Moving elderly parents to Cyprus can be a complex process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. It is not only a physical move, but also an emotional period of transition for your parents. Here are a few steps to help make the process easier.
Discussion and Planning
The first step is to discuss your plan with your parents to make sure they are comfortable with the idea of moving. It is important to consider all of your parents' medical, social, and emotional needs. Planning should include researching housing, available medical services, and social activities for seniors in Cyprus.
In August, the thermometer on the island of Aphrodite rises well above 30 degrees and the average summer temperature is not much lower. Even for many young people, this weather is quite extreme.
Medical preparation
Make sure your parents have all the necessary medical documents and an adequate supply of medication for the move. It is also advisable to arrange a meeting with a doctor to discuss the move and get advice on managing their health in the new country.
It is possible to include elderly parents in the Cypriot state GESY system if a permanent visa for 5 years or more is obtained. Otherwise, you should purchase age-appropriate insurance yourself from a reliable local company, otherwise, any force majeure will cost you a fortune. It is also worth considering the opening hours of local pharmacies, they work from 8:00 to 18:30 with a break from 13:30 to 15:30. There are pharmacies on duty at lunchtime, on average until 22:00 (a new list is established daily).
The easiest way to join the GESY program is to start working officially in Cyprus, which is not very relevant when the considering the elderly.
Legal and Financial Questions and the Family Reunification Program
In order to fly to Cyprus, you need to obtain authorization from the Department of Civil Registry and Migration. Arranging all the necessary documents such as visas, insurance and residence permits takes time and requires attention to detail. It is also important to sort out all financial questions including pension payments, taxes and bank accounts to ensure your parents' financial stability in Cyprus.
Among the documents you will definitely need are a passport, a health certificate and a certificate of no criminal record with an apostille. Parents must be present on the day of application to take biometrics. They will be issued a temporary permit on paper, with which you can safely wait for the official document and even travel outside the country.
A Cypriot citizen has the right to transport parents with any citizenship under the Family Reunification program. To do this, he must comply a maximum set of documents to the migration authorities, including proof of the degree of kinship, financial solvency and the availability of housing in which they plan to accommodate parents (own or rented).
For residents of Cyprus who do not have citizenship, there are special programs: a permanent residence permit in Cyprus for investment and an annual Visitor visa for financially independent foreigners. But it will be necessary to apply on behalf of the parent. In the spring of 2023 in the program of residence for investment made changes, according to which it is no longer possible to include anyone except children. Parents should formalize a separate residence permit, investing in the country's economy on their behalf. The point is about the amount of investment of 300 thousand euros. At the same time, the amount of the minimum annual income of the applicant must be 50 thousand euros, and the holder of an immigration permit annually must confirm that he still owns real estate or shares in companies in which he invested when applying. A full list of options can be reviewed on the official website of the Department of Migration.
Logistics of relocation
Organizing the move involves choosing a reliable transportation company, packing your belongings, and planning the flight itself. When choosing an airline, consider the availability of special services for the elderly. It's also worth looking for accommodation in advance, perhaps starting with a rental to give your parents time to adapt and choose a suitable place to live permanently. If your parents need more attention, it may be advisable to move them into their own home.
Adapting to the new place
Once you arrive in Cyprus, it is important to help your parents adapt to their new environment. This may include the following:
Help with language learning. Private or public courses will be suitable, where they can not only learn but also make friends.
- Organizing meetings with local elderly communities. This could be morning exercises by the sea or just a game of dominoes in a nearby cafe.
- Getting involved in local culture and activities. Cyprus hosts many festivals and fairs all year round, where you can get creative and even earn something.
- You should also make sure that your parents have access to quality medical care. Ideas of buying homes in mountainous areas sound beautiful but are not always practical in terms of accessibility to medical centers, which are usually located in the central part of the cities.
Pension
A pension is available to Cypriot residents from the age of 65, provided they have legally lived on the island for at least 20 years after the age of 40. Therefore, this question is usually omitted.
Moving elderly parents to Cyprus is a big responsibility that requires careful planning and preparation. It is important to pay attention to every detail to ensure a safe and comfortable move for your parents. Remember that support, patience and understanding will be key in this process.
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