Shipping from UK to Cyprus: What You Need to Know

Planning a move to Cyprus from the UK? One of the biggest logistical questions is how to get your belongings there. From full container loads to shipping just a few boxes, there are several options to consider depending on your budget, timeline and lifestyle.

In this guide, I’ll walk through the main ways to ship your household items to Cyprus, rough costs involved, key decisions you’ll need to make and tips to make the process smoother.

Do You Need to Ship Everything?

First things first: not everyone chooses to ship their belongings. Some people sell or donate most of what they own in the UK and start fresh in Cyprus, especially if they’re moving into a furnished rental.

Others prefer to bring sentimental items, specific furniture pieces or expensive electronics.

There’s no right or wrong answer, it’s a personal choice, but it’s worth making a detailed inventory and comparing the cost of shipping vs replacing.

Shipping Options: From Boxes to Full Containers

Your choice of shipping method depends on how much you’re moving:

1. Shared Container (Groupage Shipping)
If you only have part of a household (e.g. 10–20 boxes), you can share space in a container with others. This is often the most cost effective option, but takes longer (3–6 weeks on average) and may involve more handling.

2. Full Container Load (FCL)
If you’re moving a full home’s worth of furniture, you’ll likely need your own 20ft or 40ft container. This is faster (typically 2–4 weeks door to door) and more secure but comes at a higher cost.

3. Air Freight
Quick, but expensive. This is best for a few essential items you need urgently.

4. Courier Services (DHL, FedEx, etc.)
Ideal for documents, electronics or small parcels. This isn’t suited to larger shipments and is often more expensive per kilo than sea freight.

Popular Ports & Delivery Locations

Most goods are shipped from UK ports like Southampton or Felixstowe and arrive at Limassol Port, the main shipping hub in Cyprus.

From there, your items are cleared through customs and either delivered to your address or made available for collection depending on your service level (door to door vs port to port).

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Cyprus?

Costs vary depending on:

Volume/weight of your goods
Type of service (shared container, full load, air freight)
Door to door vs port to port
Whether packing/unpacking is included

Here are some ballpark figures to give you an idea:

Shipping Type	Estimated Cost Range
Shared container	£500 – £2,000
20ft container	£2,500 – £4,500+
40ft container	£4,000 – £7,000+
Air freight (100kg)	£600 – £1,200

Tip: Always get multiple quotes from reputable international movers — costs can vary more than you’d expect.

Customs and Paperwork

Since Cyprus is in the EU and the UK is now a third country, your goods will need to go through customs. However, you can usually import personal belongings duty-free, provided:

You’ve owned them for more than 6 months
You’re moving your primary residence to Cyprus
You declare them properly (your mover can usually assist)

You’ll typically need:

Passport & residency documents
Packing list / inventory
Bill of lading or airway bill
Proof of UK departure / Cypriot arrival

Some moving companies will handle the paperwork for you as part of a full-service move.

Should You Bring Furniture or Buy in Cyprus?

Furniture can be more expensive in Cyprus, especially branded beds or sofas. However, IKEA, JYSK and other international retailers are present on the island. There’s a growing market for second-hand furniture on Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell groups.

I found that many charity shops carried furniture and was able to pick up a lot of items at a huge discount compared to buying new at furniture retailers.

If you love your current furniture or have quality pieces, it might be worth the shipping cost. For others, starting fresh is simpler.

What About Pets, Cars and Other Items?

Pets: You’ll need to meet Cyprus’s import rules, including microchipping and vaccinations. Consider using a specialist pet relocation service.
Cars: Importing a UK vehicle is possible but can be expensive due to taxes and compliance requirements.
Electronics: UK appliances work fine in Cyprus (same voltage and plugs), but check warranty validity and shipping restrictions.

Final Tips for a Smooth Move

Get quotes early: Start planning at least 6–8 weeks in advance.
Ask about insurance: Make sure your goods are covered in case of loss or damage.
Check mover reviews: Choose a company experienced in UK–Cyprus moves.
Prepare for delays: Weather, customs, or port congestion can affect shipping times.
Label everything: Especially useful for customs and unpacking at the other end.

Ready to Start Your Move?

Shipping your belongings to Cyprus doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning and a reliable moving company, you can make the transition smooth and straightforward.