Importing car to Cyprus

[sultan78]

Hi Everyone,

Could anyone please advise as I have the following dilemma:

If we were to import a car to Northern Cyprus from the UK, it would become very expensive because of the taxes.

However, one of my friends from the southern part has suggested that if we take a car from the UK to the south of Cyprus, change the number plate, tax it and insure it, we should be able to use the car in the Northern side providing that we buy tax and insurance on the north side too.

My question is if there is any restriction (time) in using the car in TRNC that is number plated on the southern part of the country?

I would greatly appreciate your comments and help.

Many thanks,
Katie

[Keithcaley]

Many people appeared to subscribe to this 'Bright Idea' a few years back.

TRNC Customs responded by seizing South-Registered vehicles which, in their opinion (and with no right of appeal) were used in TRNC on a regular basis by people who were resident in TRNC.

The vehicles were auctioned off with no compensation to the owners, and the owners were also fined.

Don't do it!

If you are not a TRNC citizen. just stick to the straight and narrow, and comply with all the rules, otherwise you may find yourself forcefully located on the next boat out of here.

[fatouche]

You can't bring IKEA furniture over from the south, so why would they allow Greek Cypriot registered cars?
Keep it simple and buy a car in the TRNC.

[ozankoys]

I agree do not do it!! But we have saved money importing jn the normal way & of course you have much more choice of vehicle in UK than you do here.

[sultan78]

Hi All,

Thank you very much for all, who responded.

Your feedback is of great value and your time is much appreciated.

Any further input would also be kindly acknowledged.

Many thanks,
Katie

[HotHippo]

Hello Katie,

If you currently have a car in the UK, that you know and love, and that meets all of the criteria for importing to TRNC, you should give it serious consideration.

I very much regret not biting the bullet, and paying the huge amount of taxes that would have been due, to import my pristine condition, well-maintained Range Rover, around six years ago, as I have wasted so much more money on purchasing and repairing over-priced rubbish here, than I would have paid in import taxes, and other costs.

Do your sums - if you need more detailed information, send me a PM.

HH

[sultan78]

Hi HH,

Thank you for your input.

We will definitely look into our options and give your opinion great consideration.

Many thanks!

[Mr Davidson]

Hi Sultan

I brought my Harley Davidson in November this year. I have deferred paying the import tax on it for a year which they have allowed. I did have to tax it for a year in the UK first as a condition of this apparently. The import tax will be around 50% of its value according to the Glass Guide - which in my case will be £3,750 due. However on balance when I checked out my bike here in the Harley Shop without the customisation I have done and the extras it would be more expensive to purchase a new one here [without the personal customisation] than bring mine which is now 2 years old. So IMO I would bring one with you providing it is under a certain age etc.

[a1sysman]

Following this thread with interest.

I too am considering bringing in a(nother) vehicle from the UK. I brought over a car 10 or more years ago and it was a right PITA getting it legal, but I got there in the end (with some influential help at the right time).

Now I am looking to bring over a 2015 reg vehicle, three years old March 2018. The vehicle I would purchase is VAT exempt (if exported outside of the EU). Is NC considered in the EU or not?

2.2L turbo diesel, which incurs additional charges as over 2L, I am advised.

Trying to establish just how much it would cost me to get the vehicle street legal in NC, and if I would be able to defer part or all of the import costs, without first registering the vehicle in the UK. But who to ask....? ... and before I commit to a UK purchase.

[Jonnie]

I am currently considering same. I brought one of our cars over with us 10 years ago and am considering bringing another. Am going to check with a customs agent before I do it. To me a low mileage 3 year old car is as good as a new one. I can get an Astra/Focus for about 9k where a basic new here is 25K Euros. I am planning on 4 to 6 weeks tour on the way over so that is added value.

There are import agents on the industrial estate in Lefkosia.

[MoonageDaydream]

"You can't bring IKEA furniture over from the south"

Absolute Rubbish! Since moving here 2 years ago I've brought over:
1 Bed base and mattress
2 Bedside Tables
2 shelf units
1 Bookcase
1 Cupboard
1 dining table & 2 chairs

All from Ikea, though not in one trip of course (I drive a car not a lorry!)

I have been stopped twice, once when I was over the daily limit (with the bed and mattress). I had to pay a bit of duty, but only about TL 300, and I saved more than that by buying it in Ikea and getting what I wanted (which I couldn't in the north as it wasn't available).

[MoonageDaydream]

This article is worth a read if you are considering importing a vehicle from England to the TRNC:
https://cyprusscene.com/2016/01/06/driv ... e-done-it/

If you import into the south you will be limited as to the number of days you can drive it in north Cyprus in a year (6 months I believe). You will also only be able to insure it Third Party in the TRNC. I wouldn't rule out this option, but you need to so some more research first.

[sultan78]

Hi All,

Thank you for the input and feedback, much appreciated.

Mr Davidson: thank you for sharing your info. I will check the Glass Guide as suggested.

A1sysman: thank you for your input. I can confirm that Nothern Cyprus is not EU member. Mr Davidson mentioned in his response that he was able to defer his payment, which could be a starting point for you. I hope this helps.

Jonnie: thank you for the info. I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly let us know the outcome of your discussion with the custom agent once you have seen them.

MoonageDaydream: thank you for the info and the link. I have read the article, useful experience jotted down that is definitely worth sharing.

I also have another question regarding Type/Model of car/s that are worth considering to import in terms of cost-effectiveness (import duty).

Wishing all members a very happy and prosperous new year in good health!

Many thanks,
Katie

[Reyntj]

I brought over a ford focus before and vowed not to do it again . I had a problem with the shipping company the car sat in ioswich for four months every time i called them they lied ...said it would be shipped next few days . After all the costs i dont think we saved any money . Also my tax was expensive compared to other cars registered here at outset my car tax was c 1100 tl per year and a friend if mine was only paying c500 tl for a similar model .

Having said that a lot of the second hand cars here are dodgy in my opinion and have a chequered history that has been cleaned up after import i speak from personal experience here . Also despite my previous experience i am actually contemplating doing it again . This time via road to avoid dealing with shipping company who by the way start adding on extra fees once the car has arrived !

Im thinking of importing a four dour three year old fiat 500 l . Ther are not too many here and you can pick up a low mileage car for c 7 k in the uk over here theres only a few for sale and they want like 13 t014 k and its not going to cost the difference to import .

For cost effectiveness go for the lowest mileage car you can sensibly afford as the mileage does not affect the import tax . Ie the tax on 2014 car with 150000 km on isexactlybthe same as one with 5000 km with the latter worth considerably more . If you can work out to do it you could try buying a no vat second hand car and save 20 % in the uk either from auction or from something like a car hire company

[terry2366]

Quite agree about the fiat though I must admit I did not realise they did a four door but by keeping it petrol and under 1600 cc you get the cheaper import duty. An idea also is to look for stolen recovered from insurance company sales there are a few The best are ones that have been taken with the keys or repossessions. They are a bargain.because they are classed cat the same as damaged cars