Everything You Need to Know
Transporting a vehicle overseas is always a careful process. When you want to ship a car to Cyprus, there are specific rules, paperwork, and costs that you need to be aware of. Whether you’re moving permanently, bringing your vehicle as a tourist, or simply relocating part of your household, this guide lays out what you’ll need to do, how age limits affect import, and the different shipping methods like RORO and container transport.
Shipping Methods: RORO vs Container
When you decide to ship a car, you basically have two main options. Each method has its pros and cons.
 RORO (Roll on, roll off) is often the most straightforward and economical way to transport a vehicle. Your car is simply driven onto the vessel at the port of departure and securely parked on the ship’s deck for the journey. Once it reaches Cyprus, it’s driven off again. This process involves minimal handling, reducing the risk of damage, and is generally quicker and more affordable. However, it does mean that your car will be exposed during the voyage, and personal items cannot be stored inside the vehicle while it’s being shipped.
 Container offers greater protection and flexibility. Your car is loaded into a sealed steel container, either a private 20-foot or 40-foot unit, or sometimes shared space with other vehicles. This method is ideal for high-value, luxury, or classic cars, as it shields them from
weather and external risks during transit. You can also include personal belongings in the container. The downside is that container shipping is usually more expensive and can take slightly longer to arrange, due to loading and customs processes. Both options are reliable and widely used for those who wish to ship a car to Cyprus. The right choice depends on your budget, vehicle type, and personal preferences for safety and convenience.
Import & Age Regulations
One of the first questions our customer always asks us is: How old can the car be shipped? Cyprus has fairly strict rules about vehicle age, particularly for private imports from outside the EU.
 For passenger cars (category M1) from non-EU countries (such as the UK or Japan), in general the vehicle must be less than 5 years old at the date of arrival, based on its first registration. This rule ensures that cars being imported are relatively new, safer, and more environmentally compliant.
 If the car is over 5 years old and you don’t satisfy specific conditions (such as transferring permanent residence or having owned and used the car abroad for a certain time), then registering it locally can be refused. Using the Vehicle Under Tourist / Temporary Import Rules
If you are not planning to settle permanently in Cyprus, perhaps you are there on holiday or staying temporarily, you have some more flexibility:
 You can use a foreign-registered car in Cyprus without registering it locally for up to six months per calendar year. After this period, you either need to export the car, switch to permanent import/register it, or in some cases renew the temporary permission.
 During this time, you must carry proper documentation (registration, insurance, etc.), and your vehicle must not be sold, rented, or transferred while in Cyprus unless you complete the local registration.
What Paperwork & Costs to Expect
When you ship a car to Cyprus, expect the following:
 Original registration documents (e.g. V5C if from UK), proof of ownership.
 Bill of Lading or proforma invoice.
 Sometimes type approval documents: Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) or Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) if the vehicle does not already meet EU standards.
 If you’re importing permanently and qualify, you may get duty / VAT relief if you owned and used the car for a minimum period abroad (often 6 months or longer) and meet proof requirements.
 For a “new” vehicle as per Cyprus customs definition: less than 6 months since first registration, or has done less than 6,000 km. If so, VAT is charged as if brand new.
Tips for Smooth Import
 Before you ship a car, double-check with the Road Transport Department in Cyprus, Road Transport Department – Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works – Gov.cy and customs what the current age rules are. Regulations can change.
 Choosing container shipping can be worth the extra cost for luxury, classic, or high- value cars. It offers peace of mind.
 If eligible for duty / VAT relief (due to residence change), get all your supporting documents well in advance: proof of residence abroad, proof of ownership, usage, etc.
 Plan for delays. Customs, transport to the port, port clearance, and registration can add days or even weeks.
Should You Ship a Car to Cyprus?
If you have a vehicle you love, want to use it permanently, or meet the criteria for resident importation, shipping a car can make sense. But if you’re temporarily in Cyprus, using it under the tourist allowance for up to six months might be a simpler route. Either way, understanding the rules and choosing between RORO vs container is essential to avoid unexpected costs or disappointments.
Trans Global Logistics UK Limited, International Shipping & Logistics Company with 30 years of experience, will be able to offers several services for your Yacht and Boat Transport / Customs Clearance / Import and UK Vehicle Registration to confidently support your shipment in either Import or Export for any type of equipment. Contact us at Trans Global Logistics UK Limited – bizdev@tglog.co.uk – phone 07833 410 281 www.tglog.co.uk