Living in Cyprus
 
 
If you want to settle, work, run a business or retire in Cyprus, there are procedures that must be followed. The process is much simpler than it used to be for citizens of EU countries, now that Cyprus has joined the EU.
 
 
Visas and Permits
 
Citizens of any EU country can enter the Republic of Cyprus with an identity card or a valid passport. Dependants - spouses and children - enjoy the same rights as the European citizen whom they accompany but a dependant who is not a national of an EU country must have a visa. Citizens of Australia Canada, Japan and the USA require no visa.
Tourists may stay up to three months and are not allowed to work. If you decide to stay longer, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit.
 
If you've got a stamp in your passport issued by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus you will probably have trouble getting into the Republic of Cyprus the south. The only legal points of entry are the airports at Larnaca and Paphos and the ports of Limassol and Larnaca.
 
 
Residence
 
European citizens who wish to live in Cyprus are required to register with the Department of the Population and Migration Archive or with an office of the Aliens and Migration Service of the police. Once registered, you are allowed to look for work. European citizens who work and reside legally in Cyprus have the same rights as citizens of Cyprus as regards pay, working conditions, residence, social insurance and trade union membership.
 
 
Residence Permits for EU citizens
 
When you first arrive, you must apply within eight days for an alien registration certificate ARC at the local immigration branch of the police (issued automatically for monitoring purposes). A fee of CYŁ20 is paid for the issue of this.

When you have a job, you must also apply for a social insurance number. If you and your family wish to stay in Cyprus for more than three months, or work in Cyprus, you should apply for a residence permit through the local district aliens and immigration branch of the police. Application forms for the issue of a residence permit are available at the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior and at the district aliens and immigration branches of the police.

The application form must be submitted within three months of entry in the Republic. The residence permit is issued within a maximum period of six months from the date of submission of the application. The first permit you will receive will be valid for five Years and will be renewable indefinitely. You must supply the original and a photocopy of each of the following:

  • Your passport.
  • Two recent passport photos.
  • Details of all visits to Cyprus for the last five years.
  • All up-to-date bank statements and investment details such as share certificates).
  • Statement of all income royalties annuities.
  • Deeds or contract of purchase of any property in Cyprus.
  • Certificate of medical insurance.
  • Anything else that demonstrates that you are solvent and not likely to become a burden to the Cypriot state.
  • After a few months, you will receive a pink slip to attach to the alien's visitor permit.
After two years you can apply for a permanent residence permit. It is best to do this about 18 months before the pink slip expires, to avoid having to renew the pink slip while the new permit is being processed. You can work while the obtaining the residence permit are being carried out.
 
 
Citizenship
 
There are two ways to apply for Cypriot citizenship: by naturalisation and as a result of marriage to a Cypriot citizen.
 
 
Working in Cyprus
 
As Cyprus is now a member of the EU, work permits aren't required for any EU citizen who wants to work or start a business on the island. As a result, increasing numbers of young EU citizens are looking at the possibility of living and working in Cyprus and bringing op their families there. The Mediterranean climate, the slower pace of life and the low crime rate are all very attractive. Yet, before you make any decisions about moving to Cyprus to work, you should ensure that it will be possible for you or any family members to work in Cyprus. Don't forget that you will he competing with well qualified Cypriots for jobs. Although English is widely spoken on the island, you may find that some employment areas are closed to you unless you speak fluent Greek. This naturally depends on which area of employment you choose. Even when your qualifications are acceptable in theory. Most expatriates who come to work in Cyprus usually find jobs or start businesses in tourism, IT or the construction industry.
 
 
Retirement
 
Cyprus is a perfect spot for retirement, as many have discovered - warm, relaxed, friendly and affordable. Health care is good although you won't find the sophistication of specialist medical facilities for ongoing conditions that you might expect in the UK. Procedures for obtaining a residence permit and claiming your pension are described below.
 
 
Getting a Residence Permit
 
You can start your retirement on a temporary residence permit (for which you need a bank account in Cyprus and a sales agreement on a property), which is valid from one to four years. In order to settle in Cyprus permanently, and to live on earnings derived from your pension and/or other income from sources outside Cyprus, you have to apply to the chief immigration officer for approval under Category F of Regulation 5 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations of 1972-1996. You also have to submit a short CV and documentary evidence that you have a secured annual income (such as pension, dividends from investments, and interest from deposits) of a sufficient amount to support yourself and your family while in Cyprus. The annual income must be at least CYŁ5,600 per person, plus CYŁ700 per dependant. Only original or officially certified copies of the documents showing your secured annual income are accepted. If your application for a residence permit is finally approved, you will not be allowed to engage in any form of business profession or occupation, whether paid or unpaid, while residing in Cyprus and you will have to support yourself and all your family from your own income.
 
 
Claiming Your Pension
 
You can claim your UK state pension directly in Cyprus, although you must advise the Pension Service in the UK when you relocate to Cyprus, so the relevant forms can be sent to you when you near retirement age. You will usually be paid straight into your bank or building society account in the UK or your bank account in Cyprus, if you have one. Or, if you wish, you can choose to have payment by payable orders sent straight to you by post. Whichever you choose, payment is made every four or 13 weeks in arrears.
 
 
People of Cyprus
 
During your time in Cyprus, you will learn the true meaning of hospitality. Cyprus is rightfully called the island of love. The people of Cyprus owe their individuality to the fact that they are the products of the amazingly rich history of an island at the cross-roads of three continents.
Within a very short space of time, visitors can make friends and find themselves fully integrated.
Cyprus offers a high quality of life, with a standard of living higher than the per capita income alone can express. Combine this with the islands landscape of sandy beaches and rugged coves which border the central plain that rises up to the pine covered mountains, and you have a truly beautiful place to visit or live.
 
 
Government & international relations
 
Cyprus is a republic based on a constitution written in 1960 after independence from the British, who still maintain Sovereign bases on the island. The President is the Head of State who is elected for a five-year term. All citizens aged over 18 can vote in the elections. Legislative power lies with the House of Representatives which are composed of 56 members each elected for a five-year term by a system of proportional representation.
 
Human rights and private property are safe guarded by the constitution. Cyprus is a member state of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, The Council of Europe and a full member of the European Union. 
 
 
The Cyprus "problem"
 
In 1974 the Turkish army invaded Cyprus and after an intense military offensive captured 36% of the island. There are many books available on the Cyprus Problem. The captured area is still occupied today and lies in the North of Cyprus with the island being separated by the "Green Line". Subsequently, access between the North and South is restricted. Negotiations are taking place to resolve the issue and bring Northern Cyprus into the European Union.
 
 
Healthcare & medical services
 
The health risks involved when travelling to Cyprus are minimal. No specific vaccinations are required except those travelling from infected areas are required to have smallpox; cholera and yellow fever vaccinations and tetanus boosters should be up to date for everyone. It is wise to drink bottle water or boil the tap water as in most European countries. Skin protection against the strong sun should be used at all times.
 
The health care service is of a very high standard and available to everyone, and you will probably find that the doctors have qualified in either the UK or USA. Paphos and Larnaca provide a new General Hospital, which is equipped with the latest medical and surgical technology. Private treatment is also available. We recommend the services of a motor insurer for your medical insurance.
 
 
Banking
 
Please note there may be changes to this information now Cyprus has joined the European Union.
A prerequisite to living and working in Cyprus is to open a Local Disbursement Account (LDC) with a bank in Cyprus. There are a number of banks to choose from which are well regulated by the authorities. The currency in Cyprus is the Cyprus pound (CYP) which is made of of 100 cents to the pound.  The local banks are;
  • Alpha Bank Ltd
  • Bank of Cyprus Ltd
  • Co-operative Central Bank Ltd
  • The Cyprus Popular Bank (LAIKI) Ltd
  • Hellenic Bank Ltd
  • Universal Savings Bank Ltd

These banks are only open between the hours of 08.15 - 12.30 Monday to Friday, throughout the year. A number of international banks are also represented in Cyprus, but an LDC must be opened upon moving to Cyprus as it is intended to provide for the expatriates living expenditure on the island. LDC accounts may be debited for cash withdrawals and living expenses but should not be debited for the purchase of duty free vehicles or the acquisition of property. There are convertible accounts known in Cyprus as External Accounts which can be traded in any currency and it is these that should be used for payment of vehicles and property.

Local currency is not accepted for deposit in an LDC. These accounts may only be credited with amounts transferred from convertible accounts held in Cyprus or abroad. Upon departure from Cyprus any residual balance in an LDC account can be transferred to any convertible account either in Cyprus or abroad.

The Cyprus currency is the Cyprus Pound often seen as CYŁ.  There is a well developed banking system in Cyprus that caters for the needs of everyone from Businessmen to individuals. There are about five major banks on the Island, which includes, Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank. All of the banks in Cyprus adhere to the British method of banking. 
 
 
Quality of life
 
The standard of living is higher than the per capita income alone can express. Outside of the main towns It is virtually pollution free. The crime rate is only 1/6 of the average crime rate in Europe, which makes Cyprus a very comfortable island to live on with excellent housing conditions. VAT from 1 January 2003 is 15%
A couple wishing to live in Cyprus could easily have a comfortable lifestyle from CYŁ6,000 to CYŁ7,000 per year.
 
 
Language
 
Greek is the official language in Cyprus, but most people will speak in English. If you try to speak to a Greek in their language, they will reply to you in English. Street and road signs are all in dual languages, which make it easy for everyone to find their way around.
 
 
Transport
 
The islands two international airports are situated in Larnaca and Paphos Larnaca together with Limassol also has a deep water port. Cyprus is the major cruising centre in the region with most international cruise liners calling into its ports. Residents and visitors can take advantage of exciting cruises to Greece, Egypt and Israel. Driving in Cyprus is on the left, there is a new highway between Paphos and Limassol which makes travelling that little bit easier. A visitor holding a valid driving license from his country or an international driver’s license is allowed to drive in Cyprus.
 
 
Food, alcohol and tobacco
 
All the markets in Cyprus provide a colourful variety of produce, which are always reasonably priced. The large supermarkets are stocked with local and imported goods. Restaurants are of excellent quality and inexpensive.

Try a “meze” this is a selection of local dishes (usually between 15 – 28 dishes) this gives you a chance to sample the local food without ordering a main course dish and finding you don't like it.
Local wines and spirits are reasonably priced and good value. Imported beers are also available but Keo and Carlsberg are the most popular brands, costing approx. 60 cents per bottle. Cigarettes are around Ł1.90 for a packet of 20.

Residence Permit Please note this information will change for EU citizens now Cyprus is a member of the European Union.

The Cypriot regulations regarding visas depend on the nationality of the visitor. For example, those with passports endorsed by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will find themselves subject to restricted entry. A valid passport without visa will provide a stay of up to 90 days for all bona fide visitors.

Persons entering as visitors are not allowed to take up any form of employment or engage in any business. Travellers arriving in Cyprus may enter only through the legal ports of entry, Larnaca Port or Airport, Limassol Port and Paphos Airport or Port. In order to remain in Cyprus for longer than 90 days, an application must be made for a Temporary Residence Permit.

People wishing to retire in Cyprus must make an application to the Chief Immigration Officer in Nicosia for an Immigration Permit. Under the current legislation, a short Curriculum Vitae is required along with documentary evidence that access is available to a secured annual income such as a pension or dividends from investments. This annual income must be at least CYP5600 per person plus CYP2700 per dependent. Once the immigration permit is approved a retired person is not allowed to engage in any form of business profession or occupation, whether paid or unpaid whilst residing in Cyprus.

Those coming to live and work will need to obtain a Temporary Residence and Employment Permit if they are not holders of Cypriot passports. However, the regulations about starting or owning a business in Cyprus have now been relaxed and you can have a local company without the requirement for a Cypriot partner. Our associated Lawyer can assist with all the necessary documentation and finding of business and franchises. Please go the business section for further information. The address for Immigration is Migration Department, Ministry of the Interior, 1457 Nicosia. Tel; +357 22 804502.

The current policy on employment (changing for EU citizens) states that a work permit will only be given on a temporary basis and for a specified position provided that no suitable qualified Cypriots are available. A local Cypriot employer must first be secured (or set up your own local company) and it is they who submit an application to the Migration Officer in Nicosia. This action must occur while the Foreign National is outside Cyprus except in the case of EU Nationals. Initially the permit will be valid for 2 years, but thereafter for 3 years. If a change of employer is made whilst in Cyprus, an application for a new permit must be made. A word of warning here; working illegally in Cyprus can result in prosecution and deportation. It is expected now that Cyprus is a member of the EU, any EU National will be able to work there as part of the European Union Treaty.

Offshore employees coming to Cyprus have different legislation. Executive and Managers must apply for a Temporary Residence and Employment Permit through the Central Bank of Cyprus with a form obtained from their lawyer or accountant. Permits are granted quite readily in these instances. Non-Executive staff however, must apply through their relevant District labour Office and often permits are only granted if there are no qualified Cypriots available.
 
 
Working in Cyprus
 
With the changes in the laws recently in Cyprus, we can now assist you to set up a local business, an off shore business, purchase a franchise or just to work. Please go to the business advice section for further information on these services.