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Moving Guides • Europe • 16 Sep 2024
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Moving to Cyprus is a choice more Brits are making. Over 40,000 Brits live there already. This island in the Mediterranean attracts people looking for an easy life and good financial perks. Since Brexit, UK citizens can stay in the EU for up to 90 days without a special permit. But for those staying longer, getting a long-stay visa before you leave the UK is important. When you arrive in Cyprus, you need to get a temporary residence permit. This permit lasts one year and can be renewed. Non-EU citizens, which now include Brits, can also use the Golden Visa Programme. By investing at least €300,000, they can get a long-term residency. You can apply for these permits online, making your move easier.
Cyprus is a great place for a new start. Imagine spending your days in a sunny paradise. The weather is lovely all year round. This makes life quite enjoyable without much stress. Now, let's look at why this island could be your next home.
Cyprus's weather is a major draw. You get long summers and mild winters, perfect for fun outside. The locals are welcoming, adding to the relaxed vibe. With over 40,000 Brits loving it, there are many good stories. From beautiful beaches to historic spots and vibrant markets, there's always something to check out.
One of the biggest pluses is the low cost of living. You can save a lot moving from the UK to Cyprus. This means you can enjoy more for less. Let's see how prices compare:
Category | Cyprus | UK |
| Three-course meal for two | £51 | £60 |
| Monthly public transport pass | £42 | £68 |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment, city centre) | £766 | £1,061 |
Everyday costs, like utilities and dining out, are cheaper. Childcare is a lot less too, saving up to 70%. And overall, life can be 57% cheaper in Cyprus.
The quality of life in Cyprus is very good. The place is set up well and the mix of cultures is interesting. Great healthcare adds to a nice lifestyle. Living here means you can balance work and fun well. Also, low crime and lots of English speakers bring peace of mind.
To sum up, Cyprus offers a lot. Lower costs, a warm climate, and a great lifestyle await. No wonder many Brits consider moving here.
It's very important for UK nationals to know about visas and residency if they're moving to Cyprus for over 90 days after Brexit. This guide will make it easier for you.
If you're from a third country, like the UK soon, you need a visa for Cyprus if you're staying longer than 90 days. For work or study, apply for a long-stay visa before leaving the UK. After getting there, you must also get a temporary residence permit. This needs you to prove you have enough money. It includes about €10,000 per adult and €5,000 per child, plus a €15,000 deposit in a Cypriot bank. Apply for the visa 1-2 months before your trip.
Once you have a visa, UK nationals must also get a temporary residence permit which costs €70 per person. This needs to be renewed each year. There are different kinds of permits to think about:
The Golden Visa Cyprus could be what you're looking for if you're interested in residency through investing. By either buying property worth over €300,000 or investing over €260,000 in a local company, you could get a residency permit. This can speed up to only two months. To get Cypriot citizenship, you need a more expensive property. This visa is renewable every ten years, and it's a good route to longer-term stay options for UK citizens.
Type of Visa/Permit | Requirements | Cost | Processing Time |
| Long-Stay Visa | Work, Study or other qualifying reasons | Varies | Apply 1-2 months before travel |
| Temporary Residence Permit | €15,000 bank deposit, minimum income per adult/child | €70 per person | Annually renewable |
| Golden Visa (Permanent Residency) | Non-resale property worth €300,000 or €260,000 in business | Varies | 2-18 months |
| Full Citizenship | Non-resale property worth €2,000,000 | Varies | Minimum 7 years residency |
Thinking about moving to Cyprus? You'll be happy to know the living costs there are much less than in the UK. The overall money comparison tells us life in Cyprus can be cheaper. This is a big plus for those looking to move.
Living in Cyprus is around 57% cheaper than in the UK. This shows it's a better option for saving. Now, let's look at some key areas:
But the savings aren't just on daily items. The comparison between Cyprus and the UK shows more ways to spend less:
Expense | UK | Cyprus | Difference |
| Rent (Central, 1-Bed Apt) | £1,057.29 | £782.41 | -26.0% |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | £15.00 (£17.80 €) | £12.64 (£15.00 €) | -15.7% |
| Monthly Transportation Pass | £69.78 (£82.80 €) | £42.14 (£50.00 €) | -39.6% |
| Average Monthly Net Salary | £2,402.19 (£2,850.25 €) | £1,259.40 (£1,494.30 €) | -47.6% |
| Monthly Fitness Club Fee | £32.72 (£38.82 €) | £50.70 (£60.15 €) | +55.0% |
| Cinema Ticket | £10.00 (£11.87 €) | £8.43 (£10.00 €) | -15.7% |
| Utilities (915 sq ft apartment) | £251.10 (£297.93 €) | £156.39 (£185.56 €) | -37.7% |
In Cyprus, everything from rent to bills is cheaper. This clearly shows how affordable it is. Choosing Cyprus over the UK can help you save a lot. It's a great way to manage your money better while enjoying a good life.
The healthcare system in Cyprus is broad, covering both public and private services. Knowing how each works helps British expats settle into life on the island. Let's look at the setup, costs, and types of healthcare you can find in Cyprus.
In Cyprus, the General Healthcare System (GHS) mainly runs public health services. It's open to all residents, no matter where they're from. GHS gets its funds from taxes and healthcare payments from those who work.
To use GHS, you need to sign up with Cyprus Social Insurance Services. Once you're in, you get a few visits to your GP each year for free. After that, you pay around 15 euros per visit. Seeing a specialist without your GP's okay costs about 25 euros. You also help pay for prescriptions, starting from 1 euro.
UK citizens in Cyprus can join in using the GHIC, EHIC, or S1 form. Students can get help through a Student GHIC. For pensioners and others getting UK benefits, the S1 form offers them healthcare like Cypriot nationals with insurance.
Private care in Cyprus is an option for those who want more. It means seeing specialists faster, less waiting, and additional services. This includes dentistry, IVF, orthopaedics, tests, and surgeries.
Going private costs more. Charges for a doctor visit might be between €50-€150. Seeing a specialist could cost €150-€300. A night in the hospital can be between €1000-€5000. Tests might cost €300-€800, and surgeries can go up to €5000.
Many expats go for private health insurance. Plans that cover everything might be between €150 to €300 per month. Companies like Cigna and Bupa have special expat plans. These can cost between €2000 to €5000 a year.
In Cyprus, you find well-known hospitals like Apollonion, Aretaeio, and the American Medical Centre. They all offer top care for locals and expats.
Healthcare Service | Public Healthcare (GHS) | Private Healthcare |
| GP Visits | Free or up to 15 euros | €50-€150 |
| Specialist Visits | 25 euros without referral | €150-€300 |
| Hospital Stays | Minimal fees | €1000-€5000 per day |
| Diagnostic Tests | Minimal fees | €300-€800 |
| Common Surgeries | Minimal fees | €2000-€5000 |
| Health Insurance Costs | Included in contributions | €150-€300/month |
In Cyprus, there's a wide choice of healthcare, public and private. This is why it's key for British expats to look at their options and get the right health insurance for their needs.
Finding work in Cyprus can be rewarding. This is true whether you aim to join a major sector or start something new. The job market in Cyprus is open to people from other countries. It gives them good work conditions.
The work scene in Cyprus thrives in several fields. This includes tourism, finance, food, real estate, services, shipping, and clothes making. With 450,000 workers, it's an active place job-wise. Especially in tourism, which boosts the country's GDP a lot.
If you're into accountancy, dentistry, engineering, nursing, or software, Cyprus welcomes you. Also, teaching English abroad is a hit. You need two years of teaching and a TEFL qualification. At private schools, you'd work about 20 to 30 hours a week.
Cyprus is great if you want to start your own thing. It offers local legal help for setting up. For those from abroad, there are interesting chances in the local market. Living costs are not high, which is good for new businesses.
The country values being on time, being open, and being reliable. It mixes tradition with new ways well. This makes it an inviting place for both old and new ways of doing business.
When you move to Cyprus, picking the right place is key. The Cyprus property market has many options, from renting a home to buying one. More than 40,000 British people are already enjoying life in Cyprus. It's a top pick for UK expats.
Buying in Cyprus is slightly different after Brexit. UK residents must now get approval from the Council of Ministers. However, places like Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca still attract many. Each area offers a different lifestyle, whether you love city vibes, cosmopolitan living, or a relaxing coastal atmosphere.
Renting a home in Cyprus is usually cheaper by around 20% than in the UK. A one-bedroom flat in the city centre would be about £766 in Cyprus, compared to £1,061 in the UK. And, if you're looking to buy, prices for city centre apartments are over 50% lower per square meter. This, along with its beautiful setting, makes Cyprus a great place to invest in property.
The median price for an apartment in Cyprus is €550,000. The price per square meter is about €4,359. Houses and villas come at around €690,000, with a price of €3,289 per square meter. Getting a mortgage is also quite possible, with rates at about 3.85% and open to those up to 65 years old.
Cyprus real estate is a ticket to making the island your home. If you buy a property worth at least EUR 300,000 plus VAT, you and your family can get a fast-track to permanent residency. This includes your spouse and children up to 25 years old.
In conclusion, finding a place in Cyprus is not as hard with the right advice. Its low cost of living and varied towns make it a top pick for Brits. The Mediterranean paradise is waiting for those willing to explore its real estate.
Type | Median Price (€) | Price Per Square Meter (€) |
| Apartment | €550,000 | €4,359 |
| House/Villa | €690,000 | €3,289 |
Moving abroad can feel overwhelming, but Deliver1 makes it smooth and worry-free. They focus on affordable removals to Serbia. With a wide set of moving options, Deliver1 is a trusted partner for your international move.
Deliver1 stands out for its adaptable and full-service approach. It works in many European countries such as the UK, Ireland, Spain, and more, ensuring they have a wide service reach. They offer everything from quick man and van services to custom removals.
By grouping shipments together, Deliver1 can save you money. They have various vans, including ones with extra support for different moving needs. Need help quickly? Deliver1 also offers immediate and next-day services to meet tight deadlines.
Moving to Cyprus means thinking about your money in a few key ways. It's important to get a local bank account for everyday spending and bills. You can often do this online with Cypriot banks. Using services like Wise is also smart for moving money between different countries. Wise helps British people handle their money with low fees and good exchange rates. This means you can look after your cash well.
Getting a bank account in Cyprus is vital for people from other countries. Cypriot banks have many online services that help new arrivals. Wise comes in handy to avoid big fees when moving money. This is great for keeping your UK and Cyprus accounts connected easily.
Wise, which used to be called TransferWise, is a top pick for Brits living elsewhere. It's good for moving lots of money or just a bit for daily expenses. Wise shows you all the fees upfront, so you don't get hidden charges. This way, more of your money ends up in your pocket.
If you're retiring and moving to Cyprus, look into how to manage your pension. UK pensions can be paid into either a Cyprus or UK account in euros. Cyprus might tax your pension less if it's over €3,420, which can save you money. Talk to the International Pension Centre for the latest on moving your pension to Cyprus. Good financial planning can help you enjoy your new life more.
Moving to Cyprus from the UK offers an exciting opportunity for a new lifestyle in a Mediterranean paradise. With its lower cost of living, beautiful climate, and welcoming culture, Cyprus presents an attractive option for British expats. However, it's crucial to carefully consider all aspects of the move, from visa requirements and healthcare options to employment opportunities and housing choices.
Remember these key points:
By thoroughly preparing and understanding these aspects, you can ensure a smoother transition to your new life in Cyprus. Whether you're seeking retirement in the sun, a career change, or simply a new adventure, Cyprus offers a range of possibilities for UK citizens looking to make the move.
With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and modern amenities, Cyprus awaits those ready to embrace a new chapter in their lives. By leveraging resources like Deliver1 for your move and using services like Wise for managing your finances, you can focus on settling into your new Mediterranean home and enjoying all that Cyprus has to offer.
We love hearing from you-so please get in touch with any questions or queries.
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