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If a non- European citizen is coming to Cyprus to work and is eligible for an exemption from paying duties or taxes on their personal car, the procedure to clear and register the car in Cyprus would generally involve the following steps:
Obtain Necessary Documentation:
- Proof of employmentÂ
- Valid driver’s license and passport from your home country.
- Original vehicle registration documents.
- Certificate of insurance or “Cover Letter”
- Invoice of car
Customs Clearance:
- Upon arrival in Cyprus, declare the vehicle to the customs authorities at the point of entry. Provide the necessary documentation to support your exemption claim. Here the person will be called to complete the “C.1040“
- The customs authorities will inspect the documents and verify your eligibility for the tax and duty exemption.
Register the Vehicle (Part 1):
- After customs clearance, proceed to the Department of Road Transport (DRT) in Cyprus to register the vehicle. At this step you will get a number from DRT which you will give to us so that we can register your car online so that you are able to proceed to get a MOT check (vehicle Inspection).
- You’ll need to fill out the necessary registration forms and provide the customs clearance documentation, proof of employment , and any other required documents.
Vehicle Inspection:
- The vehicle will need to undergo a safety inspection to ensure it meets the roadworthiness standards in Cyprus. This inspection is typically done by the DRT or authorized inspection centers like TOM. The so called “MOT” typically costs 35 euros and can be done in numerous authorized inspection centers around the country. It typically takes about 30-40 minutes to get done.
- Register the Vehicle (Part 2):
- After getting the MOT you will be set to proceed to book an appointment with the DRT to finally register your car.
Pay Registration Fees:
- While you may be exempt from taxes and duties, there could still be registration fees associated with registering the vehicle in Cyprus. Check with the DRT for the specific fees applicable in your case.
Receive Registration Documents:
- Once the registration process is complete and any necessary inspections are passed, you will receive your Cypriot vehicle registration documents. This will include a new registration plate if required.
Obtain Insurance:
- Acquire a valid insurance policy for your vehicle in Cyprus. Make sure the insurance coverage meets the legal requirements in Cyprus.
Update Driver’s License (If Needed):
- Depending on the duration of your stay, you might need to update your driver’s license to a Cypriot license. Check with the relevant authorities to determine if this is necessary.
Drive Legally:
- With all the necessary documentation in hand, you can now legally drive your registered vehicle in Cyprus for the duration of your stay.
- For further information please visit our Customs and Excise Department here