Registering a Car in Cyprus

Find out how to register an imported car in Cyprus...

The vehicle registration process differs between vehicles purchased in the EU or first registered in the EU and those imported from outside of the EU. Left-hand drive vehicles must meet additional requirements. Any person bringing a vehicle from another EU country to be registered in Cyprus must have paid all necessary taxes and followed the proper import procedures as set forth by the Department of Customs and Excise. The vehicle must pass a Department of Transport (DoRT) roadworthiness inspection at an authorised inspection station. The test will check emissions, brakes, suspension, steering, lights and tyres among other things. The test is computerised and generally takes less than an hour.
  • Cyprus Driving.net has details how to register an imported vehicle and a list of DoRT inspection stations
Documents to take to the DoRT inspection:
  • All shipping documentation
  • All documentation handed out by Customs
  • Sales invoice
  • The CO2 emissions certificate
Once the vehicle passes the inspection, all the above documents plus the DoRT certificate and insurance certificate should be taken to the Vehicle Examination Centre of the Department of Road Transport for registration. Taxes will be paid at the same time. Note: If any of the documents are not in English or Greek, they will need to be accompanied with translations provided by the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office. Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Tel. 22801117 Ε-mail Note: If the above documents are in a language other than Greek or English, the owner must produce verified translated documents issued by the Press and Information Office (P.I.O., tel. 22801117, Ε-mail:communications@pio.moi.gov.cy).

Number plates (licence plates)

When the vehicle is registered, it must be taken to a registered number plate centre that will make and attach the new plates. A list of licensed centres is below:

Useful contacts

  • Department of Road Transport - Vehicle Examination Centre, Larnaca District At: 13 Acropoleos Avenue, 7102 Aradipou Tel: 24 813 196 Fax: 24 818 691
  • Department of Road Transport - Vehicle Examination Centre, Limassol District At: Korivou Street, Kampos Polemidion, 3112 Limassol Tel: 25 870 442 Fax: 25 305 696
  • Department of Road Transport - Vehicle Examination Centre, Nicosia District At: Old Nicosia, Limassol Road Tel: 22 815 712 Fax: 22 486 510
  • Department of Road Transport - Vehicle Examination Centre, Paphos District At: Mesogis Industrial Area, 8061 Paphos Tel: 26 821 344 Fax: 26 946 931
With contributions from Andreas Andreou of Cyprus Global Logistics Tel: +357 7000 1002 email Website