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EXPORTING VEHICLES TO CYPRUS

DISCOVER OUR SEAMLESS PROCESS AND WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Experts in selling and exporting the finest VAT-Qualifying vehicles - From tailored sourcing to hassle-free shipping to Cyprus.

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DELIVERING EXCELLENCE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

At Beck Evans, we're leaders in selling and exporting high-quality, high-performance, prestige, 4x4, and commercial VAT-qualifying vehicles. We also offer unique services like car sourcing, and you find it, we export it - giving you access to your dream vehicle and hidden gems that aren't readily available in Cyprus.

We make vehicle importing stress-free, working closely with our partners, handling everything from shipping and customs clearance to optimising tax savings - ensuring you only pay what's necessary.

The benefits of VAT-qualifying vehicles

Choosing a VAT-qualifying vehicle when importing to Cyprus can help reduce overall costs*.

How VAT-qualifying cars can save you money

In the UK, new vehicles are typically subject to a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT). However, if a VAT-qualifying vehicle is exported to Cyprus, it can be sold without this tax - allowing for significant savings.

What makes a vehicle VAT-qualifying?

VAT-qualifying cars have never had VAT permanently applied, often because they were previously owned by VAT-registered businesses or leasing companies. Since they are eligible for VAT-free export, you avoid paying unnecessary taxes when importing to Cyprus.

Why Beck Evans is the right choice

Unlike many UK dealers, we specialise in vehicle exports and understand the complexities of VAT exemptions. Our team ensures that you don't need to pay the 20% UK VAT upfront. We manage the VAT reclaim process on your behalf, eliminating the hassle of dealing with VAT paperwork.

*Important Note: The actual cost savings depend on various factors, including exchange rates, vehicle prices, shipping fees, local taxes, and administrative costs. In some cases, savings may not be realised compared to local purchases. For accurate, tailored advice, contact our export specialists for a personalised quote.

OUR STRAIGHTFORWARD EXPORT PROCESS

At Beck Evans, we make exporting your dream vehicle from the UK as seamless as possible.

WHAT SETS BECK EVANS APART IN CAR EXPORTING

An award-winning prestige and luxury car dealership in the UK, Beck Evans specialises in exporting the finest, highest-quality vehicles.

We own our stock

Unlike many car exporters who act as middlemen. This ensures top-notch quality.

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Vehicle sourcing & purchasing

Find your dream car with ease through our expert sourcing and purchasing services.

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The right vehicles for everyone

Serving customers across Cyprus with high-quality vehicles.

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Vehicle customisation

We don't just sell and export vehicles - we transform them!

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VAT paid upfront

You don't need to worry about any snooze-worthy VAT reclaim paperwork

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Admin Support

Simplifying Cypriot import regulations with our seamless administrative support.

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

When exporting a vehicle through Beck Evans, there are four key parties involved, to ensure a smooth export process.

Party involved

Role

Responsibilities

Beck Evans (car dealer & export consultant)

Sells the vehicle and provides export guidance

  • - Helps the buyer select the right vehicle for export
  • - Provides VAT-free sales where applicable
  • - Advises on export regulations, paperwork, and costs
  • - Assists in arranging shipping with trusted partners
  • - Supplies necessary vehicle documentation (e.g., V5C, invoice, proof of origin if applicable)
  • - Arrange delivery to the port

Shipping company

Handles the transportation of the vehicle from the UK to the destination country

  • - Provides shipping options (Roll-on/Roll-off or Container)
  • - Issues the Bill of Lading (proof of shipment)
  • - Ensures secure vehicle transport from the UK to the destination port

Customs agent (in the buyer's country)

Manages import clearance and compliance in the receiving country

  • - Handles import duty and VAT calculations
  • - Processes customs paperwork and clearances
  • - Advises the buyer on registration and legal requirements
  • - Assists in ensuring smooth delivery from the port

Buyer (importer)

Receives the vehicle and completes the import process

  • - Pays any applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees
  • - Provides necessary personal/importer details for clearance
  • - Registers the vehicle in the destination country
  • - Ensures the vehicle meets local regulations (e.g., roadworthiness tests, emissions compliance)

ESSENTIAL DETAILS FOR CYPRIOT BUYERS

Costs, shipping, taxes, and everything you need to know about importing vehicles into Cyprus.

Content published: 25/02/2025. Last updated: 25/02/2025.

Total costs

The total cost of importing a vehicle from the UK to Cyprus depends on various factors, including vehicle type, shipping method, and applicable taxes. We recommend contacting our export team for a tailored quote at +44 (0) 208 302 0860 or message us here.

What's included in the costs?

  • Vehicle purchase price: Varies based on make and model. VAT-qualifying vehicles from Beck Evans may save you up to 20%.
  • Shipping costs: Approx. €900-€1,300, depending on the method (Roll-on/Roll-off or container) and vehicle type.
  • Import duty: 0% for UK-origin vehicles with valid proof of origin; otherwise, 10% for passenger vehicles and 10%-22% for commercial vehicles.
  • VAT 19% of the customs value.
  • Clearing agent fees: Approx. €120-€400.
  • Registration fees: Approx. €150 for document certification and registration.
  • Roadworthiness test: Approx. €40 for inspection at an RTD-authorised centre.

Note: Costs are subject to change and were accurate at the time of publication. Prices may fluctuate due to supplier fees, currency exchange rates, regulatory updates, and other factors. We recommend contacting Beck Evans for the most up-to-date quote.

Click here for 'Shipping information'

Shipping information

Shipping your car to Cyprus requires careful planning. Contact our team for a tailored quote at +44 (0) 208 302 0860 or message us here.

Shipping costs and options

Typical range: Approx. €900-€1,300, the price includes:

  • Transport from Beck Evans to the UK port
  • Shipping the vehicle to Cyprus
  • Handling fees at UK and Cyprus ports

The cost will vary based on the shipping method:

1. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping:

  • Cost-effective and ideal for standard vehicles
  • The vehicle is driven onto the ship in the UK and driven off in Cyprus

2. Container shipping:

  • Provides greater security and flexibility
  • Allows personal belongings to be shipped alongside the vehicle
  • A 40-foot container can fit up to two vehicles, reducing per-vehicle costs if shipping multiple vehicles.

Vehicle transportation

We offer reliable and secure vehicle transportation services, ensuring your vehicle is safely delivered to the UK port.

  • Collection & delivery: Your vehicle is carefully collected from our dealership and transported securely to the port, ensuring it reaches its destination in perfect condition.
  • Fully insured: Every vehicle is fully insured during transportation, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.

Shipping destinations and timeframes

  • Ports: Limassol and Larnaca.
  • Delivery times: RoRo (10-14 days); container shipping (14-21 days).

Note: Costs are subject to change and were accurate at the time of publication. Prices may fluctuate due to supplier fees, currency exchange rates, regulatory updates, and other factors. We recommend contacting Beck Evans for the most up-to-date quote.

Click here for 'Customs, import fees and taxes'

Customs, import fees and taxes

Importing a vehicle to Cyprus involves understanding the applicable duties and taxes. Call us at +44 (0) 208 302 0860 or message us here if you have any questions.

Import duty

Duty is calculated based on the customs value (purchase cost + transport + insurance).

UK-origin vehicles with valid proof of origin*: 0% duty under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Passenger cars (non-UK origin or without proof of origin): 10% duty.

Commercial vehicles: 10%-22% depending on weight and engine size.

Motorcycles: 8% duty for up to 250cc, 6% for over 250cc.

Duty exemption for transferring residence: If you are moving your normal residence from the UK to Cyprus, you may import one vehicle duty-free, provided:

  • You have owned and used the vehicle in the UK for at least six months before transferring residence.
  • The vehicle is imported within 12 months of your move.
  • The vehicle was in 'Free Circulation' in the UK, meaning no outstanding taxes or duties were due before export.
  • You have resided outside the EU for a continuous 12-month period before relocating to Cyprus.

If transferring residence, the imported vehicle can be of any age, but ownership cannot be transferred for at least three years.

Duty exemption is also available if the vehicle is certified as UK-origin through a statement of origin*

*UK-origin vehicles with valid proof of origin

You may be able to avoid import duty if your vehicle qualifies under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and the EU. This agreement allows UK-origin vehicles with valid proof of origin to be imported duty-free, potentially saving you thousands when shipping to Cyprus.

If you're considering one of our export vehicles, our team will verify the documentation to check for a Certificate of Origin (CO) issued by the manufacturer, confirming if the vehicle was produced in the UK.

If a vehicle does not meet these criteria, it is subject to standard import duties. Our team ensures that all required paperwork is handled correctly so you maximise your savings and avoid unnecessary charges.


VAT

Rate: 19%

Applies to the vehicle's purchase price, shipping costs, and import duty.

Buying a VAT-qualifying vehicle from Beck Evans ensures you do not pay VAT twice. When purchasing a VAT Q vehicle, you can buy it VAT-free from us, meaning you only pay the 19% VAT in Cyprus and avoid paying 20% VAT in the UK first. This can lead to significant savings on your total import costs.

If a vehicle is imported without transfer of residence but is certified as UK origin, no import duty applies, but VAT at 19% is still payable.

If a vehicle does not qualify as UK origin, both import duty (10%) and VAT (19%) apply.

For further information regarding VAT, you may contact the tax service of the Republic of Cyprus at the following email address: [email protected].


Note: Customs procedures and regulations may change, and while Beck Evans will guide you through the process as much as possible, it is ultimately the buyer's responsibility to ensure compliance with Cypriot Customs import requirements before proceeding with the shipment. We strongly recommend reviewing the latest Cyprus Government Car Import Regulations to stay informed of any updates. Beck Evans is here to provide expert advice, but final checks and adherence to legal requirements rest with the vehicle owner.

Click here for 'Arriving in Cyprus'

Arriving in Cyprus

Once your vehicle has been shipped from the UK, the shipping company will provide your trusted local customs agent with a copy of the Bill of Lading, confirming the shipment details. Your agent will assist with customs clearance and registration upon arrival.

Customs clearance & local agent support

  • The customs agent in Cyprus will contact you upon arrival to coordinate the import process.
  • They will handle customs formalities, ensuring all duties, VAT, and paperwork are correctly processed.
  • Any outstanding payments for customs clearance and import fees will need to be settled before your vehicle is released.

Registering your vehicle for use on Cypriot roads

It is your responsibility to ensure your new vehicle is registered with the Cypriot Road Transport Department (RTD). The process includes:

  • Roadworthiness inspection (approx. €40)
  • Submission of required documents (V5C, purchase invoice, customs clearance form, which you will be provided)
  • Obtaining a Cypriot registration document (approx. €150)

Click here for 'Useful links'

Useful links

To ensure a smooth import process, here are some essential resources related to Cypriot customs, vehicle registration, and tax regulations:

Official government & customs resources

Shipping & documentation


If you need additional guidance, Beck Evans is here to help! Contact our export team at +44 (0) 208 302 0860 or message us here.

What is the tax on imported vehicles from the UK to Cyprus?

Taxes on imported vehicles to Cyprus depend on the vehicle's origin and classification:

  • UK-origin vehicles (with valid proof of origin): 0% import duty under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and EU.
  • Non-UK origin vehicles: 10% import duty for passenger cars and 10%-22% for commercial vehicles.
  • VAT: All imported vehicles are subject to 19% VAT, which is calculated based on the customs value (vehicle price + shipping + import duty).
  • Other fees: Port handling fees, customs clearance charges, and local agent fees may also apply.

For more information, scroll up to the section 'Essential details for Cypriot buyers'

Can I import a classic car to Cyprus?

Yes, you can import a classic car to Cyprus from the UK, but there are special regulations to follow:

  • A car is considered classic or vintage if it is over 25 years old and meets the criteria for vintage vehicle registration.
  • To qualify for vintage status, the vehicle must be approved by the Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA).
  • You must provide additional documentation, including a FIVA certificate, confirming that the car adheres to the International Technical Code for Vintage Vehicles.
  • A specific declaration may need to be filed as part of the approval process.
  • Vintage vehicle registration in Cyprus may come with benefits, such as potential exemptions from certain regulations and lower registration fees.

Understanding these unique requirements ensures that your classic car is correctly registered and recognised as a vintage vehicle in Cyprus.

If you are looking for a classic car from the UK, Beck Evans can help you find the perfect classic car through our car sourcing services, ensuring it meets Cypriot import requirements. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist in sourcing and importing your dream classic car.

OUR LATEST EXPORT-READY STOCK

Our awesome selection process ensures we provide the highest quality VAT-qualifying vehicles available.

Representative Example for Hire Purchase (HP): Cash price £22,499.00, Annual Interest Rate (fixed) 4.65% p.a., with a representative 8.9% APR, total amount of credit £18,000.00, deposit of £4,499.00, an initial payment of £369.75, followed by 58 monthly payments of £369.75 with a final payment of £370.75, total amount payable is £26,685.00

START YOUR EXPORT JOURNEY TODAY

Our export specialists are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process.