Registering the Car

To register a car in Cyprus that you bought in Japan, you’ll need to go through several steps involving customs, taxation, and vehicle inspection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

1. Shipping the Car from Japan to Cyprus

• Choose a Shipping Method: The most common method is RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), where the car is driven onto a ship, or a container service.
• Required Documents for Shipping:
  • Bill of sale/invoice from the seller.
  • Export certificate from Japan.
  • Bill of lading (shipping document).
  • Insurance papers for transport, if applicable.

2. Customs Clearance Upon Arrival

When the car arrives in Cyprus, you’ll need to clear it through customs at the port.

• Documents required for customs clearance:
  • Original purchase invoice.
  • Bill of lading.
  • Vehicle’s original registration documents from Japan.
  • Copy of your passport or ID.
  • Proof of residency in Cyprus (such as utility bills or a rental contract).
• Customs Duty & Taxes:
  • Customs Duty: Depends on the car's origin. If it’s an EU-approved vehicle, there may be reduced duties. If not, duties will be applied based on the value and engine size.
  • VAT: VAT (19% in Cyprus) is calculated based on the vehicle's cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value.
  • Excise Duty: This is based on the CO2 emissions of the car. The lower the emissions, the lower the duty. Electric vehicles may be exempt from excise duty.

3. Vehicle Inspection and Type Approval

• MOT Test (Roadworthiness Test): Before registering the vehicle, it needs to pass an MOT inspection in Cyprus. This ensures the vehicle is roadworthy and meets local safety and environmental standards.
• Type Approval: If the car model is not already type-approved for Cyprus (or the EU), you may need to apply for an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) to confirm the car meets EU regulations.

4. Registering the Car

After clearing customs and passing inspections, you can proceed with registering the car at the Department of Road Transport (DoRT) in Cyprus.

• Documents required for registration:

  • Customs clearance documents (proof you’ve paid duties and VAT).
  • Roadworthiness certificate (from MOT test).
  • Car's original registration documents from Japan.
  • Purchase invoice.
  • Proof of identity and residency in Cyprus.
  • Insurance certificate for the car.

• License Plates: After registration, you will receive your Cypriot license plates. You will also need to pay a registration fee, which is typically based on the engine size and emissions of the vehicle.

5. Car Insurance

Before you can legally drive the car, you need to insure it with a local Cypriot insurance provider. The insurance costs will depend on factors like the car’s value, age, and your driving history.

Additional Considerations:

• Environmental Regulations: Cyprus has strict CO2 emissions standards. Older, high-emission vehicles may face higher excise duties and registration costs.
• Electric Vehicles: If you are importing an electric or hybrid vehicle, you may benefit from lower import taxes and excise duties due to government incentives for cleaner cars.

Summary of Key Steps:

1. Ship the car from Japan to Cyprus.
2. Clear the car through customs (pay duties, VAT, excise tax).
3. Get an MOT test and ensure the vehicle is type-approved.
4. Register the car at the Department of Road Transport (pay registration fees).
5. Obtain car insurance.

By following these steps, you can successfully import and register your car in Cyprus.