car has high CO₂ emissions
In Cyprus, many expenses are directly tied to the level of emissions. Annual road tax and registration fees can be very high for cars with high CO₂ levels — especially for older gasoline SUVs, luxury models with large engines, and performance cars.
Cyprus has long used environmental taxes as a tool to encourage cleaner transportation. Even the European Commission's representation in Cyprus previously noted that cars with emissions of less than 120 g/km CO₂ may be exempt from registration tax. Therefore, a low purchase price does not necessarily mean advantageous ownership.
When the car is difficult to homologate or register
Before purchasing, it is important to ensure that the car can actually be registered in Cyprus. The Road Transport Department states that used cars must meet the environmental requirements that were in effect at the time the vehicle was first put into operation.
Particular caution should be exercised with:
cars from the USA
heavily modified vehicles
rare imported models
old diesels
cars without proper European documents
vehicles with opaque ownership histories
A cheap car that cannot be registered is not a good purchase.
When the car is needed urgently
Importing takes time. Required are:
documents of purchase
export documents
delivery
customs clearance
inspection
registration
obtaining license plates
If the car is needed "right now," buying from the local market is usually safer. Yes, a local car may cost more, but it is already registered, insured, and ready for use.
When the model has weak service and parts support
For mass-market Japanese and European models, this is no longer such a problem, but for:
rare configurations
unusual engines
non-standard hybrids
discontinued models
vehicles with specific electronics
finding parts can become a constant issue.
Import makes more sense when the model is already widespread in Cyprus or shares key components with local vehicles.
When It Really Makes Sense to Import a Car to Cyprus
When the final price is genuinely lower than the local market
Import is justified if the price difference is large enough to cover all additional costs and still leave a noticeable saving. The main rule: compare not the auction price, but the total final cost of the car after delivery, taxes, and registration. If even after all expenses the car remains significantly cheaper than the Cypriot market — importing can indeed be advantageous.
When a newer, cleaner, and well-equipped car is needed
Cyprus is great for importing modern gasoline, hybrid, and electric cars — especially if the local market is limited or overpriced.
Cars from Japan and Europe often offer:
richer configurations
better condition
lower mileage
This is especially true for models from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.
When the car is imported from the EU and is already considered used
Purchasing within the EU is often simpler in terms of taxes. Cypriot customs states that a used car from another EU country is not subject to VAT in Cyprus. This makes European imports particularly attractive — provided there is a transparent vehicle history and correct documents.
When you are relocating to Cyprus and qualify for transfer-of-residence relief
When moving to Cyprus for permanent residence, you may qualify for a preferential regime for importing a personal vehicle. Cypriot customs provides special conditions for transfer of residence, under which the car must:
belong to the owner before the move
be used before the move
be imported within the established time frame
In such cases, importing your own car can be much more advantageous than repurchasing a car already in Cyprus.
When the model is in high demand in the local market
Import is safer when the car is easy to resell.
In Cyprus, this usually includes:
Toyota hybrids
compact Japanese hatchbacks
economical crossovers
family cars with low emissions
reliable cars with automatic transmission
clean used EVs
The more familiar the car is to local mechanics and buyers, the easier it is to maintain and resell.
Main Conclusion
You should not import a car to Cyprus just because it looks cheap abroad.
Import makes sense only when all factors align:
final cost
registration possibility
emission levels
technical condition
market liquidity
Import works best for clean, economical, and well-documented cars with high local demand. It works worst for models with high emissions, rare cars, problematic documents, and vehicles purchased solely due to low prices abroad.
