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Moving To Cyprus
Our reliable International moving makes Relocating to Cyprus Easy for You. Start your move to Cyprus by getting a free moving quote.
Comprehensive Guide on Relocating To Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a place full of culture and heritage. The weather here is really pleasant and sunny. Its welcoming nature toward expats and tourists makes it a popular destination among those looking to relocate.
Although Cyprus is mostly famous for its beautiful beaches, there are gorgeous mountains and valleys here as well. The people here inhabit a live-in-the-moment attitude which is contagious to everyone moving there. Therefore, you get used to spending more time with nature and yourself.
Cyprus is also one of the best places to move to in terms of safety. It has a very low crime rate on both sides of the place.
However, the process of moving can be quite daunting. Packing up your whole life in boxes and setting up somewhere completely strange is an overwhelming task. This is why our team at ISS Relocations is here to help you move to Cyprus from Qatar such that you can enjoy the feeling of moving to a new place without having to worry about your things and their safety.
Let us look at a list of everything you need to know before Relocating to Cyprus from UAE.
How To Move To Cyprus?
Depending on where you live presently, there will be different rules and regulations to consider when relocating to Cyprus from Bahrain.
If you are already a member of the EU, that is, possess citizenship in a country within the EU, then the process will be much simpler for you as compared to, say, someone who has Asian citizenship.
Moving to Cyprus as an EU Citizen
Since Cyprus is a full member of the EU, these citizens have an advantage when relocating here. As long as you are a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, you have full rights to freely reside in Cyprus without a lot of paperwork. You can even enjoy the same rights as Cyprus citizens. You can work without much paperwork as well.
However, when you have exceeded three months while residing here, you will have to apply for a ‘yellow slip’, which is the Registration Certificate for EU Nationals. You are obligated to apply for a yellow slip not more than four months after relocating to Cyprus.
If you are coming from the UK, the same procedures apply to you.
Move to Cyprus as a non-EU Citizen
The rules and regulations for Relocating to Cyprus are much stricter for anyone who lives anywhere else in the world apart from the EU or the EEA.
If you are a non-EU citizen and wish to apply for citizenship in Cyprus, you can benefit from the Scheme for Naturalization of Investors in Cyprus by exception. You can avail of citizenship using this scheme as long as you meet the following requirements:
Your salary must generate at least €100,000 in taxes in Cyprus over three years.
You have invested in Cyprus at least €5.0 million.
You will also need to own a permanent residence in Cyprus with a purchase price of over €500,000.
Moving To Cyprus Visa's Requirements
Just like the other benefits EU nationals enjoy, they can also travel to Cyprus without filing for a visa. However, some non-EU countries can enjoy the no-visa privilege as long as their stay does not exceed 90 days. Keep in mind, though, that the visa requirements for moving to North Cyprus are different than that of the south.
- List of Visas
Short-stay visas
If your stay is less than 90 days, you can file for a short-stay visa. This is a tourist or travel visa. There are some exceptional cases where a short-stay visa can be issued for up to five years. However, even in these cases, the stay cannot exceed 90 days within six months.
Long-stay visas
This is for people who are looking to stay in Cyprus for a period exceeding 90 days. For this, you must have a residence permit.
Other kinds of visas include:
Group Visas – These are issued to groups of people who will enter and leave Cyprus as a group. It is issued for a period not exceeding 30 days.
Airport Transit Visa (ATV) – These are issued for nationals who require a visa and who have to change plans in an airport in Cyprus while going to a third destination.
Transit Visa – These are issued for nationals who require a visa and who have to travel through Cyprus while going to a third destination.
- Documents Needed
– Cyprus Visa Application Form.
– A valid passport.
– Proof of legal residence.
– Visa photos in line with Cyprus – visa requirements.
– Proof of sufficient funds.
– Flight tickets/itinerary.
– Proof of accommodation in Cyprus.
- Fees
The fees for applying for a visa differ for every visa type. For a visa that permits you to stay for upto 90 days, you will have to pay € 20. The fees remain the same for a pro visa as well. For a visa that allows you to stay for upto 5 years upon multiple entries, the cost is € 60, and it is the same for a long-stay visa. You are also allowed to apply for an airport transit visa and a visa extension, the latter of which costs € 30.
| Type of Visa | Visa Fee |
|---|---|
| Short-stay visa (1-90 days) | € 20 |
| Multiple entry short-stay visas (up to 1-5 years) | € 60 |
| Long-stay visa | € 60 |
| Airport Transit Visa | € 15 |
| Visa Extension | € 30 |
| Visa On Arrival (Pro Visa) | € 20 |
- How To Apply ?
Find the right consultancy or embassy that will assist you in filing your visa applications.
Then, collect all the documents you would require for your visa application. These include:
– Cyprus visa application form, filled and signed.
– Your valid passport with at least two blank pages.
– Passport-size pictures.
– Proof of accommodation in Cyprus.
– Proof of sufficient finances.
– Your travel itinerary or a flight ticket.
– Payment of the Cyprus visa fee.
That is about it! Now, you just need to wait for your appointment date and hand in all your documents and the fees. Barring exceptions, you will have to visit an office in person. The whole process of applying for a visa to any country can be quite a bit of a hassle. However, it is definitely worth it in order to fulfill your dreams.
You will have to wait a minimum of 5-10 working days before your application is processed. However, in a lot of cases, the application might take upto two months to process. Hence, it is always good to be ahead of time and not do these tasks in a time crunch.
Cost of Relocation to Cyprus
Living in Cyprus can be quite inexpensive as long as you budget correctly. Below is a table which is a reliable indicator of how much you will have to spend per month on living expenses. Needless to say, external factors and unusual expenses might increase or decrease this number by a bit or a lot.
Groceries and healthcare can be especially inexpensive. However, just like any place, the costs of avoidable expenses, such as eating out too frequently and spending frivolously, can add up quite quickly.
Although budgeting for a new place can be overwhelming and the moving-in costs can add up, you can avail of our services at ISS, one of the best moving companies in Cyprus, if you want to move without worry.
It is worth mentioning that the costs in the city center and the costs outside it can differ vastly. Hence, it is worth pondering over which part of the city best fits your needs.
This is an average expense chart for south Cyprus. If you are moving to North Cyprus, the costs might be somewhat different, just like the costs for the city center and outside the city center.
| Expense on | Expense |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (on a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center) | EUR 570 per month |
| Basic groceries | EUR 15-20 per month |
| Basic utilities | EUR 137.90 per month |
| Mobile call rate (per minute) | EUR 0.10 |
| Eating out | EUR 20-50 per month |
| Internet | EUR 30.80 per month |
Housing In Cyprus
There are many options available when it comes to finding a place to live in Cyprus. Since renting or buying a home is a big financial commitment, it is important to find an ideal place that fits all your requirements.
First off, make a checklist that you need in a potential residence. Then, budget. Budgeting is extremely important as a new resident of any place since you want to cut back on as many costs as you possibly can. Then, decide on a location. The list of the most popular expat destinations in Cyprus might be a reliable list of options.
Our team at ISS Relocations, one of the best moving companies in Cyprus, can help you have a seamless moving-in experience. Our movers in Cyprus will take good care of your belongings and help you move in smoothly.
HealthCare System In Cyprus
The healthcare system in Cyprus is quite affordable and effective. This is another reason why expats think of ISS for removals to Cyprus when considering moving. Like most places, they have two sectors of healthcare, including the public and private sectors. However, unlike most places, not only is their public healthcare system efficient, but their private healthcare system is also quite affordable.
Their public healthcare system is majorly financed by the taxes you pay and your social service contributions, which are obligatory. This system is accessible to the residents of Cyprus. The status of residency is determined by their period of stay in Cyprus. Anyone who has lived over 3 months in Cyprus is considered a resident.
Since public healthcare can often have long waiting lists, many expats choose to opt for a private healthcare service. There are two kinds of plans you can choose from. One is the flexible international health care plan, which is a little more expensive than the other, which is the plan you can opt to get from a local private medical insurance company.
Medications are readily available in Cyprian pharmacies, which are open for the majority of the day. In certain areas, night pharmacies are also an option. Nationwide emergency services are also available here, and who can be contacted on 112 or 199.
Taxation In Cyprus
The taxation rates in Cyprus are quite low compared to other countries.
For starters, there is no income tax on the first €19,500 personal income per year. This is why a large part of the Cyprian population does not pay taxes.
Every employee also has to pay a 6-7% income tax on their personal income.
The rates for personal income taxes are as follows:
| Income levels | Taxation |
|---|---|
| €0 – €19,500 | 0% |
| €19,501 – €28,000 | 20% |
| €28,001 – €36,300 | 25% |
| €36,301 – €60,000 | 30% |
| €60,001+ | 35% |
Education In Cyprus
In Cyprus, both primary and secondary schooling are required. From the age of five to the age of eighteen, all classes are free to attend, and from the age of five to fifteen, attendance is required. Greek is used as the primary language of teaching, with English beginning in first grade.
Work Market In Cyprus
While our team at ISS Relocations, one of the best removal companies in Cyprus, will take care of all removals to Cyprus, you can focus on finding a stable source of income for your stay here.
As mentioned earlier, nationals who are coming in from the EU or the EEA have free access to work in the Cyprian area. However, for those who are non-EU or EEA residents, the process of applying for work is a tad bit different.
When wanting to work in Cyprus as an international resident, you will be required to apply for a work permit in advance. Once your employment visa is granted, you may work here for a limited period of time.
You can only get a work visa if you are employed by a Cyprian entity, and this is also only valid for a limited period of time, which is not more than 2 years.
Some documents you will require include:
– A copy of your passport;
– All relevant certificates proving your qualifications;
– The contract of employment, stating your annual salary;
– A bank guarantee;
– A medical examination certificate;
– A full medical insurance certificate;
– A certificate of criminal record, if relevant.
It is quite simple to get a job as a refugee as long as you have been officially recognized as a refugee or granted subsidiary protection. Once you have said status, you are eligible for any kind of employment from the date of the recognition.
Most Desirous Cities To Live In Cyprus
Once you have started considering relocation to Cyprus from Oman, it can be hard to decide where, exactly, in the area would be the ideal location for you. There are several factors to consider when picking your next residence, healthcare and education being only some of them.
Some of the major cities in Cyprus that are the most popular amongst expats coming to Cyprus include
Paphos – Has a low tax scheme and a low crime rate
Limassol – Excellent healthcare system and an affordable cost of living
Nicosia – Lowest income tax corporate regime and easy travel
Larnaca – Very low cost of living and great for retirement
Kyrenia – A high economic contribution and an active social life
Famagusta – Excellent healthcare and houses some of the best universities in Cyprus
If you are considering moving to Cyprus from Saudi Arabia, this article is a reliable guide for everything you need to know before the big move. You will need assistance in moving all your belongings or pets across countries, which is where ISS Relocations comes in. We will ensure that this is one part of the moving process that you do not have to worry about. Our team, one of the best removal companies in Cyprus, will provide you with maximum support at all steps of the process.
FAQs
1. Why choose Cyprus as a place to move to?
Ans. Cyprus enjoys an extremely pleasant climate throughout the year. It has excellent work opportunities, and it is quite easy to relocate here. These are only some of the reasons why you should consider moving to Cyprus.
2. What is the ‘yellow slip’ in the residency process?
Ans:This ‘yellow slip’ is the Registration Certificate which must be applied for if someone has been living here for over three months.
3. Do I need to purchase a home first before applying for residency?
Ans. Although you require a permanent residence in order to apply for citizenship, buying a home is not necessary. A long-term lease also works just fine.
4. How easy is it to find work in Cyprus?
Ans:Although it depends on your profession, as long as you have a work permit issued, finding work shouldn’t be too hard.
5. Isn't there a citizenship scheme through an investment?
Ans:This scheme does exist, although only for high net-worth individuals. Once you reach a minimum investment threshold, you are free to work or move through Cyprus.
- Research about the country, this way, you’ll know exactly what you’ve signed up for.
- Apply for a visa with the help of ISS and conveniently arrange for a visa.
- Transport all your stuff with the help of ISS, as we’re a renowned brand and have helped countless people move to the countries of their dreams.
- Have a thorough look at your finances and be sure that you’ll be able to manage just fine.
- Get your vehicle moved with the help of one of our services. If you’re willing to get a quote, you can request one right here on the website.
- Take care of your loved ones and your pets.
- Figure out the health insurance policies.
- Ensure that you’re well accommodated for the entirety of your stay in the Netherlands.
- Look for a job which can help you take care of your family and yourself.
- Look at the childcare options and the education that the country has to offer for the benefit of your children.
- While this is not a necessity, learn the language if possible because this way, you’ll be able to communicate better and will always know what’s happening around you.
6. Will I face a language barrier?
Ans: Owing to its rich linguistic heritage, there are several languages spoken in Cyprus. These include French, German, Romanian, Russian, Bulgarian, English and Polish. Two of the major languages, however, not considering English, are Turkish and Greek. Therefore, although you shouldn’t face any trouble with communication if you are fluent in English, it might be worth knowing some basic phrases in Greek or Turkish, depending on where in Cyprus you plan to move. If you are moving to north Cyprus, consider brushing up on some Turkish.
7. Can I move to Cyprus with my family?
Yes, it is totally possible to relocate to Cyprus with your family. This is a very child-friendly place in the sense that you can raise your children well and have a happy familial life here. Ans: In fact, our movers in Cyprus at ISS Relocations will help you move your pets as well so that you can move with your furry friends with you without a single worry.
