Importing a Car to North Cyprus: The Complete Guide

John Nordmann
Oct 7
2 min read

Importing a Car to North Cyprus: The Complete Guide

Thinking of bringing your car to North Cyprus? Whether you’re relocating, staying long-term, or just curious about the process, understanding the rules around car imports will save you time, money, and stress. Here’s everything you need to know.

Can You Import a Car to North Cyprus?

Yes, you can – but there are specific rules and restrictions:

Residency Status: Only residents (or those in the process of becoming residents) can permanently import a car.
Temporary Import: Tourists and short-term visitors can bring a car in for a limited period, usually up to 30 days, extendable to 90 days with permission.
Permanent Import: Cars imported for long-term use must go through customs, pay duties, and be registered locally.

Age Restrictions on Cars

Cars must generally be under 5 years old from the date of manufacture to be imported permanently.
Vehicles older than this are usually refused entry unless they qualify for classic car status.
Classic Cars: Vehicles over 30 years old may be imported but must be inspected and registered as “antique/classic.”

Taxes and Duties

Importing a car isn’t cheap, and duties depend on the type of vehicle:

Customs Duty: Based on engine size, fuel type, and market value.
VAT (KDV): Currently set at 18% of the vehicle’s value (plus duty).
Luxury Tax: Applied to high-end or large engine cars.
Registration Fees: Once cleared, the car must be registered with the local authorities.

💡 Tip: Smaller engine cars (under 1600cc) are significantly cheaper to import than large SUVs or luxury cars.

Required Documents

To successfully import your car, you’ll need:

Passport and valid residency permit (or proof of application).
Original car registration documents.
Bill of sale/invoice.
Shipping documents (if transported by sea).
Customs declaration forms.

The Process Step by Step

Bring the Car In: Via ferry from Turkey (the usual route) or by driving through Turkey.
Customs Clearance: The car is held at customs until duties are calculated and paid.
Inspection: The car is checked for roadworthiness and compliance.
Payment of Duties: Pay customs, VAT, and any applicable luxury tax.
Registration: Register the vehicle with the TRNC Traffic Department, get local plates, and arrange insurance.

Things to Watch Out For

Left-Hand Drive Only: The TRNC does not allow new right-hand-drive car imports.
Costs Can Be High: Sometimes it’s cheaper to sell your car at home and buy locally.
Classic Car Loophole: If you love vintage cars, importing as a classic may save on restrictions.
Temporary vs Permanent: If you’re just staying short-term, temporary import may be the easiest route.

Alternatives to Importing

If the duties and restrictions seem overwhelming, consider:

Buying Locally: Many expats sell cars in North Cyprus, making second-hand purchases easy.
Hiring Long-Term: Car hire companies often do monthly or yearly rental deals.

Conclusion

Importing a car to North Cyprus is possible but comes with costs, paperwork, and restrictions. If your car is relatively new, fuel-efficient, and left-hand drive, it may be worth it. Otherwise, buying locally could save you money and hassle.