Cyprus-Forum.com

by **amlek** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 3:05 am

Has anyone recently shipped their HHG by Air Freight that can give us some advice about what to expect re Customs Clearance Procedures?

We're moving over there from Thailand at the beginning of next month & as we don't have a huge amount, and the routings by sea from Asia take forever, we've decided to ship our stuff by air freight - unbelievably the cost difference isn't too drastic!
The following is what our removals company here in Bangkok has been informed by the Handling Agent in Cyprus (Orbiz in Limassol). Please excuse the grammar; this is quoted 'straight from the horses mouth' as it were:

"In order to be exempted from duties you need to explain the reason why you are going to Cyprus. Our Agent mentioned that the shipment will definitely be checked by the authorities.

The customs will require to see proof that you will be moving to Cyprus permanently, what they ask for is:

1. client to be present with his original passport to sign the customs papers at the nearest customs office

2. the house agreement here in Cyprus

3. a letter from your job in Thailand that he used to work for them and now he is moving permanently to Cyprus

4.bank statement from a Cyprus bank proving that he is having incomes here or a letter proving that he is retired."

No. 1 & 2 will not be a problem, but we have concerns regarding No. 3 & 4. We are Self Employed & therefore will be setting up our own company after we arrive - should we just write such a letter on our own company letterhead?. The same goes for a local Cyprus bank account - we'll open one when we get there and transfer funds to into it from our UK account - does this take long?.

If anyone has been through the process recently we'd very much appreciate your advice.

by **jambo** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 10:18 am

I take it you are british or european passport holders ??

by **amlek** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 2:17 pm

Yes, we're British Passport holders.

by **jambo** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 2:33 pm

I cant see them making you pay duty on second had furniture .
just make sure that you state that on the packing list.
as regards letters, I have never heard of that ,
unless the handling agent thinks you are non-european.
all you shuold do is register with immagration, and that only has to be done within
three months of your arrival ..

by **Cyprus Vending** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 7:04 pm

No 3 - You will not need, as you are a UK passport holder.

No 4 - MAKE sure you have a recent UK bank statement will you --- just in case you are asked to prove you have funds to live.

The info' you have been given is based on the reg's prior to Cyprus joining the EU.

What business are you looking at starting?