LIVING IN CYPRUS
Information about living in Cyprus - Weather and climate - Healthcare - Buying a car and driving in Cyprus - Standard and cost of living - Income tax - Education in Cyprus - Residential permit - Working in Cyprus - Pets - Banking and currency

LIVING IN CYPRUS

Arriving in Cyprus

Being an island, Cyprus can only be reached by sea or air. The island has two airports, one at Larnaka and one at Paphos. There are two main harbours, one at Limassol and the other at Larnaka. Within the latter two towns there are yachting marinas, which cater for the yachting enthusiast/traveler and Paphos has plans for it’s own marina. Entry formalities are simple; EU citizens require a passport only, however if you are a non EU citizen then you will also require an ID card. There are about forty airlines operating in Cyprus and most European capitals and large cities can be reached by direct flights. Flight time from London to Paphos is 4 hours, 30 minutes (although times may vary).

Language

The local language is Greek, but over 80% of the population speaks English, making life for the non-Greek speakers much easier. For those who would like to learn Greek, there are many schools/classes available. All street signs, directions, shop signs are written in English and knowledge of Russian, German, French and other European languages is increasing due to increased tourism.

Cyprus is an independent and sovereign republic with an President elected every 5 years as Head of State. Cyprus is a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the British Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement, World Bank, I.M.F and an Associate Member of the EU that has accepted Cyprus’s application to become a full member - full membership is expected sometime in 2003.

Religion

Cyprus is basically a Christian Orthodox country but Anglican and Catholic services are held on a regular basis in all towns.

Climate

Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with approximately 340 days of sunshine a year, hot dry summers from June to September and rather variable but relatively mild winters from November to March. The autumn and spring seasons are therefore short and can change rapidly. Cyprus is one of only 3 countries where you can snow ski and swim in the same day! Paphos has the finest climate/atmosphere on the island with cooler summers, short mild winters, virtually no pollution or traffic congestion.

Crime Rate

Cyprus has a very low crime and vandalism rate in comparison with other Mediterranean countries, such as Spain and Italy. According to Interpol Statistics, Cyprus’s crime rate is only 1/10 of the average among other European countries and 1/6 of the U.K.

One will find that in residential areas, people rarely lock their car, many times leave house windows or even doors open and this is all due to the friendliness and honesty of the local population. Buying local property will mean that you can enjoy personal security and not have to worry about turning your home into a fortress.

Healthcare

If you are an EU citizen and you are taken ill suddenly or have an accident during a visit to any EU country you are entitled to free or reduced cost treatment.

A form known as E111 can be helpful as evidence that you are entitled to this benefit. A passport is often enough evidence in many countries to get treatment.

Doctors, Dentists, General Practitioners and Specialists are available throughout the Island and their fees are low compared with other European Countries. Pharmacists are also well informed, which may save a trip to the doctor and most pharmaceutical products can be bought over the counter.

Generally, healthcare in Cyprus is inexpensive and is much cheaper than most other European Countries, since every town has its own Government hospital, fees are very low. However, for those who prefer private treatment there are a number of private clinics with competent Specialist Physicians in all fields. Government statistics showed for 1998 that there was a doctor for every 368 persons, a dentist for every 1,077, a nurse for every 213 and a hospital bed for every 215 persons. A doctor’s visit costs about CYP10-20 and X-rays from CYP15. It is worth noting that statistics show that 1 in every 600 Cypriots is a qualified member of the medical profession, so you know there will always be someone nearby who can help.

Cyprus residents, whether Cypriots or not, can have inexpensive Private Medical Insurance, which is arranged through an Insurance Company or through your Bank, starting from CYP130 per annum. The table below provides an outline of prices in Cyprus pounds:

The ‘standard’ option covers public sector clinics and hospitals only, whereas the ‘comprehensive’ option insurance includes the covering of expenses and private medical services. If you become a permanent resident the General Hospital offers health care to foreigners at a small annual fee.

Insurance pensions can be paid to retired people in Cyprus on a tax-free basis; they are index-linked by virtue of a Reciprocal Agreement, compared to their ‘frozen’ status in other overseas destinations.

Recreation and Night Life

Eating out has become a local habit and is part of entertainment in Cyprus. There are a wide variety of restaurants, catering for all tastes. Along with taverns, which provide local and Greek dishes, there are restaurants that offer international cuisine such as French, Chinese, Italian, Indian, Lebanese, Japanese, Russian, Mexican and others. Prices vary but in general, one may quote CYP24 for two people at a good restaurant for a three-course meal with wine and dessert, whereas at taverns, this is reduced to approximately CYP16 for two people. Nightclubs with good live music, discos and a variety of bars are some of the entertainment choices that can be found in all towns and tourist resorts.

In the summer, tourists and regular business visitors may visit the islands sandy beaches and enjoy sunbathing, swimming or any of the water sports (water skiing, windsurfing, sailing etc). In the winter months, snow skiing facilities are available at Troodos mountain resorts.

Horse racing takes place in Nicosia and a number of sporting clubs exist which one can easily join. Sports clubs include horse riding (with reputable schools in Paphos), tennis, squash, bowling, archery, shooting, sailing, all kinds of sea sports, etc. In addition, there are two international standard golf courses. Tsada Golf Club, only 8km northeast from Paphos town and 21km form Paphos airport, which offers a tennis court and outdoor swimming pool and Secret Valley Golf Club. The latter is located near Paphos airport, 18km east of Paphos and 49km west of Limassol. It lies in a scenic valley with grand trees and natural rock formations.

Cyprus has it’s own TV stations (5 public international channels) and numerous local radio stations. Approximately 50% of the TV programmes are British and American and all foreign films are broadcast in their original language. Availability of satellite dishes can provide international television connections. The radio programmes are mainly in Greek or English. In addition, there is a British Forces Radio station in Cyprus, which broadcasts on a 24-hour basis.

There are local English written newspapers (e.g. Cyprus Mail & Cyprus Weekly) a number of local magazines (e.g. The Magazine, The Express & The Grapevine), which are printed in English and almost all main national papers and well known international magazines are available on the island (usually within one day delay from their day of issue).

Festivals

Cyprus hosts a number of festivals. Paphos is home to a carnival in March, an International State Fair in May and a wine festival in September. Other festivals around Cyprus include the Flower Show and the Snow Ski Games. For those who want to make their own festival and are inspired by island being of Venus (the Goddess of Love) it is possible to get married after only 3 days residence in Cyprus!

History

There are also a number of sites of historic and legendary interest on the island. The Venetian Walls, the Cyprus Museum and the Folk Art Museum are the major attractions in Nicosia, while the Limassol and Paphos districts are well known for the ancient theatre at Curium, the Temple of Apollo and the Roman Mosaic Floors at Kato Paphos. The Troodos Mountains are rich in Byzantine monasteries and churches, many of which contain exquisite frescoes. Cyprus contains a selection of the best antiquities in the World. See a selection of history books.

Standard and Cost of Living

Cyprus offers a fairly high standard of living by European standards. The overall cost of living averages 1/3 to 2/3 of most parts of Europe or the USA. Polls show that Cyprus towns have one of the lowest costs of living within a developed nation.

Cyprus has none of the quarantinable diseases (no vaccination is required when entering the island) and sea and air pollution is negligible. Cyprus enjoys a high European standard of living while it remains an inexpensive country.

Income Tax

Although you have to declare income from pensions and other sources to the tax authorities of Cyprus, there are advantages for retirement in Cyprus as it is possible to claim a pension and have it sent to Cyprus. It has the low tax rate of 5% (exempt the first CYP6, 000-six thousand Cyprus pounds) thus offering an immediate 17% income increase. The other taxed bracket is for those who have other sources of income (other than a pension) who must pay 5% income tax (exempt for the first CYP2, 000-two thousand Cyprus pounds)

Cyprus is unique in that it has a treaty with some countries to avoid a double taxation of earned income. Countries currently include Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Norway, Poland, Rumania, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America and Yugoslavia. Cyprus only taxes the assets of expatriates on a remittance basis.

Education

It has a twelve-year span of education and in addition to the local Greek schools, there are both junior and secondary schools of a high standard catering for English, French, Armenian, Arabic and Russian speaking pupils. There is kindergarten, junior and secondary schools (and colleges) catering for Cypriot and foreign students but if considering Government schools, knowledge of the Cypriot language is essential. Paphos has its own well-established International School; all the classes are in English and have excellent achievement results for its G.C.S.E and A-Level curriculums.

Residential Permit

Persons living in Cyprus, who have purchased a property, easily obtain these permits.

To obtain a temporary permit you must show evidence of a bank account in Cyprus and the sales agreement of the property purchased. Temporary status is from one to four years.

To obtain a permanent permit the applicant must meet the above requirements plus show evidence of the level of foreign income available. They must show evidence of a secured annual income over CYP5, 300 (five thousand, three hundred Cyprus pounds) for couples. The applicant must demonstrate their ability to secure a decent standard of living supported by their annual income.

Work Permit

If you are an EU citizen then the previous requirement for a work permit from the Immigration Authorities no longer applies .

Bringing Pets into Cyprus

Cats and dogs traveling within the EU must carry proof of vaccination against rabies.

Furthermore, in Cyprus, a tick and echinococcosis treatment are required. For further information go to the following website: www.defra.gov.uk (the link will open in a new window).

As of 3rd July 2004 for all movements, whatever the Member State of destination, the animal will have to be accompanied by a passport.

The information included in the passport shall comply with the conditions required by the Member State of destination. Even though from this date Member States will allow the entry of pets complying with the new rules, as a transitional measure until 1st October 2004, the entry of pets complying with national existing rules will be allowed.

Identification - the animal shall be identified by an electronic identification system (transponder) or by a clearly readably tattoo. The tattoo as a means of identification will only be accepted during an eight year transitional period and not for movements to the UK, Malta and Ireland (transponder obligatory). After eight years the transponder will be the only identification system allowed.

Purchasing a Car

If you buy a car with less than 6000km on the clock or within 6 months of its first registration, you must pay the VAT when registering it in your country of residence. Some countries apply a tax on registration in addition to VAT.

The Commission produces an annual report on car prices in the EU where you can compare the prices in different countries of 81 models, representing the best selling cars of 26 manufacturers.

Driving in Cyprus

In Cyprus driving is on the left hand side of the road.

A driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throught the EU.

Free Movement of Persons

Free movement of persons is one of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by Community law and includes the right to live and work in another Member State; it is an essential element of European Citizenship. Cyprus has enjoyed free movement from the first day of it's accession (Northern Cyprus is not in the EU).

Banking Standards & Currency

The banking system in Cyprus is modeled on the British system. The banks have many convenient branches that are very efficient, modern and well equipped with the latest technology. Foreign persons retiring to Cyprus may open an external deposit account without difficulty. International banks have branches throughout the island and furthermore, major credit cards, such as those within the Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Euro pay networks, are widely used in Cyprus. Banks are normally open between 8.30am –12.30pm Monday to Friday.

The Cyprus currency system is decimalised, with the Cyprus Pound being comprised of 100 cents. Coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and the bank notes are CYP1, CYP5, CYP10 and CYP20. The exchange rate is issued daily by the Central Bank.

Telecommunication

Regarding telecommunication, Cyprus is among the most developed countries in the world, offering an automatic telephone connection with over 200 countries. The national network uses high technology such as digital switching and transmission systems and fibre optic cables and ranks third in the world regarding quality and technology.

Services provided include telefax, packet switched data transmission, mobile telephony, (including GSM) paging, telex, telegraphy, radio maritime, TV transmission/reception, private leased circuits, audiotex, video-conferencing, videotex, Integrated Services Digital Network, (ISDN) X400 Electronic Mail Services and Internet. Local and International calls are very cheap and mobile phones are very accessible. If public telephones are your preference, it is possible buy CYP3.00, CYP5.00 or CYP10.00 phone cards from most kiosks and supermarkets.

When phoning Cyprus it is useful to remember that it is 2 hours ahead of England (+2GMT) and the prefix is 00357 followed by the rest of the number.

Transport

Driving is on left in Cyprus and modern roads connect the short distances between the major towns. There is a very economical public transport service with regular connections, scheduled and private taxi services, comfortable coaches as well as a range of rental cars/jeeps being readily available.

********

THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN COMPILED AS A GUIDE ONLY AND SOL AGENCY LTD CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS AS SOME OF THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM THIRD PARTIES.
* PROFESSIONAL ADVICE SHOULD ALWAYS BE SOUGHT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE*