Country guide · 🇨🇾 Cyprus
Apostille for importing a Japanese car to Cyprus
Cyprus has the highest per-capita Japanese vehicle import rate in the EU: 27,436 vehicles in 2024 for a population of ~1.3M — a massive RHD JDM enthusiasm market. Registration runs through the Department of Road Transport (Τμήμα Οδικών Μεταφορών) with customs clearance via the Department of Customs and Excise. The MLIT Certificate of Export with Hague Apostille is the documentary standard for non-EU origin vehicles in Cypriot registration practice.
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The local authority — Department of Road Transport
Cyprus vehicle registration is handled by the Department of Road Transport (Τμήμα Οδικών Μεταφορών) under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works. Customs entry happens at Limassol port (the main Mediterranean container hub for Japanese vehicle imports). For non-EU origin documents like the Japanese MLIT certificate, the Cypriot authorities formally require apostille or consular legalisation — the Hague Apostille is the faster, cheaper path.
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Why apostille smooths Cypriot registration
Cyprus is RHD — a perfect match for Japanese exports. The Department of Road Transport sees high volume of Japanese vehicles through Limassol port and has well-developed documentary practice. Apostilled MLIT certificates are processed routinely; non-apostilled documents trigger the consular-legalisation path (Japanese embassy in Cyprus + Cypriot embassy in Tokyo cross-validation) which adds 4-8 weeks. The €280 apostille is the cost-saving documentary shortcut.
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Our process for Cypriot importers
Email us the Certificate of Export scan. Feasibility in hours. Apostille at MoFA Tokyo in 3 working days. DHL/FedEx to Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos: 4-6 days transit. Total: 10-15 days door-to-door. €280 flat fee in EUR. Refund guaranteed if the Department of Road Transport refuses the apostille.
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Tips for Cypriot importers
For dealer imports via Limassol port: keep the apostilled MLIT at hand for customs declaration; provide Greek translation for the Department of Road Transport (we don't translate, only legalise). For RHD JDM enthusiasts (R34, Supra, Civic Type R): Cyprus is one of the easiest EU markets for registration — apostille closes the documentary loop. For multi-vehicle dealers: batch scheduling cuts per-unit cost. The same apostille is also valid if the vehicle later moves to Greece (both Cyprus and Greece are Hague members).
Ready to apostille your Cyprus import?
Send us the scan of your Certificate of Export. We confirm feasibility within hours, deliver the apostilled original to Cyprus in 15 days door-to-door. € 280, all-inclusive, refund guaranteed.