Last updated: 22 October 2026

Cyprus is one of the few EU countries that drives on the left, which makes it a natural home for British cars. Thousands of Britons live there, and many choose to ship their own vehicle rather than buy locally. Since Brexit, though, a car from the UK is treated as a non-EU import, so taxes and paperwork matter.

Ro-ro or container?

Indicative costs only. Add UK collection, Cyprus port charges, clearance and taxes.

The main arrival port is Limassol. Some services tranship in the Mediterranean, for example at Piraeus or Gioia Tauro.

Import tax: what to expect

A car imported from the UK may face:

• Customs duty, often 10% for passenger cars from outside the EU, unless an exemption or preferential origin rules apply
• VAT at the Cypriot standard rate
• Excise duty, which in Cyprus is calculated mainly on the car’s CO₂ emissions, with adjustments for age
• Registration fees and road tax

Transfer of residence relief

If you are moving your normal residence to Cyprus and have owned and used the car abroad for at least six months, you may be able to import it free of customs duty and VAT, and sometimes with excise relief. Conditions apply, including restrictions on selling the car soon after import. Check with the Cyprus Department of Customs and Excise before you ship.

Registration in Cyprus

1. Customs clearance at Limassol with your V5C, bill of lading, ID and proof of residence
2. Pay the duties or obtain relief
3. Pass a roadworthiness test, the Cyprus equivalent of the MOT
4. Register with the Road Transport Department and get Cypriot number plates
5. Insure the car locally

Tips

• Do the maths first. Excise duty on large, high-emission cars can be very high. Small, low-CO₂ cars are often worth shipping; big older 4x4s may not be.
• Keep paperwork for ownership and residence, as these decide whether you qualify for relief.
• Ship household goods with the car in a container to save on costs.
• Allow 4–8 weeks in total from UK collection to driving on Cypriot plates.

Moving to Cyprus? Read our international removals guide e sea freight transit times.

Frequently asked questions