Importing a Car to North Cyprus 2026: Age Limit, Taxes and Documents

Short answer: To bring a car to North Cyprus (TRNC), the vehicle generally must be under 5 years old from its first registration and right-hand drive; the right to import permanently is granted to TRNC residents, citizens returning for good and foreigners coming to settle. Because customs duty, fund levy, port fee and VAT together can reach roughly 45–60% of the vehicle's value, you must work out the total cost before deciding. As the rules change often, confirm the current position with the Customs and Excise Department or a customs broker before you proceed.

Who can bring a car to North Cyprus?

The main groups who can permanently import a vehicle into North Cyprus are:

• Residents of North Cyprus
• TRNC citizens returning permanently from abroad
• Foreigners coming to settle in North Cyprus

Foreign residents are usually asked to document income from abroad. It therefore makes sense to settle your residence status before getting into the vehicle question; for permit types and conditions, see our North Cyprus residence permit guide.

Arriving as a tourist with a foreign-registered car

You can also come as a tourist with your foreign-registered car without permanently importing it. In this case the car can usually be used for up to 90 days; to extend this period you apply to customs. For short stays, this lets you use your car without incurring import costs.

North Cyprus vehicle age limit: the 5-year rule and exceptions

Under the Motor Vehicles Age Limitation Regulation, used passenger cars generally must not be more than 5 years old. Age is usually calculated from the date of first registration; however, in some cases the production date may be used instead. This difference can determine whether a car close to the limit can be imported at all. So confirm which date your car will be assessed by before buying or shipping it.

Transitional permits have ended

An amendment published in the Official Gazette on 5 September 2025 granted transitional permits to vehicles over the age limit that were waiting at the port, in a bonded warehouse or under temporary import, provided they applied by 30 December 2025. That period has expired; do not ship a vehicle over the age limit today counting on a similar concession.

People coming to settle and classic cars

Under an earlier regulation, the 5-year age limit was lifted for cars or caravans registered in the name of people coming to settle in North Cyprus. Always confirm whether this exception is still in force on the same terms before shipping the vehicle. In addition, classic cars aged 25 years or more can be imported with the approval of the Classic Car Association (Klasik Araçlar Derneği).

Right-hand drive requirement: which countries can you bring a car from?

In North Cyprus, traffic drives on the left. For this reason, right-hand drive vehicles are required for import; importing left-hand drive vehicles has long been possible only in special cases. Since the great majority of cars in Turkey and continental Europe are left-hand drive, this is usually the decisive obstacle for anyone wanting to bring a car from there. That is why right-hand drive markets such as Japan and the UK dominate among imported cars.

Special-case exceptions are narrow; if you are thinking of bringing a left-hand drive car, consult your customs broker or us before buying the vehicle.

How much are car import taxes in North Cyprus?

Taxes are calculated on the vehicle's CIF value, i.e. its value including price, insurance and freight. As of November 2026, the approximate rates applied in practice are:

• Customs duty: 6% for petrol and diesel passenger cars, 4% for electric cars and hybrids (according to the rate decision of 19 March 2025)
• Fund levy: 10%
• Port fee: 4.4%
• VAT: 16%

Together with other fund levies and charges, the total burden usually reaches roughly 45–60% of the vehicle's value. Customs duty can vary between 0% and 65% depending on the vehicle's country of origin; a price stabilisation fund (FİF) linked to engine size may also apply. In short, the rates vary by the vehicle's origin, engine size and fuel type, and are updated frequently. So before shipping the car, ask the Customs and Excise Department, your customs broker or us for an up-to-date calculation specific to your vehicle.

A rough example

For a vehicle with a CIF value of £10,000, the 45–60% range means roughly £4,500–6,000 in taxes and charges. Customs broker fees, inspection, registration and number plate costs are added on top. Only the competent authority or a customs broker can calculate the exact amount using your vehicle's registration and invoice details. To compare amounts in different currencies, you can use our currency calculator.

Documents required to bring a car to North Cyprus

Although the document list varies according to your status, the core documents usually requested are:

• The vehicle registration certificate (logbook)
• The purchase invoice
• The bill of lading (sea freight document)
• The import permit request form
• Your passport and a document showing your residence status in North Cyprus
• For foreign residents, proof of income from abroad

Make sure the registration certificate is in your own name; the age-limit exception for people coming to settle also required the vehicle to be registered in the applicant's name. A Turkish translation of documents issued in a foreign language may be requested. Having complete and mutually consistent documents reduces the time the car waits at the port, and therefore any extra costs. For translation and document preparation, you can use our translation and official documents service.

Step by step: importing a car from customs to number plates

1. Eligibility check: Confirm the vehicle's age, steering side and your right to import before buying or shipping it.
2. Cost calculation: Get a tax and charges estimate specific to your vehicle from a customs broker; compare the total cost with the local market.
3. Shipping: Ship the vehicle by sea; prepare documents such as the invoice, registration certificate and bill of lading in full.
4. Customs clearance: Complete the import permit and customs formalities through a customs broker and pay the taxes.
5. Roadworthiness test: The vehicle undergoes a technical inspection before registration.
6. Registration and number plates: After the inspection, the vehicle is registered in North Cyprus and receives its number plates.

Driving in North Cyprus with a foreign driving licence

Driving in North Cyprus with a foreign licence is possible for a limited period depending on your entry status; this period is usually between 30 and 90 days, i.e. about 3 months at most. If you will live in the country beyond this period, you need to obtain a North Cyprus driving licence.

• To get a North Cyprus driving licence, you must hold a residence, work or student permit.
• Converting a foreign licence requires attending a driving school course.
• Take extra care in the first few weeks to get used to driving on the left and to junction and roundabout rules.

These periods and conditions reflect practice as of November 2026 and may change; confirm the current position with the competent authority or with us before applying.

Bring your car or buy one in North Cyprus?

Given the age limit, the steering requirement and the total tax burden, importing may not make sense for every car. If your car is close to the age limit, is left-hand drive, or would cost more with taxes than a similar car on the local market, buying or renting a car on the island may be more practical. Before deciding, answer these questions:

• Do the car's age and steering side comply with the import rules?
• Does the total cost, including taxes and charges, exceed the price of a similar car on the island?
• How long will you stay in North Cyprus; does 90 days of use as a tourist meet your needs?
• Is it easy to find servicing and spare parts for your car's make on the island?
• If you leave the country in future, will it be easy to sell the car?

For comparison, take a look at our cars for sale and rent listings.

How Dornika can help with importing a car

We help you find the right car from Japan, the UK and other markets, check its inspection report and history records, and handle shipping, customs, inspection and number plate formalities from a single point of contact; we share the cost calculation with you from the very start. For details, see our car import consultancy page or get in touch with us.

Frequently asked questions

How old can a car be to bring it to North Cyprus?

Used passenger cars generally must not be more than 5 years old; confirm whether age is calculated from the first registration or the production date. For classic cars aged 25 years or more, there is a separate route with the approval of the Classic Car Association.

Can you bring a left-hand drive car to North Cyprus?

Because traffic drives on the left, right-hand drive vehicles are required for import; left-hand drive vehicles are accepted only in special cases. Check the exceptions with your customs broker.

How much is customs duty on cars in North Cyprus?

As of November 2026, customs duty is usually 6% for petrol and diesel cars and 4% for electric cars and hybrids. Together with the fund levy, port fee and 16% VAT, the total burden can reach roughly 45–60% of the vehicle's value; consult customs for an exact calculation.

Can you bring a car from Turkey to North Cyprus?

As a tourist, you can usually come with your foreign-registered car for up to 90 days. For permanent import, however, left-hand drive cars from Turkey are generally not eligible because of the right-hand drive requirement.

How long can you drive in North Cyprus on a foreign licence?

Usually 30 to 90 days depending on your entry status, i.e. about 3 months at most. If you will stay longer, you need to obtain a North Cyprus driving licence with a residence, work or student permit.