What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to Cyprus?

Under 5 years old for standard imports. No age limit for personal relocation (Transfer of Residence) or classic cars (25+ years).

What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to Cyprus?

Original Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Statement on Origin (for EU-Japan EPA 0% duty), Insurance Certificate, Cyprus Customs Declaration (SAD/AIS), EORI Number, Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) Certificate

Can I import a 2018 Toyota Yaris to Cyprus in 2026?

No, standard imports of a 2018 model are banned because standard imports must be under 5 years old at arrival. However, you could import a 2018 Toyota Yaris if it qualifies under personal relocation (Transfer of Residence) which has no age limit. Otherwise, you must choose a newer model manufactured within the last 5 years.

What is the exact age limit for importing a Japanese car to Cyprus?

Standard car imports are banned if they are under 5 years old, meaning vehicles must be less than 5 years old at the time of arrival. There is no age limit if you are importing a car under personal relocation (Transfer of Residence) or for classic cars aged 25 years and older. Left-hand drive vehicles are also highly restricted and require special approval.

Can I import a 2023 Toyota RAV4 into Cyprus now?

Yes, a 2023 Toyota RAV4 satisfies the age limit rule for standard imports since it is under 5 years old at arrival. Cyprus drives on the left with right-hand drive vehicles, making Japanese imports fully compatible. You will just need to ensure you have all mandatory documents like the original Export Certificate and an EORI number.

How much import tax do I pay on a Japanese car in Cyprus in 2026?

Under the EU-Japan EPA, the import duty is 0% as long as the exporter provides a Statement on Origin, leaving only 19% VAT calculated on the CIF value plus duty. If you cannot provide a Statement on Origin, a standard 10% MFN duty applies, making the total import tax approximately 31% of the CIF value. Excise duty was completely abolished in March 2019, and all calculations are made in EUR.

What is the total cost breakdown for importing a car from Japan to Cyprus?

The total cost includes the purchase price in Japan, maritime shipping to Limassol or Larnaca, and the applicable taxes. For qualifying Japanese-origin vehicles with a Statement on Origin, the total import tax is typically 19% of the CIF value for VAT. If the Statement on Origin is missing, expect a standard 10% duty plus 19% VAT, bringing total taxes to roughly 31% of CIF.

Are there any hidden excise duties on imported Japanese cars in Cyprus?

No, excise duty on vehicle imports was completely abolished in March 2019 in Cyprus. Your primary tax burdens are the 19% VAT on CIF (plus 0% or 10% duty depending on the EU-Japan EPA Statement on Origin). Furthermore, electric vehicles are entirely exempt from registration tax and pay no annual road tax.

How does shipping work when importing a car from Japan to Cyprus?

Cars are shipped from Japan via maritime cargo, taking between 45 to 75 days to arrive. Over 90% of all vehicle imports enter through the main port of Limassol, while Larnaca is an alternative entry port. You must coordinate customs clearance upon arrival using the Single Vehicle Approval Certificate and other mandatory documentation.

How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to Cyprus?

The maritime shipping time from Japan to Cyprus typically ranges from 45 to 75 days. Once the vessel arrives at Limassol or Larnaca, you will need additional time for customs clearance, inspection, and obtaining the Single Vehicle Approval Certificate before driving on Cyprus roads.

Which Japanese cars are most popular to import into Cyprus?

Models like the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Note, Mazda Demio, Toyota RAV4, and Toyota Corolla Cross are extremely popular in Cyprus. Because Cyprus shares the same right-hand drive (RHD) system as Japan—driving on the left due to British colonial heritage—these vehicles require no steering conversion. Toyota, Mazda, and Nissan dominate the local imported car market.

Can I drive a Japanese left-hand drive car in Cyprus?

Cyprus is a right-hand drive country where people drive on the left, so left-hand drive vehicles are highly restricted. LHD cars require special approval from Cypriot authorities to be registered and driven legally. It is much more practical and straightforward to import standard RHD Japanese models like the Toyota Yaris or Nissan Note.

What paperwork do I need to import a car from Japan to Cyprus?

You must provide the original Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and an Insurance Certificate. Additionally, you need a Statement on Origin to qualify for 0% EU-Japan EPA duty, a Cyprus Customs Declaration (SAD/AIS), a mandatory EORI Number, and a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) Certificate. Ensure you acquire your EORI number before shipping.

What is the most common mistake when doing paperwork for a Cyprus car import?

A frequent mistake is failing to obtain an EORI number prior to shipping, which is mandatory for all importers in Cyprus. Another major error is neglecting to secure the Statement on Origin from the Japanese exporter, which results in paying a standard 10% MFN duty instead of the 0% preferential rate under the EU-Japan EPA.

Verify Now Verify

← All Countries

🇨🇾

Import Japanese Car to Cyprus

⛔ Used imports banned RHD drive ~19% duty ⏱ ~45-75 days Japan to Cyprus from Japan

Age Limit

Banned

Commercial: Max 5 years old

Import Duty

~19% total

0% Customs Duty under EU-Japan EPA (requires exporter Statement on Origin; otherwise standard 10% MFN duty applies) + 19% VAT calculated on (CIF + duty). Excise duty was completely abolished in March 2019. Total import tax is typically 19% of CIF for qualifying Japanese-origin vehicles, or approximately 31% of CIF if standard duty applies.

Steering Side

RHD

Right-hand drive country (drives on left — British colonial heritage).

Transit Time

45-75 days Japan to Cyprus

From Japanese port to Cyprus

⛔Standard imports must be less than 5 years old at arrival