Shipping a Car to Cyprus from the UK: Complete 2026 Guide

Cyprus is one of the most popular destinations for British expats and second-home owners in the Mediterranean, with established communities in Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol and the Famagusta district. The island drives on the left and uses the same UK-style three-pin plugs and right-hand-drive vehicles, which makes a UK car a natural fit. Almost all vehicle imports arrive at the Port of Limassol on the south coast, with smaller shipments occasionally calling at Larnaca.

Many of our Cyprus customers are either retirees relocating with a familiar car, holiday-home owners shipping a runaround for use during stays, or returning Cypriot nationals bringing a UK-purchased vehicle home. Demand for British-built classics, MINIs and Land Rover Defenders is also strong on the island.

The Ship Cars operates monthly RORO and shared container sailings from Southampton and Tilbury to Limassol via Piraeus or Genoa. For wider EU and Mediterranean context, see our UK to Malta guide and UK car export overview.

Since Brexit, the UK is treated as a third country by Cyprus for customs purposes. This means that a vehicle imported from the UK is now subject to customs duty and Cypriot VAT in the same way as a car imported from any other non-EU country. The administering authority is the Cypriot Department of Customs and Excise, with the Department of Road Transport responsible for registration.

Customs duty — The standard rate on passenger cars is 10% of the customs value, although UK-built cars meeting the rules of origin under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement can qualify for 0% duty.

VAT — Cypriot VAT is 19%, calculated on the customs value plus duty plus shipping.

Excise (registration) tax — Calculated on engine size and CO2 emissions. Low-emission vehicles enjoy substantial reductions and fully electric vehicles are largely exempt.

Transfer of Residence relief — Available to people moving permanently to Cyprus who have owned and used the vehicle abroad for at least 6 months. With this relief, customs duty and VAT can be waived on a single vehicle.

RORO from Southampton or Tilbury to Limassol
• Indicative cost: £1,300 to £2,000
• Transit time: 18 to 28 days via Piraeus
• The most popular and cost-effective option for road cars

Shared container to Limassol
• Indicative cost: £1,500 to £2,400
• Transit time: 22 to 32 days
• Recommended for classics, low-clearance cars or shipments with personal effects

Dedicated 20ft container to Limassol
• Indicative cost: £2,800 to £4,200
• Transit time: 22 to 32 days
• Best for high-value vehicles

Cypriot landed cost components on a typical £20,000 used car
• Customs duty: 10% (or 0% with valid UK Statement on Origin)
• VAT: 19% on (customs value + duty + shipping)
• Excise / registration tax: variable, typically €500 to €3,000
• Customs clearance and broker fees: €150 to €350
• Single Vehicle Approval test: €120 to €200
• Registration with Department of Road Transport: €150 to €300

Use our cost calculator for a tailored estimate.

Once your vehicle arrives at Limassol, the Ship Cars partners with a local clearing agent to complete the import on your behalf.

1. Customs declaration is filed using the SAD form, declaring the customs value and any preferential origin claim.
2. Duty and VAT payment are processed before release, unless transfer of residence relief applies.
3. Single Vehicle Approval is carried out at the Department of Road Transport in Nicosia, Limassol or Larnaca to confirm the vehicle meets Cypriot road standards.
4. Excise tax is calculated and paid based on emissions and engine size.
5. Registration is completed and Cypriot plates are issued.
6. MOT (where applicable) is booked at an approved test centre.

The full process from UK collection to Cypriot plates typically takes 4 to 7 weeks.

- Claim transfer of residence relief if eligible — A relocating expat who has owned the car for 6 months can save thousands in duty and VAT. The paperwork is strict but worth the effort.
• Use a UK-built car for preferential duty — A Mini, Land Rover, Jaguar or Bentley with a valid Statement on Origin can clear at 0% duty rather than 10%.
• Check insurance compatibility — Many UK insurers do not extend cover to Cyprus. Arrange a Cypriot policy ready to activate on arrival.
• Consider seasonality — Cyprus is at its busiest port-side from May to September. Spring shipments tend to clear faster.
• Insure end to end — A 4-week sea voyage warrants proper marine transit insurance.
• Read the bigger picture — See our UK customs export guide for what happens at the UK end.

Ready to ship to Cyprus? Request a free quote or contact our team to talk through transfer of residence eligibility.