Can I own a car when on a tourist visa?

augusta



Joined: 10/06/2008
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 19:31

I am thinking about buying a car. However, I am here in the TRNC on a tourist visa for the time being. Is it legal to purchase and own a car if you are not a resident?

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 19:50

I believe you can have a car that has been bought here, I know of people who come over between 4 or 5 times in any 1 year and leave car on drive.

Rocker



Joined: 24/09/2008
Posts: 384

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 19:53

In a word No

flossie


Joined: 01/04/2007
Posts: 65

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 19:53

We have had a car for the last 18 months and we are only here for 3 or 4 months a year. To date there has been no problem.



flossie

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 20:01

Regardless of any other considerations, you would need to keep it Insured, Taxed, MOT'd, & Emissions tested - there is no such thing as SORN here!

augusta



Joined: 10/06/2008
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 21:49

Hi Rocker

you write "in a word no"...can you elaborate with a few more words please!

ChesterSue1


Joined: 02/11/2008
Posts: 67

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 22:22

I also question Rockers - "No"... I know people who have bought cars here, insure, tax, MOT, emission tests all done for their use when they choose to visit 3 or 4 times a year. Far cheaper than hiring a car for every vacation. They only have a Tourist Visa each visit and there is no law preventing them from owning a vehicle or for that a property here either.



Sue.

augusta



Joined: 10/06/2008
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 23:09

Hi Chester sue 1...that's what I was hoping to find out ...if it is ok legally to own a car. It will of course be a TRNC legally registered vehicle insured, taxed, MOT, emission tests all being done according to the rules.

When you insure a car here...is it insured for multiple drivers? ie me, my husband, family and friends?

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 23:13

You can add drivers fairly easily as we have done...



They don't seem particularly interested in the driving skills and age of the added driver but given the ability of most local drivers you can see why that would be...

augusta



Joined: 10/06/2008
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 23:22

thanks groucho...just trying to do my homework before I buy anything so all information helps!

Whistler


Joined: 28/07/2008
Posts: 1332

Message Posted:
15/12/2008 23:24

Our car is insured with Gunes Insurance for any driver.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
16/12/2008 15:10

keith

our friend recently did a sorn kind of thing with his merc as he refuses to pay the new high road tax charges.

i don't know how he did it as he is a cypriot but i will find out.

jimm127


Joined: 26/02/2008
Posts: 280

Message Posted:
16/12/2008 17:55

I believe it is probably legal to own a car but be careful of being stopped. In theory, you can only drive a TRNC registered car (not counting hire cars which are insured differently) on a TRNC licence which you can only get if you have residency. I am sure the police would never press the point if you have a British licence but it could be put to the test if you had a bump and the insurance company got awkward (which again would probably not happen). This is the difference between the practical side and the letter of the law.

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
16/12/2008 18:16

Hi i have had a car for 3 years,if tax is overdue have just paid the small fine,but now have a friendly cyp who does this for me if i am not in trnc when falls due!Insurance (steve Dickenson)emails when due puts cover in place and i pay on next visit.

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
16/12/2008 19:41

You can buy a car, no problem.



The issue is with driving licence. If you are here for longer than 90 days in one period you MUST have a local licence. This can only be obtained with Temporary Residency.