Importing a Car from the UK to Cyprus: Process, Costs, Paperwork
Cyprus drives on the left, so the UK's right-hand-drive cars can be used directly — which is why thousands of cars are imported to the island from Britain every year. The process is simpler than it looks, but you need the right order of steps and the right paperwork. This guide maps the route; since tax rates and rules change, always confirm the latest official details before the final step.
1. Choose the car with import in mind
Not every good car is a good import candidate. Its age, emissions and engine size directly affect the taxes and registration costs you will pay. Calculating the total cost (car + shipping + tax + registration) before you buy protects you from the 'cheap to buy, expensive to land' trap.
Cars with a write-off marker (Cat S/N) are notably cheaper in the UK and can make sense if properly repaired — but only if you buy knowing the marker exists, use it in price negotiation, and have the repair quality inspected on site.
2. Purchase and export paperwork
When you buy, make sure you receive: the V5C logbook (with the export section completed), a sales invoice/contract and any service history. The 'permanent export' section of the V5C is sent to the DVLA — this notifies that the car is leaving the UK register.
Verify that the seller's identity matches the V5C and that no finance is outstanding BEFORE you pay. Fixing these problems after export is far harder.
3. Shipping: RoRo or container?
There are two main methods from the UK to Cyprus. RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) means the car is driven onto the vessel on its own wheels; it's the most common and economical option. Container shipping costs more but the car travels enclosed — preferred for high-value or classic cars.
The main routes run from Southampton to Limassol (south) and Famagusta (north). Transit is usually 2–4 weeks. When choosing a shipper, always ask about insurance cover: who is liable for damage while the car is at sea?
4. Arrival: customs and registration
Customs clearance starts when the car reaches port. The taxes due depend on the side of the island, the car's age, engine size and emissions; relocation exemptions may apply in some cases. Working with a customs broker speeds the process considerably.
After customs comes local registration: vehicle inspection, insurance and registration fees. Budget for these items when planning the total cost.
5. The most common mistakes
- Sending a deposit without an on-site inspection
- Choosing a car without calculating the landed cost (tax + shipping + registration)
- Forgetting to submit the V5C export notification
- Paying the seller by direct bank transfer instead of escrow
- Not asking what the shipping insurance actually covers
Work with a team that knows the import process
We inspect the car on site, verify the paperwork and guide you through export and shipping — from a single point of contact.
Request an Inspection