Clearing Cypriot Customs
All household goods and personal effects arriving from the UK must be declared to the Republic of Cyprus Customs & Excise Department before they can be released for delivery.
Because the UK is outside the EU, your shipment must complete customs clearance even where your belongings qualify for transfer-of-residence relief. Our sea-freight removals arrive and are cleared through the Port of Limassol.
We prepare and check your paperwork with you before your goods sail. Form Απ.2 must be signed in the presence of a Cyprus Customs & Excise officer. Our approved customs brokers in Cyprus handle the shipment’s customs clearance at Limassol.
What documents do I need?
To claim transfer-of-residence relief you need Form Απ.2 (AP2), proof that you lived outside the EU for the previous 12 months, proof that you are moving to Cyprus, a valued inventory and your passport.
- Cyprus Customs & Excise Form Απ.2 (AP2) - the form used to declare your personal property and claim relief from import duty, excise duty and VAT when transferring your normal residence from outside the EU.
- Proof of previous residence outside the EU - this can include utility bills, Council Tax bills, tenancy or property documents, income tax returns, social insurance or payroll records, or evidence of employment ending.
- Proof of your move to Cyprus - such as a rental or property purchase agreement, employment in Cyprus, an ARC or residence permit, or children’s school registration.
- Valued packing inventory - an itemised list with values for everything being shipped. Items that do not meet the qualifying ownership and use conditions should be listed separately. We provide an inventory form when you book.
- Passport photo page - in the same name as your shipping documents.
Cyprus Customs may ask for additional supporting evidence depending on your circumstances.
We provide secure upload links for your documents and check everything before your goods leave the UK.
For a step-by-step explanation, see our Cyprus customs guide for shipping personal effects.
Which items are prohibited or restricted?
Some goods are prohibited from import into Cyprus, while others are restricted, excluded from transfer-of-residence relief or subject to additional permits and controls.
Not allowed:
- Narcotic drugs and controlled substances
- Obscene material
- Counterfeit goods
Items requiring duty, permits or additional checks:
- Alcohol and tobacco - not covered by transfer-of-residence relief and may be subject to duties and taxes.
- Drones - subject to Cyprus and EU aviation rules, which may include operator registration, training or authorisation depending on the drone and how it will be used.
- Plants and plant material - subject to phytosanitary controls, certificates and import restrictions.
- Electrical goods - some products are subject to EU and Cyprus conformity and CE-marking requirements.
Send us your valued inventory as soon as possible after booking so we can flag anything likely to cause a problem at customs clearance.
For full details, see our Cyprus prohibited and restricted items guide.
