Long-term Importation of Vehicles

Understand how to go about importing vehicles for the long term, including information on customs duty and VAT...
Importing a foreign car to Cyprus for long-term use is a complicated process that can take more a few months to complete. Many new residents choose to use an agent to assist with the formalities. It is important to understand that all long-term vehicle imports from outside the EU are subject to Customs Duty. While there are exceptions to this rule, applying for duty relief can be a lengthy process and there is no guarantee that an exemption will be granted. It is also important to be aware that there is a difference between Customs Duty (Import Duty) and Excise Duty. Vehicles imported from within the EU are automatically exempt from Customs Duty (Import Duty) and VAT as long as the owner can show that the vehicle was registered in an EU country before arriving in Cyprus. Left-hand drive vehicles may be imported if the applicant has owned the vehicle for at least 180 days before the vehicle's arrival in Cyprus and if the applicant has not lived in Cyprus for more than five years before arrival.Entry and declaration for EU (duty free) vehicles
Upon entry, vehicles brought from EU countries may leave the port of entry with no Customs procedures. The exception to this is if the vehicle is brought in by ship: this form must be produced declaring that the vehicle is imported from within the EU. Regardless of how the vehicle arrived a declaration-of-presence must be made within 24 hours of arrival. This can be made at the nearest Customs Station. In the event of an arrival on a public holiday or weekend, the declaration must be made on the first working day after the 24-hour deadline.Excise Duty, VAT and waivers for EU vehicles
Vehicles from EU countries are automatically exempt from Customs Duty. However, to apply for an exemption from Excise Duty, Customs will give the vehicle owner Form C104O, a temporary import registration document. This form should be kept in the vehicle, as Customs officials or the police may request to see it at any time. Form C104O is valid for one month. Within that month, register the vehicle or visit the local Customs office in order to receive a two-month extension which is intended to provide the applicant with enough time to apply for the duty and VAT waiver if applicable. Further extensions will likely be needed until the process is complete. When requesting extensions, further documentation may be required to prove ongoing residency status in Cyprus. Any vehicle imported from another EU country which is over 6 months old and has more than 6,000kms on the clock is considered used and will not have to pay tax (VAT) at Limassol customs. Even if the owner can prove that VAT has previously been paid in another EU country, VAT will be charged in either of the following two circumstances:- The vehicle is new (6 months old or less)
- The vehicle has less than 6,000kms on the clock
- An Application for an Extension of Temporary Importation of Goods (PDF) form is downloadable from the Department of Customs and Excise website
- The ministry has a spreadsheet available to calculate the Excise Duty on a vehicle imported to Cyprus from within the EU
Entry and declaration for non-EU (duty paid) vehicles
Upon entry, the shipping agent will inform the owner that the vehicle has arrived. After paying the local agent charges, the owner can then collect the shipping documents from the agent. These documents (including a receipt from the shipping agent’s fees) should be taken to the port along with proof of ownership and the bill of sale if applicable. A port authority fee is paid (less than €100) and the clearing process begins. The clearing process can take a couple of days. During this time the duty is calculated by Customs and paid by the owner. After the clearing process the car is released and can be registered in Cyprus. A shipping agent may also be authorised by the owner to handle the import process on his or her behalf.Customs Duty and waivers for non-EU vehicle imports
Customs duty must be paid for vehicles imported to Cyprus unless the vehicle is eligible for exemption.- The ministry has a spreadsheet available to calculate the Excise Duty on a vehicle imported to Cyprus from outside the EU
How to apply for customs duty and VAT relief
An application may be made to any Relief Section of the Customs Office for duty and VAT relief. While the application is being processed, the vehicle may be driven if it has been declared to the Customs authorities and a Form C104O has been obtained. Applicants for customs duty and VAT relief must prove that they resided in another country for at least 12 continuous months prior to moving to Cyprus. As goods in free circulation in the EU can move from one EU country to another without payment of Customs duty, proof of EU Community status is required if applicable. Required documentation may include and is not limited to:- A completed Form P17
- A T2L or T2LF document to prove EU Community status (obtained from the Customs Service in the origin EU country or from the shipping company responsible for the vehicle)
- Shipping documents for shipped vehicles
- Valid and expired passports going back at least five years
- Alien Registration Certificates for applicant and family
- Residence Permit for applicant and family members
- Driver's licence
- Sales contract or evidence a foreign residence is being rented out
- Proof of employment outside Cyprus in the form of tax returns, insurance records and/or pay slips
- For applicants with school-age children, proof the children were enrolled in school
- Proof of residential situation in Cyprus in the form of a sales contract or rental contract for an apartment or home
- Utility and/or telephone bills
- Employment contract for work in Cyprus
- The registration documentation
- Insurance certificate
- Bill of sale
- Arrival documentation, including bill of lading, freight receipt and/or sailing ticket
With contributions from Andreas Andreou of Cyprus Global Logistics
Tel: +357 7000 1002
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