Importing a used car from Japan is one of the most cost-effective ways to buy a well-maintained, low-mileage car in Cyprus — and because Cyprus drives on the left, Japanese right-hand-drive cars work here without any conversion.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Cyprus?
The landed cost is the auction price plus roughly 35–45% in fees, freight, and taxes. For a typical mid-size car bought at auction for €10,000, expect a total on-the-road cost of around €15,500.
| Cost item | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Auction price (example) | €10,000 |
| Auction agent fee | €500 |
| Inland transport + export (Japan) | €350 |
| Sea freight to Limassol (RoRo) | €1,200 |
| Marine insurance | €150 |
| Import duty (10% of CIF) | €1,170 |
| VAT (19% on duty-inclusive value) | €2,445 |
| Clearance, inspection, registration | €400 |
| Total landed cost | ≈ €16,215 |
Which cars are worth importing from Japan?
Hybrids dominate the Japan-to-Cyprus route because Japanese domestic-market hybrids are plentiful, cheap at auction, and suit Cypriot fuel prices. Compact SUVs and kei-class city cars also land well below local dealer prices. Check that parts are available locally before bidding on Japan-only models.
What documents do you need?
You need the auction invoice, the Japanese export certificate with a certified translation, the bill of lading, proof of marine insurance, and your ID and proof of address in Cyprus. EU residents relocating to Cyprus may qualify for transfer-of-residence relief on a car they have owned for more than six months.
Is it cheaper than buying locally?
Usually yes, by 15–30% for the same age and mileage — Cypriot dealers import many of their used cars from Japan themselves and price in their margin. The trade-offs are the 8–12 week wait and the risk of buying from an auction sheet instead of a test drive.
Doing it yourself vs. using an importer. Sourcing a car from Japan means juggling auction bidding, inspection, shipping, customs and registration. If you would rather have it handled end to end, CarsJapan imports Japanese vehicles directly to Cyprus. And whether you import or buy locally, check the car’s history first — mileage, accident and write-off records, import provenance — with a vehicle-history service like CarTrust before you pay a deposit.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to import a car from Japan to Cyprus?
- Plan for 8–12 weeks in total: 1–2 weeks from auction win to loading, 4–6 weeks of sea freight to Limassol, and 2–4 weeks for customs clearance, inspection, and registration.
- Do I pay import duty on a Japanese car in Cyprus?
- Yes. Cars imported from outside the EU are subject to 10% import duty on the CIF value (car price plus insurance and freight), and 19% VAT is charged on top of the duty-inclusive value.
- Is a right-hand-drive car from Japan legal in Cyprus?
- Yes. Cyprus drives on the left, so Japanese right-hand-drive cars are directly usable — this is the main reason Japanese imports are popular in Cyprus.
- Can I drive the car while registration is pending?
- No. The car must clear customs, pass the single vehicle approval inspection, and receive Cypriot plates before it can be driven on public roads, except for a direct transfer to an inspection under specific temporary arrangements.