Importing a Car to Cyprus — Customs Clearance at Limassol Port
Importing a car, motorcycle, boat, or other vehicle to Cyprus involves several customs steps that must be completed in the correct order. P.Panagi & Sons Ltd are licensed customs clearing agents at Limassol Port with over 40 years of experience handling vehicle imports — from standard duty-paid imports to duty-free Transfer of Residence (TOR) cases. We manage the full customs process on your behalf, including the C104 form on arrival, TOR applications, and all declaration submissions.
Two Ways to Import a Vehicle to Cyprus
Option 1 — Standard Import (Duty + VAT Paid)
If you are not relocating to Cyprus or do not qualify for TOR relief, you pay import duty and VAT on the vehicle's CIF value (cost + insurance + freight to Cyprus). Most passenger cars from non-EU countries attract a duty rate of 6.5%, plus VAT at 19%.
Example — vehicle with CIF value of €15,000
- Import duty (6.5%)€975
- VAT base (CIF + duty): €15,975
- VAT (19%)€3,035
- Total duty + VATapprox. €4,010
Important: Vehicles older than 5 years cannot be imported on a standard import basis. They must either qualify for TOR or be re-exported.
Option 2 — TOR Import (Duty-Free + VAT-Free)
If you are transferring your main residence to Cyprus from outside the EU and meet the eligibility conditions, your vehicle can be imported completely free of duty and VAT under Transfer of Residence relief.
On the same example vehicle (CIF €15,000), TOR saves you approximately €4,000–€6,000 depending on exact duty rate and assessed value.
Step-by-Step — How Vehicle Import Works at Limassol Port
Ship the Vehicle
Your vehicle arrives at Limassol Port by container or RoRo (roll-on/roll-off). Licence plates must be fitted before shipping. Keep the original vehicle registration document (logbook) with you — do not pack it in the container. Arrange valid Cyprus motor insurance before arrival.
Obtain Delivery Order
Once the vessel arrives, we obtain the Delivery Order (DO) from the shipping line. Port handling charges must be paid to the shipping line before the DO is issued.
C104 on Arrival (TOR only)
For TOR cases, you must attend Limassol Customs with our team on the day of arrival with: Delivery Order, original driving licence, valid Cyprus motor insurance, original passport, and original vehicle registration document. The C104 is processed in approximately 30–60 minutes.
Container Transport + Unloading
We arrange transport of the container from the port to our yard, unload the vehicle, and coordinate the customs inspection. Unloading and inspection are carried out at our facility.
Customs Declaration
We prepare and submit the customs declaration (IM) electronically through the Cyprus AIS system, calculate all applicable duties and VAT, and pay on your behalf.
Vehicle Released
Once customs clearance is complete and all charges are paid, the vehicle is released. For TOR cases, the full AP2 application must be submitted before the C104 expires — this is a separate appointment with the TOR customs officer.
Documents Required for Vehicle Import to Cyprus
For Standard Import
- Original vehicle registration document (logbook)
- Bill of Lading
- Delivery Order
- Commercial invoice (purchase price)
- Valid passport or ID
- Cyprus motor insurance certificate
For TOR Import (Additional Documents)
- Original driving licence
- Motor insurance from country of origin
- Form C104 (issued at customs on arrival)
- Proof of 6+ months ownership and use
- Proof of 12+ months residence abroad
- One-way flight ticket to Cyprus
Tip: Do not store any documents inside the container or vehicle. All originals must be with you on the day of arrival at the port.
Vehicle Age Restrictions
| Vehicle Age | Standard Import | TOR Import |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Over 5 years | ❌ Not permitted | ✅ Allowed |
Vehicles over 5 years old that do not qualify for TOR cannot be imported into Cyprus. If such a vehicle arrives at Limassol Port without TOR eligibility, it must be re-exported or placed in a bonded warehouse — at significant cost. Always verify eligibility before shipping.
What About Vehicle Registration?
Customs clearance is only the first step. After customs, the vehicle must:
- Pass a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) inspection at the Cyprus Department of Road Transport
- Be covered by valid Cyprus motor insurance before the SVA
- Receive Cyprus number plates
Important: After customs clearance, you have a limited window (typically 10 days) to complete registration. Missing this deadline can result in fines and re-inspection. Book your SVA appointment in advance — ideally while the vehicle is still being shipped.
We handle customs clearance only. For vehicle registration, we refer you to specialist companies.
Types of Vehicles We Clear
We handle customs clearance for all vehicle types arriving at Limassol Port:
Passenger Cars
All makes and models — saloon, SUV, estate, convertible. Standard import and TOR.
Motorcycles & Scooters
Two-wheeled vehicles of all engine sizes, including electric motorcycles.
Commercial Vehicles & Vans
Used pickups, vans, and double cabins can only be imported from the UK. These vehicles do not qualify for TOR duty-free relief — standard import duty and VAT apply.
Boats & Marine Craft
Pleasure boats, yachts, jet skis, and other marine vessels.
Classic & Vintage Vehicles
Vehicles over 5 years old — TOR relief required. We handle the full application.
Construction & Agricultural Machinery
Tractors, excavators, and other heavy equipment — standard import procedures apply.
Why Use P.Panagi & Sons for Vehicle Import?
At Limassol Port on Arrival Day
For TOR cases, you need to attend customs on the day of arrival. We are there with you — we know the officers, the process, and how to resolve issues on the spot.
40+ Years of Vehicle Import Experience
We have handled hundreds of vehicle imports — standard and TOR. We know exactly what documents customs requires and how to avoid the common mistakes that cause delays and extra costs.
Full-Service Including Storage
If your vehicle arrives as part of a larger shipment (container with household goods), we manage the deconsolidation and can store your household goods in our yard while you take the vehicle on the C104.
Transparent Fees
We provide a full written breakdown before starting. No surprises, no hidden charges.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vehicle Import Cyprus
How do I import a car to Cyprus?
Importing a car to Cyprus involves four main steps: shipping the vehicle to Limassol Port, clearing it through customs (paying import duty and VAT, unless you qualify for TOR relief), passing a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) inspection at the Department of Road Transport, and registering the vehicle to receive Cyprus number plates. A licensed customs agent handles the customs clearance step on your behalf — the rest is managed through the Road Transport Department.
How much does it cost to import a car to Cyprus?
Without TOR relief, you pay import duty (typically 6.5% for most passenger cars from non-EU countries) plus VAT at 19%, both calculated on the CIF value of the vehicle. On a vehicle with a CIF value of €15,000 this amounts to roughly €3,800–€4,500. Under TOR relief, both duty and VAT are waived.
Can I import a car to Cyprus duty-free?
Yes, if you qualify for Transfer of Residence (TOR) relief. You must have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before moving to Cyprus, covered at least 6,000 km, and be genuinely transferring your main residence from outside the EU. Read the full TOR guide →
What is the C104 form in Cyprus customs?
The C104 is a temporary customs form issued on the day your vehicle arrives at Limassol Port. It allows you to drive the vehicle in Cyprus for 30–90 days while your full TOR application is being processed. You must attend Cyprus Customs in person on arrival day with your original documents.
Can I import a car older than 5 years to Cyprus?
Only under TOR relief. Without TOR, Cyprus Customs does not permit the import of vehicles older than 5 years. If your vehicle is over 5 years old and you do not qualify for TOR, it cannot be imported and would need to be re-exported or placed in a bonded warehouse. Always verify eligibility before shipping.