Importing Personal Effects into Cyprus: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Cyprus Import Guide (PDF)

Shipments coming from EU member countries - Household Goods & Personal Effects - regardless of client’s nationality

• Sea shipments:
• Electronic PoUS T2L OR Status C manifested bill of lading by shipping line.
• Packing List.
• Client passport copy with picture page.
• OBL or Express Waybill.
• Original registration documents of cars, motor bikes and boats if any.
• Client must attend Limassol Customs if shipping a car, bike or boat. See below information on importing cars or bikes into Cyprus.
• Air shipments:
• AWB must show C status and should not go via non-EU country; otherwise, a PoUS Electronic T2L will be required.
• Packing list.
• Pre-alert must be sent at least 48 hours (excluding weekend) before the arrival of shipment at Larnaca airport.

• Client is not expected to import pianos, alcohol, shotguns or air rifles, or other abnormal items not associated with "normal" household goods and personal effects.
• The agent at destination must be contacted if the client intends to import such items.

Shipments coming from non-EU Countries (Household Goods & Personal Effects only) regardless of client’s nationality

• DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FROM CUSTOMERS - FROM ORIGIN COUNTRY:
• Sale agreement of your property sale at origin country or rental contract and termination at origin country. If none of this will apply to you and you are keeping
• your residence at origin, then the title deed on your name will be required. All documents must be officially translated to English or Greek.
• Utility bills of the house at origin on your name, like electricity, water or phone bills officially translated to English or Greek dating back 12 months from your last arrival date to Cyprus. If your employer was paying the utility bills, then confirmation from them confirming this.
• Letter from your previous company confirming the number of years you worked for them and your last date of employment with them. This must be in English or Greek. If you will be working for the same company in Cyprus, then we need a letter confirming the number of years you worked for them at origin and your transfer to work for the same company in Cyprus.
• Termination of employment from previous employer.
• Marriage Certificate for couples who do not have the same surname.
• Council tax, municipality tax, Social Insurance documents, where applicable.
• Pay slips dating back 12 months from your last arrival date to Cyprus. If you are retired, then proof that you received a pension for the last 12 months prior to your last arrival date in Cyprus. In the absence of Pay slips, 2 years Tax returns.
• Bank statement from the origin country dating back 12 months from your last arrival date to Cyprus. As this is can be
• many pages, please do not send this to the moving company via e-mail but print them and have them available when you visit the customs, after arrival of your shipment in Cyprus, note that you cannot make any copies at the customs, please have them ready with you.
• Proof of children's school attendance and termination of their school at origin country, where applicable.
• Boarding card/ticket/ticket reservation confirming your arrival date, for you and your family.
• FROM CYPRUS:
• Residency permit, immigration appointment for all entering citizens apart from Cypriot nationals.
• If you will be working in Cyprus, you must provide your employment contract
• Letter from your current employer in Cyprus confirming your employment with them.
• Registration of your children at local schools, where applicable
• Recent bank statement confirming you have an account with a local bank. 3 months required.
• Original valid passports of yours and your family moving with you, to be presented to customs during your personal customs attendance as well as copies with picture page only, please send copies to us in advance.
• For Cypriot nationals Passport and ID card
• Rental contract OR title deed if you own
• a property in Cyprus.
• Utility bills in your name in Cyprus, if available.
• DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FROM AGENTS FROM NON-EU ORIGIN:
• Packing list.
• Waybill with billing instructions.
• Express bill of lading (no originals are required) or AWB.
• Client’s passport copy and family’s.

• Importer should not have lived in Cyprus for more than 365 days in the last two years, and no more than 185 days in the last 12 months prior to his/her physical arrival to take up permanent transfer of residence in Cyprus.
• Shipment must be received within 365 days from the date of your arrival in Cyprus to take up permanent transfer of residence for Duty- and Tax-free entry.
• New items are dutiable. New items are items owned and used at origin for less than 6 months prior to export.
• All new electrical appliances must have the CE Markings at the back; otherwise, they will not be allowed to be imported.
• Customs inspection:
• Physical Customs Inspections are being carried out after 3:00 PM thus causing additional charges – please inform your customers accordingly.
• Currently 90% of non-EU shipments are being inspected.

Food

• EU and Non-EU member countries :
• reasonable amount of dry and canned food is permitted.

Electrical Appliances

• Any appliances that do not have the CE markings on them should not be shipped to Cyprus as the Customs officials in the Republic of Cyprus may confiscate them, should they be found.

Alcohol

• As part of a shipment with household goods & personal effects EU and Non-EU ORIGIN:
• DUTY AND VAT ON ALCOHOL:
• Sparkling: EUR 0.32 cents/litre plus VAT
• Red and white wine: EUR 0.15 cents per litre plus VAT
• Spirits: EUR 9.57 per anhydrite ethyl alcohol plus VAT

• Diplomats are exempt from duty and VAT on alcohol provided the Embassy provides a Diplomatic Franchise prior to arrival of the shipment, otherwise duty and VAT is applicable.

Vehicles (Cars, Motor bikes & off road bikes)

• EU ORIGIN VEHICLES:
• Electronic PoUS T2L.
• Original registration of the car and or bike.
• Valid driving license.
• European or Cyprus Insurance cover.
• Owner’s presence at Limassol customs.
• Purchase invoice is required if the original registration is not on the owner’s name.
• Brand new cars and motor bikes: Certificate of Conformity is required.
• NON-EU ORIGIN VEHICLES:
• Original registration of the car and or motor bike.
• Valid driving license.
• European or Cyprus Insurance cover.
• Owner’s presence at Limassol customs.
• Original Certificate of Conformity is required for used or new motor bikes and for new cars.
• Purchase invoice is required if client will pay duties and taxes (in case not eligible for duty free import).
• Duty and Tax: Currently duty is 10% on CIF value plus VAT currently 19% on the combined CIF value and duty amount.
• Diplomatic cars:
• Exemption Certificate (Diplomatic Franchise) and Note Verbal document from the local Embassy will be required.
• Below is in addition to above:
• C72 with car details
• 1002 in Diplomats name and certified by the respective Embassy
• CC of car
• Kilometres/Miles
• 1st registration date

• CARS AND MOTOR BIKES FROM EU MEMBER STATES:
• No excise duty or VAT is applicable provided the vehicle is at least 6 months
• old and registered for at least 6 months at origin.
• There is no issue if the car was not owned by the importer for 6 months, but the car should be registered for at least 6 months at origin AND driven for at least 6000 kms prior to importation.
• There is no limit to the number of cars or motor bikes the importer brings provided it is within reason and for personal use only.
• Brand NEW Cars are subject to 19% VAT on CIF Value even if imported from EU Member States (Client may claim back the VAT from Origin). Invoice of purchase is required.
• CARS FROM NON-EU MEMBER STATES:
• Car must be owned by importer and used at origin for at least 6 months and driven for at least 6000 kms.
• The importer must be eligible for import by providing the required documents to prove transfer of residence to Cyprus (see above list of documents for shipments coming from NON-EU origin countries).
• If the client is not eligible to import the vehicle, then the following scenarios will be applicable.
• One vehicle (car or motor bike) per family member is allowed.
• Scenarios:
• 1. Vehicles under 5 years old – can be imported with payment of duties and taxes if not eligible for import.
• 2. Vehicles Over 5 years - If client is not eligible to import the vehicle (car or motor bike), i.e., not a Transfer or Residence then customs will not allow for client to import the vehicle, and it would have to be exported or placed into a bonded warehouse in Cyprus. Client will not be able to register the vehicle locally.
• CARS & MOTOR BIKES EU OR NON-EU:
• Bill of lading must include make and model, chassis, and engine number.
• A bill of lading and a T2L must have the same weight and pieces.
• Both documents should be sent to the destination agent for validation before issuing the final documents.
• Used and new Motor bikes from non-EU countries will require an original COC (certificate of conformity).
• ANTIQUE VEHICLES:
• Antique Cars are permitted (antique is considered when the vehicle is over 30 years old) into Cyprus even if it is not imported under Transfer of residence.
• If it is not a transfer of residence, then the vehicle will go into bonded, and the customs will do an evaluation on the vehicle. Duties of 10% and VAT at 19 % will apply on the evaluation.
• If there are no alterations to the vehicle then only VAT is applicable and NOT duty.
• The alterations on cars will be examined by
• the FIVA department (OKAK) before registration (whilst the vehicle is in bond) - https://fiva.org/en/fiva-members/cyprus/
• If import of the Antique vehicle is under Transfer of Residence, then the normal required docs for TOR will be required, and in this case, duties or taxes are not applicable.

Guns/ Rifles

• Shipper should hold a European Firearms Pass or, otherwise, must obtain an Import License from their local District Police HQ here, before the Air Rifles/Pistols arrive in Cyprus.

• They must be presented for registration (a registration fee is payable for each rifle/pistol) at their local police station within 48 hours of arrival of shipment and will only be released against presentation of a valid European Firearms Pass or Firearms Permit issued by the Chief of Police.

Prohibited Items

• Drugs
• Narcotics
• Pornographic material

Diplomatic Shipments from EU Countries

• Sea:
• PoUS Electronic T2L or Status C bill of lading.
• Packing list.
• Passport copy.
• OBL or Express Waybill.
• Air:
• C status AWB.
• Packing list.
• Passport copy.
• For Cars, Bike, Motorboat:
• An Exemption certificate is required from the local Embassy prior to arrival of shipment at port.

Off Road Bikes

• EU origin:
• Chassis number of the off-road bike must be mentioned on the bill of lading.
• Non-EU Origin:
• Chassis number of the off-road bike must be mentioned on the bill of lading.
• Purchase invoice is required.
• Duty of 8% is applicable on CIF value and vat currently 19% on combined value of duty amount and the CIF value.

Diplomatic Shipments From non-EU member Countries

• For ALL Diplomatic shipments from non-EU countries
• OBL (or express waybill) or AWB
• Packing list
• 1002 form stamped and signed by Embassy (your Cyprus agent will provide this form)
• Exemption Certificate from the local Embassy

• All documents are required prior to arrival of shipment at port.

• Cars and household goods should be shipped in separate containers to avoid delays in the clearance.

Students bringing goods from non-EU member countries

• All students returning home and bringing their USED personal effects or household goods from non-EU member countries will pay duties and VAT ranging from approx. 1833% on the current value declared to Customs.

• New items are dutiable.

Additional information

• DRONES
• Certain drones should be declared to customs as they may require a permit from the Ministry of Communications.
• JET SKIS
• Provided you are entitled to import a used jet ski by providing the documentation as listed under ‘documents for shipments coming from NON-EU countries’ needs to be provided), then there is no duty or tax.
• You must register the Jet Ski with the local department of Merchant Shipping; you will pay additional fees for this directly to the authorities.
• Jet skis must be mentioned on the bill of lading with serial and registration number.

• It is not recommend importing plants, the Customs Clearance procedure is very complicated as it requires local permits and certificates and will cause delays as well as additional charges.
• Raw materials or related items (new or used) in medium to large quantities, coming from Non-EU Countries as part of household goods shipment will be taxable.
• Contact the destination agent for advice before shipping these items.

Cyprus Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Cyprus Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

Requirements differ significantly depending on whether the shipment originates from an EU member state or a non-EU country.

• Electronic or original T2L document (page 4) signed by customs at origin, or status C bill of lading
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) or express waybill
• Original registration documents for any cars, motorbikes, or boats included

• Air waybill (AWB) showing C status
• Packing list
• Pre-alert must be sent at least 48 hours before arrival at Larnaca Airport

• Original passport (shipper must be present for customs clearance)
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) or express waybill
• Sale agreement or termination of rental agreement from the origin country
• Termination of employment contract at origin
• Utility bills from the origin residence (electricity, phone, etc.)
• Proof of house ownership or rental agreement in Cyprus
• Employment contract in Cyprus (if applicable)
• Letter from employer at origin confirming employment there and transfer of residence to Cyprus permanently
• Registration of children at local schools (if applicable)
• Bank statement confirming funds held in Cyprus
• Copy of ticket/boarding pass of flight to Cyprus
• Form Aπ.2 (application for relief from import duty and VAT on transfer of normal residence from outside the EU; available from any Customs District Office or downloadable from the Cyprus Customs website)

• Electronic or original T2L (page 4) signed by origin customs, or status C B/L
• Packing list
• Passport copy
• OBL or express waybill

• OBL or express waybill (or AWB)
• Packing list
• Form 1002, stamped and signed by the local embassy (provided by destination agent)
• Exemption certificate from the local embassy, required prior to arrival of shipment at port

Specific Information

Normal residence definition: The place where a person usually lives, spending at least 185 days in a 12-month period, due to personal and occupational ties. If occupational and personal ties are in different places, normal residence is usually determined by personal ties. University or school attendance does not constitute normal residence.

Intra-EU moves: No customs duties apply to household goods moving between EU member states, provided Union status of the goods is demonstrated with a T2L or T2LF document or status C documentation. EU shipments are randomly inspected; inspection fees are charged to the client's account.

All non-EU shipments are inspected. LCL and air shipments are inspected at the NVOCC depot or airport. FCL shipments are inspected at the agent's warehouse or at the residence by customs officers. Physical inspections are usually conducted after 3pm, which may cause additional storage costs.

CE marking requirement: Electrical appliances that do not bear CE markings should not be shipped to Cyprus. Customs officials in the Republic of Cyprus may confiscate non-CE-marked appliances found during inspection.

Shipper must be present: The shipper must be in Cyprus during customs clearance and must sign the customs declaration in the presence of a customs officer. This applies to non-EU shipments.

Returning students (non-EU origin): Students returning to Cyprus and bringing used personal effects or household goods from non-EU countries must pay duties and VAT ranging from approximately 18-33% on the current value declared to customs. New items are also dutiable at rates depending on the items.

Wharfage and terminal handling charges: Wharfage tax was abolished by the port authority as of February 1, 2017. Terminal handling charges (THC) remain: approximately EUR 186 for a 20' container and EUR 280 for a 40' or 40'HC container. Shipping lines also charge a delivery order fee that varies by carrier. THC and delivery order charges may be included or excluded from the destination agent's service charge.

ISPM 15: All solid wood packing materials used as overcasing, bracing, or blocking must conform to EU Commission Directive 2004/102/EC (ISPM 15) and be clearly marked with IPPC symbol, registration, and treatment codes.

Alienation restriction: Per the Shoham Shipping guide, vehicles imported under the transfer of residence relief cannot be transferred in ownership for 3 years after arrival. Confirm whether a similar restriction applies to household goods with the destination agent.

Pre-alert for pianos, alcohol, guns, or abnormal items: The destination agent should be informed in advance if the shipment includes pianos, alcohol, shotguns, air rifles, or other items not typically associated with normal household goods.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions (non-EU origin): Used household goods and personal effects may be imported free of import duty and VAT provided the shipper has lived outside the EU for a continuous period of at least 12 months prior to transfer of normal residence to Cyprus. The goods must have been in the shipper's possession and use for a minimum of 6 months before the move, must be intended for personal use only (not for resale), and the shipper must not have resided in Cyprus for more than 12 months during the previous 2 years. Goods must be imported within a period of 6 months before or 12 months after the transfer of residence.

New items (non-EU origin): All items owned and used for less than 6 months are classified as new. The 6-month period excludes shipping time. New items are dutiable and must be declared separately on a C6 form. Failure to declare new items results in penalties plus duties and taxes.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Narcotics and controlled drugs — strictly prohibited
• Pornographic materials — prohibited
• Meat and milk products from non-EU countries (with limited exceptions for Andorra, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, and small amounts of specific products from other countries)
• Products from protected species (CITES, Washington Convention), including ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, and wood from Amazonian forests CITES
• Items from or bearing entry/exit stamps from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus — entry of persons with such stamps/passports is subject to restriction by immigration authorities

Alcohol (over 17 years, by air or sea):

• 1 litre of spirits exceeding 22% volume, or 2 litres of alcohol not exceeding 22% volume
• 4 litres of still wine
• 16 litres of beer
• Combinations permitted provided total alcohol volume does not exceed 100%

Alcohol (over 17 years, by land): Quantities are reduced; confirm with destination agent.

Tobacco (over 17 years, by air or sea):

• 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g smoking tobacco

Tobacco (over 17 years, by land):

• 40 cigarettes, or 20 cigarillos, or 10 cigars, or 50g smoking tobacco

Other goods:

• Personal items of non-commercial nature up to EUR 430 (air/sea) or EUR 300 (land)
• Travelers under 15: up to EUR 150
• Medication for personal use only

In FCL containers with household goods (applies to both EU and non-EU shipments):

• Up to 12 sealed bottles are acceptable
• Up to 20 open bottles are acceptable

Duties on alcohol in shipments:

• Sparkling wine: EUR 0.32 per litre plus VAT
• Red and white wine: EUR 0.13-0.15 per litre plus VAT
• Spirits: EUR 9.57 per anhydrous ethyl alcohol plus VAT
• Diplomats are exempt from duty and VAT on alcohol, provided the embassy issues a diplomatic franchise prior to arrival

• Leather and fur coats/shoes — authorization required
• Medication — for personal use only
• Firearms (air rifles/pistols) — European Firearms Pass required, or an import license from the local District Police HQ obtained before arrival; bore must not exceed 0.177"; must be presented for registration at the local police station within 48 hours of shipment arrival; registration fee payable per rifle/pistol PERMIT REQUIRED
• Food — reasonable amounts of dry and canned food permitted (EU and non-EU)

Goods moving within the EU are not subject to customs duties. However, excise goods (alcohol, tobacco) and new items may still attract duties or taxes. Proof of Union status (T2L/T2LF) is required.

Consignment Instructions

Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air/sea shipments.

Shipper must be present (non-EU shipments): The shipper must be in Cyprus for customs clearance and must sign the customs declaration in the presence of a customs officer.

Vehicle clearance at Limassol: All vehicle customs clearance (cars, bikes, boats) takes place at Limassol customs. The owner must attend in person.

Pre-alert air shipments: A pre-alert must be sent at least 48 hours before the arrival of any air shipment at Larnaca Airport.

Declare abnormal items in advance: Notify the destination agent if the shipment includes pianos, alcohol, shotguns, air rifles, air-soft guns, or any items not associated with normal household goods.

Inspection timing (non-EU): Physical inspections of non-EU shipments are typically conducted after 3pm, which may cause additional storage costs.

Import timeline: Goods should be imported within 6 months before or 12 months after the shipper's transfer of residence to Cyprus. Vehicles must be imported within 6 months of the transfer.

Ports of entry: Legal ports of entry are Larnaca, Paphos, Latsi, and Limassol. Entry from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or any Turkish-occupied area is not permitted.

Marriage certificate: If traveling with a spouse who has a different surname, a copy of the marriage certificate must be submitted to customs.

VAT rate: The standard VAT rate in Cyprus is 19%.