Does Cyprus require right-hand-drive cars from Japan?

Yes — Cyprus drives on the left, and used vehicles imported for registration must be right-hand drive. Japanese RHD stock fits perfectly and needs no steering conversion.

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

Used vehicles older than 5 years are typically restricted or not permitted. In 2026 that means the car must be a 2021 model or newer. We only shortlist age-compliant cars for Cypriot buyers.

What duty and VAT do I pay at Limassol?

With EU-Japan EPA origin proof the import duty is 0% (otherwise ~10%), plus 19% VAT on the imported value. Cyprus abolished its vehicle excise duty in 2019, so only a small registration fee applies at the registration stage.

How long does shipping from Japan to Limassol take?

Ocean freight to the Port of Limassol typically takes several weeks. Our team provides the sailing schedule and tracking once the car is booked onto a vessel.

Do you handle Cypriot registration after the car arrives?

Yes — our team coordinates customs clearance, pays duty and VAT, and handles the registration process including any emissions or engine-capacity checks. We deliver the registered car anywhere on the island.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Cyprus

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Cyprus is the Mediterranean's most natural fit for Japanese used cars. The island drives on the left — a legacy of British rule — which means right-hand-drive Japanese stock arrives ready for Cypriot roads with no steering modification needed, and Cypriot law requires RHD for imported used cars. The island has no domestic car industry, so Japan's auctions are one of the most competitive sources for quality used vehicles at sensible prices; Toyota, Honda and Mazda are all widely serviced on the island. The critical rule to plan around: Cyprus restricts used vehicle imports to those no older than 5 years from the year of manufacture, so for 2026 imports the car must be a 2021 model or newer. On the cost side the structure is clear: import duty is 0% under the EU-Japan EPA with Japan-origin proof (~10% without it) plus 19% VAT at the customs stage — Cyprus abolished its vehicle excise duty in 2019, so there is no large registration tax on top. Cars arrive at the Port of Limassol, and our licensed team handles sourcing at Japanese auction, shipping, customs clearance and delivery anywhere on the island.

Main ports: Limassol
Import age rule: Cyprus drives on the LEFT — RHD Japanese stock fits and is registrable. Japan is a third country: customs duty + 19% VAT. Cyprus ABOLISHED the one-off excise/registration tax on 1 Jan 2019; the remaining CO2 charge is an ANNUAL road tax (not a landed cost). Older used vehicles may face emission-standard restrictions.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: Cyprus landed cost is duty + 19% VAT only. The one-off vehicle excise/registration tax was abolished on 1 Jan 2019; what remains is a CO2-based ANNUAL road tax plus a trivial ~€150 registration fee (not part of the import cost). Duty is 0% under the EU–Japan EPA with origin proof (10% MFN fallback), so a Japan-origin car lands at ~19% of CIF.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Cyprus

Choose a Cyprus-compliant RHD car
Cyprus requires right-hand drive and restricts used imports to vehicles no older than 5 years — in 2026 that means a 2021 model or newer. We shortlist only age-compliant RHD cars that fit your budget and requirements.
We source it at USS auction
Our licensed USS auction team reads the auction sheet and grade, verifies the car's real condition and year, and bids on your behalf. You see the full report before committing.
Pre-shipment checks
We prepare the customs documentation, confirm the car meets Cypriot roadworthiness standards and verify the manufacturing year before shipping.
Ocean freight to Limassol
The car sails to the Port of Limassol, Cyprus's main vehicle entry point. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking.
Customs clearance — duty and VAT
On arrival we clear customs at Limassol, pay the applicable duty (0% under the EU-Japan EPA with origin proof, ~10% without) and 19% VAT on the imported value, and release the car for registration.
Registration and delivery
We coordinate Cypriot registration — including any emissions or engine-cc checks required — and deliver the car to Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos or your location on the island.

Import duties & taxes in Cyprus explained

As an EU member, Cyprus applies 0% import duty on Japan-origin cars under the EU-Japan EPA when valid origin proof accompanies the shipment; without it the standard 10% MFN passenger-car rate applies. On top of duty comes 19% VAT on the imported value (customs value plus duty). Cyprus abolished its vehicle excise/registration duty in 2019, so beyond a small registration fee there is no large tax at the registration stage. Because the precise treatment can depend on HS code and origin proof, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Cyprus

Honda Fit
A 2021-or-newer Fit clears Cyprus's 5-year age rule and arrives in RHD with a small, efficient engine that keeps registration taxes down. Hybrid versions are ideal in Cyprus's warm urban traffic.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A dependable, right-hand-drive family sedan from Japan's domestic market. Sourcing a recent-year Axio keeps it within Cyprus's age window, and Toyota parts are straightforward to source on the island.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Compact, low-CO2 and fuel-efficient — the Swift suits Cyprus's city roads well and its small engine keeps any cc-based charges manageable at registration.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A well-designed hatchback that punches above its budget price in cabin quality. A recent-year Demio in RHD fits Cyprus's rules and the island's urban driving environment.
See prices
Toyota Probox
A practical RHD wagon for businesses and families alike — durable, cheap to run and a proven workhorse that is easy to resell on the Cypriot market.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Cyprus

Limassol — You are at the port — inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $150.
Larnaca — Delivery from Limassol to Larnaca adds roughly $170 for a sedan.
Paphos — Delivery from Limassol to Paphos adds roughly $170 for a sedan.
Nicosia — Delivery from Limassol to Nicosia adds roughly $180 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Does Cyprus require right-hand-drive cars from Japan?: Yes — Cyprus drives on the left, and used vehicles imported for registration must be right-hand drive. Japanese RHD stock fits perfectly and needs no steering conversion.
What is the age limit for importing a used car to Cyprus?: Used vehicles older than 5 years are typically restricted or not permitted. In 2026 that means the car must be a 2021 model or newer. We only shortlist age-compliant cars for Cypriot buyers.
What duty and VAT do I pay at Limassol?: With EU-Japan EPA origin proof the import duty is 0% (otherwise ~10%), plus 19% VAT on the imported value. Cyprus abolished its vehicle excise duty in 2019, so only a small registration fee applies at the registration stage.
How long does shipping from Japan to Limassol take?: Ocean freight to the Port of Limassol typically takes several weeks. Our team provides the sailing schedule and tracking once the car is booked onto a vessel.
Do you handle Cypriot registration after the car arrives?: Yes — our team coordinates customs clearance, pays duty and VAT, and handles the registration process including any emissions or engine-capacity checks. We deliver the registered car anywhere on the island.