Ah, the wonderful Mediterranean island of Cyprus, one of the most beautiful
vacation spots on earth. Now imagine how great it would be if you didn’t
have to leave! Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, this dream could become your reality.
Cyprus is fast becoming a hotspot for UK ex-pats for so many reasons, the
gorgeous weather and beautiful beaches being just two of them. But packing
up your life and moving abroad is not a decision to take lightly; it
requires a lot of careful forethought and planning.
And that’s where we come in.
If you’ve decided that starting a new life abroad might be just what you
need, we can help. Before you book your plane tickets, sell your house and ship your belongings,
check out our comprehensive guide on moving to Cyprus from the UK.
This will make the transition to your new life much smoother and far more
relaxing, which is ideal for quickly fitting in with Cypriot’s laid-back
lifestyle.
Why move to Cyprus
Just in case you’re still on the fence about whether this move is going to
be the right decision for you, let’s quickly look at what makes Cyprus such
a great place for UK expats. Some of the top reasons Brits love it so much
include:
• English speakers: Cyprus is a majorly English speaking,
and it is home to lots of other English-speaking ex-pats. This makes it
much easier to fit in and adapt to the change in location
• Relaxed lifestyle: The Mediterranean culture in Cyprus
means life is very laid-back there and much slower than in Western Europe
and the UK, which is perfect if you’re looking for a change of pace!
• The weather is great: Boasting one of the best climates
in Europe, Cyprus has limited rainfall and is warm year-round (particularly
when compared to UK weather)
• Friendly locals: The Cypriot people are very welcoming
and friendly, and just like their culture, they are very laid-back as well
Of course, these are just some of the reasons that Cyprus is a great place
to live - there are plenty more. But for now, let’s focus on what it takes
to make the move and start a new life there.
Getting the right visa
One of the most important things you need to do before moving to Cyprus is
to ensure you’re approved for a visa. Since the UK’s exit from the EU, this
has been a little different.
UK nationals need a visa to live and work in Cyprus, whereas EU citizens
don’t need this. There are several different types of visas available, so
it’s important to choose the right one.
There are temporary visas, but if you’re planning to move, it’s unlikely
that these are going to be a long term solution as these only cover you for
a period of 90 days. That said, these can be extended for various different
reasons. And if you need to go over to Cyprus temporarily to look for
houses or choose your new location, this is the visa for you.
Then there is the one-year visa for those looking to live and work there
for up to a year. These applications must be backed by a letter from your
employer or from an accountant or solicitor.
However, the most likely option is going to be a permanent visa. A
permanent residence visa is valid for up to five years but can be renewed
before the expiry date. In order to get a permanent visa, you must have
held a temporary residence permit for a minimum of five years, providing
you did not leave Cyprus for any longer than three months over that time.
Alternatively, you can buy a property on the island at a value of €300,000
minimum. This is a much quicker way to get a residency.
In any case, if you’re unsure what visa is going to be best for you and
what the rules and regulations are, you should seek professional advice.
Buying a property in Cyprus
Buying a property in Cyprus has also changed since Brexit. UK citizens can
still buy property there, though there are now some new restrictions to
take into account. If you buy a house, the size of the plot of land might
be restricted. Not only this, but there could be restrictions on how long
you can stay in that property without applying for permanent residency.
If you can’t buy outright, getting a mortgage on a property or finding
somewhere to rent can be a bit trickier. For this reason, it’s advisable to
find yourself a reputable international broker before giving up your home
in the UK. They will be able to help you.
The average cost of living in Cyprus
It is widely accepted that the cost of living in Cyprus is cheaper than
that of the UK, though it varies how much. In some of the more popular
destinations, it can be around 20% cheaper to live there than in the UK,
but in lesser know places, it can be up to 50% cheaper.
To give you a better understanding,
Living Cost Org
has pulled together some of the average costs in Cyprus compared to the UK.
Though a monthly salary in Cyprus might be lower, the average cost of
living for one person is £1,015 compared to £1,593 in the UK.
Not only this, but rent for one person averages £539 in Cyprus compared to
£969 in the UK. Food and transport costs are also lower in Cyprus, so if
you choose to make the move here, you could slash your monthly outgoings.
Working in Cyprus
Finally, we briefly mentioned above that UK nationals needed a visa to work
in Cyprus but let’s dive a little deeper into getting a job there. If
you’re planning to move after you retire, this may not be relevant to you,
but if you’re still of working age, you need to consider your career before
you decide to move.
For those who plan to work, you might be able to continue your current job
remotely, though you will need to get an approved letter from your employer
when applying for your visa. Alternatively, there are lots of jobs in
industries like hospitality or as an English teacher - depending on the
industry you currently work in and what you’re hoping to do while you’re
out there.