Cyprus has always held a special place in the hearts of the Brits — from the deep-rooted historical legacy of the colonial era to a nostalgic personal account of Lawrence Durrell in his book «Bitter Lemons». For many of us, expats, including the UK citizens, the island has always been an epitome of «living a Mediterranean dream». Now, with the new realities of Brexit sinking in, we had many people who were asking us how to move to Cyprus from the UK. So, we have prepared our detailed guide where you will learn all about how to make your relocation smooth and easy.
Visa options
UK citizens can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. For a longer stay, obtaining a visa is a must. There are a few residency options available when moving from the UK, so you can pick one that best suits your needs.
Temporary Residence (Pink Slip)
It is a great option for those who are planning to stay temporarily, but need more time to figure out their plans without making a commitment. It requires a rental agreement, proof of sufficient earnings from abroad (savings, dividends, pension). The temporary residency can be renewed annually.
Permanent Residency (Category F)
If you’re confident that moving to Cyprus for good is your final decision, you can apply for a permanent residency. It’ll allow you to stay in the country indefinitely, but without the right to work. It requires a minimum annual income from overseas of more than €10,000 for the applicant + at least €5,000 per each dependent and a rental contract or real estate purchase.
Employment visa (Temporary Residence)
If you have skills which are in demand, it’s possible to obtain a Cyprus work visa. In this case, your employer will take care of all the formalities and apply for a work permit on your behalf. Some employers also assist with moving and relocation. This is a temporary residency, allowing you to live in the country for the duration of your work contract.
Digital Nomad
This relatively new visa category allows living in Cyprus temporarily, whilst working remotely for an international business from a foreign country. Applicants must have the minimum monthly revenue of €3,500 after tax. If you enjoy being free — moving around without being attached to one place, this category would be perfect for you.
Important: direct employment is not allowed under this category. Only remote work for a business from verseas countries is permitted.
Investment visa
Planning on purchasing a property or business and moving to Cyprus for good? Then this is the best option. It requires a real estate investment of more than €300,000 and a minimal annual income from overseas of at least €50,000. This visa has fast processing times — usually 2—4 months. You can also use it to apply for Cypriot citizenship after living in Cyprus for 5—7 years.
Banking
In order to make a smooth transition, it’s important to open a Cypriot bank account before moving to Cyprus.
The largest island’s banks are Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank. Opening an account is relatively straightforward, though a comprehensive documentation may be required. Document Checklist:
- Passport copy
- Proof of address
- Contact details
- Recent reference from a bank/financial institution
- Detailed CV
- Income and assets documentation from your home country
Driving in Cyprus
Cypriots drive on the same, left-hand side of the road as the Brits. Such historical legacy makes the driving transition much smoother.
Also, the UK citizens can use their UK driver's licence as visitors living here for less than 90 days, and as residents — for up to 185 days. After that period, it is necessary to convert their UK driver's licence to an EU permit.
Safe driving tips:
- In Cyprus main roads and highways have speed cameras, so be careful and observe the speed limit
- The speed limits are: for urban roads — 50—60 km/h, for open roads — 80 km/h, and for highways — 100 km/h
- The legal alcohol blood limit is 0,05% and there are frequent police checks
- Be aware of the heat and glare — you’ll need a pair of sunglasses as our sun is surprisingly strong
- Make sure your UK insurance covers EU driving
- You’ll need to display a UK sticker on your vehicle or on your number plate
- While driving in a company of a minor (under 16 y.o.), smoking is prohibited and can incur a fine of at least €85
Health Insurance
Once you get your Cypriot residency, you are eligible to apply for the Public Healthcare System — GESY, provided you are paying social insurance in Cyprus. GESY covers healthcare services in Cyprus with practically no out of pocket expenses.
However, as a UK retiree, or, if you are currently receiving a UK disability pension, you may be exempt from paying social cover and still acquire access to free GESY services. To qualify, you must contact your NHS Overseas Healthcare Team and acquire an S1 form before moving to Cyprus. Private health cover options are also available.
Expat areas
Being so popular with the international community, Cyprus has a plethora of expat-oriented areas to choose from.
Paphos is quite popular with British retirees, whilst Limassol and Nicosia are mostly favoured by working professionals. Larnaca is fast growing as an investment hub, attracting a mixed international crowd of investors and digital nomads.
To find a more specific area which best suits your needs, our advice would be — to do some research before moving and explore local online forums or groups of expats with more detailed information about the island. Typically, all expat areas have better infrastructure — from schools, shops, amenities to services and transport. They also provide the advantage of bonding with fellow British expats through various groups as well as international meetups.
Property Guide
Spacious villas by the sea, cosy mountain retreats, contemporary apartments or inner city residences — Cyprus has it all.
But, if looking for a perfect home independently seems overwhelming, you might require the services of a real estate agent. They will guide you through the entire journey, take care of the paperwork and help to eliminate all the risks.
Renting
This may be a perfect option when you just want to live in Cyprus for a while, without moving permanently. Usually, long-term rentals offer better monthly rates, though most contracts will require proof of residency. Typically, a minimal rental contract duration is 12 months and you will need to pay 1—2 months' rent as a deposit, and sometimes an agency services fee (1 month’s rent) prior to moving in.
Safety tip: Always ask to get a written contract in English if you need to.
Purchasing
If you already fell in love with the island and want to settle for good, then buying a home will fast-track your residency application. It’s also a solid investment, thanks to a strong local real estate market with house prices consistently on the rise. Below, we have included these few things to look out for when buying a property, especially without the services of an agent:
- The property must have clean title deeds
- Check that there’re no outstanding mortgages, debts, or legal disputes left by the previous owner
- Confirm that the seller has the legal right to sell
Whilst there’s no property tax, there’re some annual expenses, such as municipal tax that will cost around €80—€400 and sewerage tax of €150 to €400.
Cyprus life
With warm sunny weather all year round, beautiful beaches, delicious food, affordable healthcare and living costs and safe, family-friendly environment, moving to Cyprus can be an ideal option. The islands' large British and EU expat community is living proof that it’s a great place to be. So why not start your relocation journey today?
Just remember to allow yourself time to settle and embrace the island’s warmth, culture and unapologetically laidback local rhythm of life — «syga—syga». We wish you a smooth relocation. As we say here: «Kalosorísate stin Kýpro» — welcome to Cyprus!
If you need more advice on how to find your new Cyprus home, contact us, stop by our offices or keep following our stories — we are always here to help.
And, if you have successfully relocated, don't forget to share your stories with us.
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