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).

Japan Car Import to Cyprus — Guide 2026

Q: 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

Age Limit

No limit

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

✅ Age Check — No Restriction

Cyprus has no strict age limit on Japanese car imports. Any year vehicle can be imported (subject to emissions and roadworthy standards).

🆕 Latest Rule Changes

Aug 2026The Motor Vehicles and Traffic (Amendment) Regulations of 2026 was submitted for public consultation to extend the 4.5-meter maximum vehicle height limit to all vehicles.

Jul 2026The Approval and Market Surveillance of Vehicles Law of 2026 was submitted for public consultation to align national individual vehicle approval with Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

Feb 2026The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) phased out the remaining import duty on passenger cars of Japanese origin, reducing it to 0%.

Nov 2025The fourth call of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Subsidy Scheme was launched, allocating €49.7 million in grants for new and used electric vehicles.

Nov 2025The Motor Vehicles and Traffic (Amendment) Regulations of 2025 entered into force, setting the maximum height of vehicles carrying containers at 4.5 meters.

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Limassol (main) 🚢 Larnaca

📋 Required Documents

📄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

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🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Source RHD vehicle under 5 years old in Japan

Obtain Statement on Origin from Japanese exporter

Ship to Limassol or Larnaca

Clear customs and pay 19% VAT (plus 10% duty if no EPA origin proof)

Pass SVA and DoRT roadworthiness inspection

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💰 Import Duty & Taxes

⚠️ Important: Duty rates change regularly. The figures above are based on 2026 rates and are for guidance only. Always confirm current rates with a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder in Cyprus before committing to a purchase.

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🧮 Live Landed-Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of importing a Japanese car to Cyprus — including auction price, shipping, duty & taxes — in your local currency. Live FX rates updated daily.

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Quick pick:

Auction price ¥850,000

¥100k¥1M¥3M¥10M

Shipping (Japan → port) $1,500

$800$1.5k$2.5k$4k

Auction price—

Shipping—

Insurance (1.5%)—

CIF subtotal—

Duty & taxes (~19%)—

Total landed cost —

Approx. in EUR —

Vehicle Shipping & insurance Duty & taxes

Estimate only. Actual cost depends on auction fees, current FX, port charges, and customs valuation. Always confirm with a licensed broker before purchase.

🤖 AI Import Advisor

Tell us the car you're considering and our AI will give you an honest assessment specific to Cyprus's rules — whether to import it, what to verify, and what to watch for.

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AI-generated guidance — not a substitute for a licensed customs broker. Verify auction sheet, current duty rates, and import permits before purchase.

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🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

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

⛔EORI number is mandatory for all importers

⛔Left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are highly restricted and require special approval

⛔Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has separate import rules — not covered

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

Department of Road Transport (DoRT) inspection and Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) for non-EU vehicles.

🛡️ Safety Guide — Before You Buy

Always verify the auction sheet first. Get the original JP Sheet verification report before committing to any vehicle — confirms grade, mileage, accident history and all damage marks.
Check for flood damage. The Japanese inspector notes the word 冠水 (flood) in the auction sheet notes section. This is only visible with a full translation — never skip translation if buying for an important purpose.
Use a licensed freight forwarder who specifically handles Japan-to-Cyprus imports. They know local customs requirements, common delays and documentation pitfalls.
Verify the exporter. Check the company is registered, has verifiable reviews, and provides a full paper trail including export certificate and shipping documents.
Never pay full price before the car ships. A deposit is normal — paying 100% before shipping is a major fraud risk.
Check the chassis number matches across all documents — auction sheet, export certificate, bill of lading and invoice must all carry the same number.

💡 Import Tips for Cyprus

Cyprus is an ideal market for Japanese imports due to shared left-side driving (RHD). Standard imports must be under 5 years old. Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on Japanese-origin cars is 0% as of February 2026 (requires a Statement on Origin), leaving only 19% VAT on CIF. Excise duty was abolished in 2019. Limassol handles over 90% of imports. EVs are exempt from registration tax and pay no annual road tax. Toyota, Mazda, and Nissan are highly popular. Always obtain an EORI number before shipping.

📚 Official Sources

Rules last checked 1 October 2026. Rules change often, so confirm with Cyprus customs or a licensed clearing agent before you ship.

Republic of Cyprus - Registration of Motor Vehicle

❓ Cyprus Import FAQs

Common questions buyers ask about importing Japanese cars to Cyprus. Tap any question to expand.

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.

Updated Oct 2026 · AI-generated from verified Cyprus import rules