How to Buy a Car from Japan and Import It to Cyprus: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a car from Japan and importing it to Cyprus is a smart way to access high-quality, low-mileage vehicles at competitive prices. Japanese cars are known for their excellent maintenance records, reliability, and fuel efficiency—making them ideal for Cypriot buyers looking for value and performance.

Here’s your complete guide on how to buy a car from Japan and import it into Cyprus successfully.

1. Understand Cypriot Import Regulations

Before purchasing, ensure the car meets Road Transport Department of Cyprus requirements:

  • Must be right-hand drive
  • Maximum age of 10 years old
  • Must meet Euro 4 emissions standards or newer
  • Requires Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or equivalent
  • Must be registered with the Road Transport Department (RTD)

Always verify current rules with the official RTD website .

2. Choose a Trusted Japanese Auction or Exporter

Popular platforms include:

  • Aucnet
  • Goo-net Exchange
  • Cars247
  • Be FORWARD

Most Cypriot buyers use a local broker or export agent who can bid, inspect, and handle logistics on their behalf.

3. Search for Suitable Vehicles

Use filters like:

  • Make/model (Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru are popular in Cyprus)
  • Year (must be under 10 years old)
  • Mileage (below 50,000 km preferred)
  • Shaken expiration date (ensures recent inspection)
  • Body and mechanical condition reports

Look for auction grades of 3.5 or higher for better quality.

4. Review Inspection Reports and Photos

Each listing includes:

  • High-resolution photos
  • Damage grade (Body/Paint/Mechanical)
  • Engine and transmission status
  • Maintenance history
  • Shaken test results

Request a video walk-through or pre-purchase inspection (PPI) if unsure about the car’s condition.

5. Place a Bid or Purchase Directly

If using a broker:

  • Set your maximum bid
  • Confirm payment methods (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)
  • Ensure all fees are transparent (auction, broker, shipping)

Winning bidders must pay promptly to proceed with export.

6. Arrange Shipping to Cyprus

Choose between:

  • Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) – Most cost-effective method
  • Container shipping – Better for luxury or vintage cars

Common Cypriot destination ports include:

  • Limassol
  • Larnaca

Select port-to-port or door-to-door delivery depending on your needs.

7. Handle Import and Registration in Cyprus

Steps include:

  • Submit required documents:
    • Bill of sale
    • Certificate of conformity (CoC) or EU type approval
    • Bill of lading
    • Insurance and shipping documents
  • Pay customs duties and VAT :
    • Typically 10–20% VAT + 6.5% import duty
  • Pass technical inspection (KTEM) before registration
  • Register with the Road Transport Department
  • Obtain road tax and insurance

FAQs

Q: Can I import any car from Japan to Cyprus?
A: No. The car must be right-hand drive , not older than 10 years , and meet Euro 4 or newer emissions standards .

Q: How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Cyprus?
A: Total cost includes:

  • ¥300,000–¥1,500,000 for the car
  • €300–€1,000 for auction and broker fees
  • €1,000–€2,500 for shipping
  • Import VAT and registration (~€1,500–€3,000 total)

Q: Do I need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to register a Japanese car in Cyprus?
A: Yes, unless you provide alternative proof of compliance with EU standards.