Importing a car to North Cyprus

Importing a car to North Cyprus involves several steps, from preparation in your home country to registration on the island. Here's a clear step-by-step outline of the process:

Importing a car to North Cyprus

🚗 1. Check Eligibility

• Car age limit: Typically, only cars under 5 years old (from date of first registration) are allowed to be imported by private individuals.

• Driving side: Ensure the vehicle is right-hand drive (as traffic in North Cyprus drives on the left).

📄 2. Prepare Documents

You'll need the following:

• Original vehicle registration document (V5C logbook or equivalent)

• Original invoice or purchase receipt

• Valid insurance certificate

• Your passport and residency permit (or proof of application)

• Bill of lading (if shipped)

• Export certificate or deregistration papers from your home country

🛳️ 3. Shipping the Car

• Cars are typically shipped to Famagusta Port in Northern Cyprus.

• You can use a shipping agent to handle logistics and customs.

• Choose Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) or container shipping.

🛃 4. Customs Clearance at Famagusta Port

• Upon arrival, the car goes through customs inspection.

• You’ll need to pay:

  • Import duty (based on car age, engine size, and value)

  • VAT (standard rate is 16%)

  • Port handling fees

• Customs may calculate value using their own valuation system, not just your invoice.

🚘 5. Temporary Permit (Transit Plate)

• You can get a temporary transit plate (valid for 30–90 days) so you can drive the car while completing registration.

• You must insure the car in North Cyprus before using it.

🧾 6. MOT & Road Tax

• Take the car for a vehicle inspection (MOT).

• Pay the annual road tax (based on engine size).

• Roadworthiness and emissions will be checked.

🆔 7. Registration & Number Plates

• Visit the Vehicle Registration Office in Lefkoşa (Nicosia).

• Submit all documents, inspection reports, and payment receipts.

• Receive North Cyprus license plates and registration card.

⚠️ Notes & Tips:

• You must register the car within 3 months of it arriving in North Cyprus.

• Importing a car without proper residency can lead to higher fees or restrictions.

• Once imported, reselling the car may be restricted within a certain period.

Here are some reputable customs agents and shipping companies that can assist you with importing a car to Northern Cyprus:

🚢 Shipping Companies

1. EMEL Shipping

   • Services: Offers professional vehicle shipping services, including container and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) options. They have a direct liner service from the UK Port of Harwich to Famagusta for all vehicles and break bulk cargos. EMEL Shipping

     
     

2. A1 Auto Transport

   • Services: Provides international car shipping services to Northern Cyprus. They offer both RoRo and container shipping options, with delivery times ranging from 21 to 35 days. A-1 Auto Transport, Inc.

     
     

3. Armen Shipping

   • Services: Specializes in customs clearance and shipping services. They can assist with the necessary documentation and procedures required for importing vehicles into Northern Cyprus. Armen Shipping  

🛃 Customs Agents

1. Armen Shipping

   • Services: In addition to shipping, they offer customs clearance services. They can guide you through the customs requirements and ensure all necessary documents are prepared correctly. 

     
     

2. EMEL Shipping

   • Services: Provides assistance with customs procedures as part of their comprehensive shipping services. 

📌 Tips for Selecting a Shipping or Customs Agent

• Experience: Choose companies with experience in shipping to Northern Cyprus to ensure they are familiar with local regulations and procedures.

  
  

• Services Offered: Ensure the company provides both shipping and customs clearance services for a smoother process.

  
  

• Customer Reviews: Look for customer testimonials or reviews to gauge the reliability and quality of service.

  
  

• Cost Transparency: Request detailed quotes to understand all costs involved, including shipping fees, customs duties, and any additional charges.

Fees and Charges

Importing a car into Northern Cyprus involves several fees and charges, which can vary based on factors like the vehicle's origin, engine size, age, and fuel type. Here's a detailed breakdown of the current costs as of 2025:

🚗 Import Duty

• Private Vehicles:

  • Petrol/Diesel: 6%

  • Electric/Hybrid: 4%

• Commercial Vehicles:

  • Petrol/Diesel: 5%

  • Hybrid: 4%

These rates are applied to the vehicle's customs-assessed value.

💰 Additional Charges

• Military Contribution Fee (GKK): 2.5%

• Harbor Fee (Rihtim): 4.4%

• Price Stabilization Fund (FIF): 10%

• Withholding Tax: 4%

• Vehicle Registration & Navigation Fee: 6%

• VAT: 20% applied to the total value after adding all the above fees. 

📊 Engine Capacity Surcharge

An additional charge based on engine size:

• Up to 1600cc: 2.03 TL per cc

• 1601cc to 2250cc: 4.03 TL per cc

• 2251cc to 2999cc: 7.53 TL per cc

• 3000cc and above: 10.53 TL per cc

🌍 Origin-Based Import Tax

• European-Origin Vehicles: Approximately 40.4% of the vehicle's value.

• Non-European-Origin Vehicles: Approximately 65.12% of the vehicle's value.

💵 Fixed Charges Based on Engine Size

• Under 1600cc: $1,200

• 1600cc to 2000cc: $3,600

• Over 2000cc: $3,600 

Example Calculation

For a petrol car with a 1240cc engine and an estimated value of $6,400:

• Import Duty (6%): $384

• Military Contribution Fee (2.5%): $160

• Harbor Fee (4.4%): $281.60

• Price Stabilization Fund (10%): $640

• Withholding Tax (4%): $256

• Vehicle Registration & Navigation Fee (6%): $384

• Engine Capacity Surcharge: 1240cc × 2.03 TL = 2,517.20 TL (approx. $140)

• Subtotal: $2,245.60

• VAT (20%): $449.12

• Total Estimated Charges: Approximately $2,694.72

Note: Exchange rates and additional administrative fees may affect the final amount.

⚠️ Important Considerations

• Age Restrictions: Vehicles must be under 5 years old unless you've owned them for over 5 years.

• Left-Hand Drive Vehicles: Generally not permitted for import.

• Residency Requirement: Importing a car typically requires proof of residency in Northern Cyprus.

• Temporary Import: Tourists can bring a car for up to 30 days without paying import duties. 

For personalized assistance and up-to-date information, consider contacting the Customs Department in Lefkoşa at +90 392 2283116 or +90 542 853 0977.