How to buy a car in Cyprus? The decision is not a whim, but a necessity dictated by circumstances. In the absence of an active railway system and limited long-distance bus services, the best way to get around the island is by wheels. It's also a great way to fully appreciate the country's beautiful nature and scenery. In addition to buying, you can rent or import your own vehicle. In this article we'll discuss all these options and their advantages.
Content:
- Can foreigner buy car in Cyprus?
- Car rental
- Buying a car in Cyprus
- Importing vehicles from abroad
- Vehicle Tax 2024
- Vehicle insurance
- Scooter driving
- Conclusion
Can foreigner buy car in Cyprus?
Whether you're arriving on the island as a tourist, visiting the country for seasonal stays or buying apartments in Cyprus with the intention of moving permanently, sooner or later you'll want to venture beyond the comforts of the city and explore the many villages and nature reserves. The country boasts a well-developed road network, making travel easy. Without a doubt, it's the most convenient way to get around the island. Not only will a automobile take you wherever and whenever you want, but it will also allow you to enjoy the stunning scenery and nature without being tied to a transportation schedule.
There are three ways to start driving on the island: renting a vehicle, contacting auto sales companies, or importing it from your own country. Let's look at each of these methods.
Car rental
If you are visiting the country for a short period of time, renting an automobile may be the best option. It will allow you to get around the island quickly without spending a lot of time on extensive documentation.
It is important to note that all rental autos have distinctive license plates that identify them as rentals. Thanks to their red color, your transport will stand out in traffic. It's also important to know that coverage policies do not cover all roads. Your policy should specify which roads you can and cannot drive on, depending on their quality. If you have an accident on the following roads, your rental insurance will not cover you:
- Remote roads
- Off-road roads
- Some mountain roads
Before signing a rental contract, check all the information about the coverage provided by the rental company. Find out which accidents it covers and which it doesn't, as well as where you are legally allowed to drive to avoid problems. Also remember that crossing the border into TRNC in a rented vehicle may incur additional costs. For example, you are not allowed to cross the border without an additional insurance document. Even if you can buy it at customs for €20, the coverage company will hold you responsible for any damage if you don't inform them of your plans in advance.
To rent an automobile you will need:
- Driving license
- Your passport
- Credit/debit card
The average cost of renting is between €10 and €50 per day. However, this can vary depending on the following factors:
- Prices will be higher during the season (April - October)
- Transport class (4-wheel drives cost more)
Rental agencies
These are some of the popular rental companies you can find in various towns around the island:
- 777Rent
- Champion Rental
- Demis
- AIDA
- ASTRA
- - Kyrenia Rental
Buying a car in Cyprus
If your main intention is to buy property in Cyprus and live here long-term or permanently, you should familiarize yourself with the car buying process. The main disadvantage of this method is the high cost. The answer to why cars are expensive in Cyprus is obvious: it's an island, so importing vehicles involves high costs.
How to buy a used car in Cyprus? The first of the car buying rules in Cyprus is to be vigilant. You should thoroughly examine the condition of the vehicle, both externally and internally. Also consider where you will be driving. An auto that is ideal to drive in the city may not be the best option in mountainous terrain or off-roading.
How many cars in Cyprus? Not too many, but still the companies on the island will help you find the suitable one, offering both new and used options. As mentioned earlier, you can also purchase a vehicle directly from a private seller.
It's important to note that non-EU citizens can legally own an automobile on the island. With a Residence Permit, Category F Visa or Multiple Entry Visa, you can easily purchase it without any problems.
Where can I buy a vehicle?
If you're looking to buy a new one, you can buy it from an official dealer of the brand you're interested in. If you are considering used options, you can also purchase it directly from a private seller.
Which car to buy in 2024? Here are some companies where you can make decision and purchase:
- Best Island Car
- Official Toyota Dealer
- Andys Motors
- Frantzis Motors
How to register car in Cyprus? You will need the following car registration documents:
- Buyer and seller documents, such as a passport
- DoRT certificate of inspection
- Insurance policy (to be provided by the buyer)
- Change of ownership contract signed by the seller and the new owner
Importing vehicles from abroad
According to expats, the third method, using your own auto, is the most complex and expensive. You must be prepared to undergo numerous additional car registration Cyprus procedures and pay significant fees.
However, as new automobiles are often expensive, it may be worth trying to import and clear a vehicle on the island. It should be noted, however, that vehicles imported from markets other than the UK and Japan must undergo a complex procedure to move the steering wheel to the right-hand side, which also incurs costs. In addition, vehicle clearance in Cyprus is only possible with transport not older than 5 years.
Vehicle Tax 2024
In order to be able to drive on public roads, you must obtain an official permit. This driving license in Cyprus, or more precisely the fee, is widely known as road tax. You can purchase a 6- or 12-month license. The cost depends on the engine power and is charged for the calendar year - from January 1 to December 31. If you do not plan long period driving, you are exempt from the tax.
The cost of automobile tax in 2024 is calculated individually, depending on the engine capacity and age of the transport. On average, you will pay about €240 per year for an engine up to 2.0 liters. For an engine up to 2.6 liters, it's €520 per year. Double tax rates apply to engines larger than 2.6 liters.
Where can road tax be paid?
These are platforms and places where you can make regular payments:
- On the website of the Ministry of Road Transport
- On the website of the JCC
- At banks
- Service centers
- Road Traffic Department offices
Vehicle insurance
EU legislation requires all transport to be insured. The policy covers damage to others if you are at fault in an accident.
There is no state insurance in the country, and you will need to arrange insurance through a private company, choosing a policy based on your needs and budget. The island is a member of the Multilateral Guarantee Agreement (MGA), which means that any vehicle legally insured in the EU is automatically covered by Cypriot insurance.
In the event of an accident, you should take the following steps to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and be able to recover any financial losses through your insurance policy:
- Don't move the vehicle (unless it is dangerous to other road users, or you are obstructing traffic). Call the police immediately.
- Get the other driver's personal information, such as name, address, and insurance information.
- Contact your insurance company. Notify them of the accident.
Here is a list of popular companies that may help you with insurance:
- Insurance Link
- SoEasy
- Top quotes
- Gan Direct
The following steps will help you choose the right type of insurance:
- Analyze the services offered by each company. Compare different offers, paying special attention to the total cost of the insurance.
- Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the policy before making a purchase decision.
- Find out what happens if you decide to purchase a new one. Check the options for plan changes, hidden costs, etc.
- Make sure the policy covers engine failure.
- Ideally, you should have the option of choosing a zero deductible policy. In practice, this means you won't have to pay for property damage to other road users.
Evaluate all available options and, if in doubt, consult a professional independent advisor.
Scooter driving
Are licenses required for scooters on the island? As in all countries, a driving license is mandatory. However, in this country it's possible to drive a moped with either a category A driver's license from your home country, or with a local learner's permit obtained by passing an exam. To obtain the permit, you must prove your residency on the island, for example by providing utility bills as proof of address.
Moped riders are fined not only for traffic violations but also for riding without a helmet, littering on the road, and accessing highways.
Conclusion
Having an automobile ensures convenient travel between work locations, daily chores and exploring the island after purchasing villas in Cyprus. To acquire a vehicle, you may choose to rent or purchase it from local dealers, resellers, or private individuals. Under certain circumstances, importing from abroad may even be a good idea.
If you plan to rent, be sure to verify all insurance details with the rental company. If you're buying, remember that you'll need insurance and will be responsible for one-time and recurring tax payments.