If you’re considering taking your current U.K. vehicle to TRNC then you should consider the local tax implications.

The following guidelines were produced with information supplied by customs officials from the main customs offices in Nicosia (Lefkosia).  Please note; these details are subject to change and you should contact customs officers before deciding whether to proceed or not.  The local Customs office telephone number is:

Anyone temporarily bringing a vehicle into the TRNC must have a valid registration certificate from your home country. You and your vehicle can remain in the TRNC for up to three months.  Please note that you will have to purchase TRNC insurance to cover your vehicle for the duration of your stay when you arrive on the island. 

For anyone wishing to import their car permanently there are three main conditions that a potential private car importer needs to be aware of when considering what action to take.

Firstly the private car or 4x4 that you’re considering importing should be less than five years old when you bring it into Northern Cyprus - unless you’re importing a classic car.  The definition of ‘classic’ in this instance is a car aged 25 years or more.

Secondly the vehicle has to have valid road tax, and if applicable it has to have an up to date MOT certificate, TUV test or equivalent from its country of origin. You will need to check this as vehicles over 25 years old are exempt of road tax in the U.K.

Thirdly any taxes due from importing the vehicle have to be paid within twelve months of the car arrival date in the TRNC.  Amounts are levied in YTL (new Turkish Lira) and have to be paid in cash or via a bank guaranteed cheque.

With the exception of classic cars, the amount of duty that the customs and excise office will levy depends on: -

a) the engine capacity of the vehicle
b) the value of the car based on the published mid range price of the used car according to Glass’s Motoring Guide. 

Glass are the leading European provider of used vehicle prices and values and you can visit their website here: - http://www.glass.co.uk/uk/en/

As stated, currently the tax is based on the value of the car and its engine capacity: but also as stated all details and values levied can easily change so make sure you check before you import!

The current facts and figures are: -

ALL CARS EXCEPT CLASSIC CARS

                                                 Cars of European origin             Cars of non European origin

Engine capacity                                  tax level                                         tax level

less then 1600cc                    40.04% plus $US 1200                  65.12% plus $US1200

1600 -2000cc                         40.04% plus $US3000                   65.12% plus $US3000

over 2000cc                            40.04% plus $US 3600                 65.12% plus $US 3600

Classic Cars

                                             cars of European origin                  cars of non European origin

engine capacity                              tax level                                            tax level

all engine sizes                   22.14% plus $US 600                        57.92% plus $US600

Your car has to meet 3 conditions before entry

1 The car must be less then 5 years old

2 The car must have a current road tax disc and MOT from the country of origin

3 The import taxes must be paid within 1 year of arrival in the TRNC

If unsure contact  Özner Agit at the Customs department in Lefkosa

Telephone from the UK 0090 5428530977