How to Import a Car from Japan to Cyprus

A clear, step-by-step look at how CarsJapan Cyprus sources a car at Japanese auction and delivers it inspected, registered and ready to drive in Cyprus. Process current as of 2026; shipping timelines below reflect present conditions and are updated as they change.

How does importing a car from Japan to Cyprus work?

CarsJapan Cyprus agrees a budget with you, takes a refundable deposit, then monitors Japanese auctions for a car that passes four checks before bidding on your behalf. If we win, the car is shipped to Cyprus, inspected over 5 days on arrival, and registered in your name.

The process is straightforward. We first establish a ballpark budget for the car you are looking for. Once the budget is agreed, we receive a deposit to cover reservation costs and begin monitoring upcoming auctions for vehicles that meet our standards on four points:

1. Condition — overall quality and maintenance history.
2. Recall checks — confirming there are no outstanding safety recalls.
3. Inspection — a verified condition and inspection report.
4. Budget alignment — confirming the estimated winning bid fits your budget.

If a vehicle meets all four criteria, we bid on your behalf. If we win the auction, we proceed with the purchase, and the remaining agreed balance for the car and shipping is settled within one week.

What if you can't find a car that meets my criteria?

If CarsJapan Cyprus cannot secure a vehicle that meets your condition, recall, inspection and budget criteria, we continue searching — or we issue a full refund of your deposit on request.

How long does it take to import a car from Japan to Cyprus?

Sea transit from Japan to Cyprus currently takes approximately 2.5 months. There is also an additional 4–6 week wait for vessel loading due to ongoing regional disruption — so total time from auction win to arrival is roughly three months.

This loading wait was previously a maximum of about two weeks; the longer window reflects current conditions on the route and is updated whenever the situation changes.

What documents do you provide after the car is purchased?

Within one to two weeks of purchase, CarsJapan Cyprus provides an Export Certificate, an estimated sailing schedule, yard photos of your car, and vessel information where available.

• Export Certificate — official documentation confirming the vehicle is being processed for export from Japan.
• Estimated schedule — the next available sailing date and an expected delivery timeframe within roughly a one-week window.
• Yard photos — photographic evidence from our exporter confirming the car reached the yard in good condition.
• Vessel information — details of the vessel assigned to carry your car, where available.

How can I track my car while it is being shipped to Cyprus?

Once your car is shipped, CarsJapan Cyprus sends the Bill of Lading carrying your VIN, the vessel name, public tracking links, the planned route, and a link to the carrier's portal where you verify the vessel and schedule by VIN.

• Bill of Lading — official evidence of shipment, showing our name and your vehicle's VIN.
• Vessel details — the name of the ship currently carrying your car.
• Tracking links — public tracking information for the vessel's location.
• Route information — the planned route, including any transshipments between vessels and ports.
• Official carrier portal — a link to the shipping line's site where you enter your VIN to confirm the vessel name and port schedule.

Is my car and purchase insured? 

Yes. We always purchase full insurance on every vehicle to cover any damage or loss that could occur during transport to Cyprus — especially important given the current tensions around the Gulf shipping routes.

What documents are needed to register the car?

Buyer's Identification & Proof of Residence: Passport/ID, residence permit, and proof of a Cyprus address (such as a recent utility bill) and the insurance or cover note.

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Payment Methods

• Bank Transfer: Accepted for settling all vehicle amounts and final balances. We accept transfers in multiple currencies.

• Cash: Accepted strictly for initial deposits.

Do you accept Trade-In cars?

We accept trade-in cars, this however must be under the following terms:

• The car is accident free

• Mileage must be under 150 000km

• Age must not be more than 12 years old

• Pass our mechanical check with no issues

What deposit is required to secure an order?

• Standard Deposit: We require a 10% deposit for high-demand, highly marketable vehicles that can be easily re-traded if your plans change.

• Specialist Orders: For rare, highly customized, or unique vehicle configurations, a higher deposit may be required on a case-by-case basis.

What happens when the car arrives in Cyprus?

On arrival, CarsJapan Cyprus runs a 5-day mechanical inspection and full detail. You are welcome to join us at the port for collection, and after final checks we receive the final balance and transfer the title into your name.

Once all checks are complete and the final balance is settled, the vehicle title is transferred into your name and the car is yours to drive.