BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
ALEXANDER PALLIS STREET
P O BOX 21978
1587 NICOSIA
NOTES FOR UNITED KINGDOM NATIONALS INTENDING TO VISIT OR TAKE UP RESIDENCE AND/OR EMPLOYMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
The following notes are provided for your guidance. The High Commission has tried to ensure accuracy but cannot be held responsible for any errors. The appropriate Cyprus authorities should be approached for authoritative detailed information. Those contemplating long term residence, particularly those planning to retire in Cyprus and/or purchase property are particularly urged to seek advice from as many sources as possible, including a lawyer, before entering into any commitment.
AN INTRODUCTION TO CYPRUS
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, situated in the eastern corner between Europe, Asia and Africa. Though a small island, it has always played an important role in the history of the Mediterranean, far exceeding its size. The first signs of undisputed human activity can be traced back to 8500 BC.
In 1960 Cyprus became an IndependentRepublic following 82 years of British administration.
In 1974, Turkey launched a military operation and its troops took control of 37% of the island with large-scale population movements as a result. The de-facto separation remains to this day. The UN has been making efforts to find a solution acceptable to both sides.
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus is internationally recognised as the only legitimate government.
The present population of the Republic of Cyprus is estimated at 766,400, of whom around 12% are foreign nationals. The official languages are Greek and Turkish, although English is widely spoken, especially in the main towns and cities.
- Note on International Dialling Codes
For simplicity, all the telephone numbers contained in this information pack for organisations in Cyprus have been given the international dialling code of +357. Please note that this is the code you should use when calling from a mobile telephone. If you are calling Cyprus from a landline, please substitute the prefix 00357 when making your call.
- IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BRITISH NATIONALS IN CYPRUS
EU Nationals: Procedure to obtain residence permit
The Free Movement and Residence of nationals of the Member State of EU and the Families Law was enforced on 1st May 2004, the date of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union.
Nationals of any EU Member State have the right to reside in the Republic of Cyprus for up to three months without any conditions or formalities other than the requirement that they hold a valid identity card or passport. If you are intending to reside in Cyprus for longer than three months, then you must apply to the Cyprus immigration authorities for a residence permit within three months of your arrival. The fine for not registering is currently CYP £1500.00.
Until recently, the residence permit has been valid for five years, with the option to apply for permanent residency after this time. However, the Migration Department are now encouraging all EU members to apply for an EU residency permit, which is permanent.
Application forms for all types of residence permit are available from the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (Tel: +357 22 867 800) and from District Aliens and Immigration offices. Forms are also available on the Ministry’s website:
.
District Aliens and Immigration Offices
NicosiaBizantiou Street 11, EngomiTel: +357 22 403 944
LimassolKyrillou Loukareos Kakos Centre,
1st Floor, Kato Polemidia 4156Tel: +357 25 805 213
LarnacaPiale Pasia MakenzyTel: +357 24 804 230
PaphosEleftherios Benizelos 22 & Kanigos
Flat 201, 2nd Floor.Tel: +357 26 808 021
FamagustaAgios Demetrios 146, ParalimniTel: +357 23 803 020
- EMPLOYMENT CHECKLIST
Before moving to take up employment, ensure that:
-You have a valid EU passport
-You fully understand the terms and condition of employment
-You have a clear idea of method of payment
-You are aware of the travel arrangements and whether your employer will pay
-You have accommodation in the area you will be moving to
-You have appropriate health cover
-You have sufficient funds to last until you are paid, or to return home if necessary
3. HEALTH SERVICES
Health service standards compare favourably with those of other developed countries. There are new general hospitals in all districts. Kidney transplantation, open-heart surgery, cardiac and neurosurgical operations are now routinely carried out in Cyprus.
State Hospitals in the Republic of Cyprus
- Nicosia+357 22 603 000
- Larnaca+357 24 800 500
- Limassol+357 25 801 100
- Paphos+357 26 803 100
Further information on public healthcare in Cyprus can be obtained from the Ministry of Health’s website at or by calling +357 22 400 128.
If you have specific concerns about treatment you may require whilst in Cyprus, we recommend that you contact the state hospital in the district where you intend to reside to check that it will be available.
a) Public Health Sector
- Tourists from EU Member States
Tourists can be treated free of charge at a GovernmentHospital with an EHIC (European Health Insurance) card. This covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary because of illness or an accident during a visit to Cyprus. The card gives access to state medical treatment only and you will be treated on the same basis as an ‘insured’ person living in the country.
The EHIC should be obtained before leaving the UK. Applications can be made online, by post or by phone. Please contact:
EHIC Applications
PO Box 1115
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE99 1SW
Tel: (+44) 0845 605 0707
Website:
Note, however, that the EHIC does not cover the costs of private medical care nor of repatriation, should you need to return to the UK for further treatment. It is strongly recommended that visitors take out adequate travel insurance, including medical cover, before they arrive in Cyprus.
- Residents of Cyprus
Residents of Cyprus are not entitled to use an EHIC issued in the UKto cover the costs of state healthcare in Cyprus. Once they have obtained their residency permit, residents should apply through their local state hospital for a medical card. Forms can be downloaded from the Ministry of Health’s website ( and further information obtained from the Medical Card Unit on +357 22 400 177.
Provision of free health care is provided to certain categories of persons, including those on low incomes, and holders of UK forms E121, E123, E109 and E106. Persons not entitled to free health care can make use of the public health service against payment of fees.
Recipients of a UK state pension should obtain form E121 from the International Pension Centre in the UK to prove their eligibility for free public health care in Cyprus. Their contact details are:
The Pension Service International Pension Centre
TyneviewPark
Whitley Road
Benton
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1BA
Tel: (+44) 0191 218 7777
Fax: (+44) 0191 218 7293
Website:
b) Private Health Sector
There are private hospitals and clinics available to those who can afford to pay for their treatment. Please ensure that you confirm with your travel insurance company that they will cover private hospital costs should you fall ill.
4. INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES
General Information on government ministries and the services available to residents of Cyprus can be found on the Government Web Portal at
Once you are resident in Cyprus, you may want to take advantage of the new Citizen Service Centres, which are available in Nicosia (Tel: +357 22 446686), Limassol and Polis Chrysochous. These ‘one-stop-shops’ can provide information on migration and registration, road transport, social security and grants and benefits.
5. LIABILITY FOR MILITARY SERVICE IN CYPRUS
Under the laws of the Republic of Cyprus, all male residents of Cypriot origin, irrespective of nationality, are liable for military service. Those who intend to visit or take up residence in Cyprus are advised to seek further information and clarify their position before their arrival on the island from the National Guard Section, Ministry of Interior, Nicosia, Republic of Cyprus, Tel: +357 22 867 665.
6. SOCIAL SECURITY
There is a reciprocal agreement on social security between the United Kingdom and Cyprus, the purpose of which is to protect the benefit rights of those who move from one country to the other.
- UK National Insurance
Detailed information on your social security, benefits and healthcare rights from a UK perspective can be found on the website of the Department of Work and Pensions at
If you do not have access to the Internet, or wish to discuss your individual situation in relation to UK National Insurance contributions, please contact HM Revenue and Customs Centre for Non-Residents (Newcastle) Help line on:
Tel: (from the UK) 0845 915 4811
Tel: (from outside the UK) +44 191 203 7010
- Social Security in Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus has a comprehensive social security scheme, which is compulsory for everyone who is working in Cyprus as an employee or as a self-employed person. The scheme covers sickness, maternity, disability and unemployment benefits, and retirement pensions.
To find out how to make social security payments in Cyprus, please contact the Ministry of Social Insurance:
Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance
Byron Avenue 7
1463 Nicosia
Tel: +357 22401600
Fax: +357 22670993
Email:
Website at
7. INCOME TAX AND ESTATE DUTY
- Payment of UK Income Tax whilst in Cyprus
For information on this subject, please visit the website of HM Revenue and Customs at . Alternatively, please call the HMRC Centre for Non-Residents (Bootle) Help line on:
Tel: (from the UK) 0845 070 040
Tel: (from outside the UK) +44 151 210 2222
- Payment of Income Tax in Cyprus
Information on income tax payable in Cyprus can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance, Department of Inland Revenue, Nicosia, on their website at , or by telephoning the Central Registry on +357 22 601919.
8. MOTOR VEHICLES
Drivers of all types of motor vehicles must be holders of a valid EU driving licence. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
Third party insurance cover by a Cyprus insurance company is essential unless the importer of the vehicle is in possession of an International Insurance Certificate (green card).
Temporary Importation of Motor Vehicles
Proper certificates of registration and valid circulation licenses must accompany vehicles imported temporarily for the personal use of visitors to Cyprus. Vehicles complying with these requirements do not need to be registered with the Cyprus authorities
However, if the vehicle is not accompanied by the above documents, the owner must apply to the Department of Road Transport within 15 days from the date of importation to secure a temporary registration certificate (contact details below). If the foreign circulation licence of a motor vehicle expires during its stay in Cyprus, the importer must pay the Department of Road Transport the circulation fees.
Permanent Importation of Motor Vehicles
For details on customs duties payable on cars imported to Cyprus, please contact the Customs and Excise Department of the Ministry of Finance:
Customs and Excise Department
Headquarters
M Karoli and G Afxentiou Street
1096 Nicosia
Tel: +357 22 601 713
Fax: +357 22 302 031
Email:
Website:
For information concerning car registration, the roadworthiness test, the Highway Driving Code, driving tests, etc. please contact the Department of Road Transport, of the Ministry of Communications and Works:
Tel: +357 22 807120, or 22 807 106.
Fax: + 357 22 354 030
Website:
9. PROPERTY
PURCHASE OF IMMOVABLE PROPERTY
The process of buying property is similar to that in the UK and most developed countries, yet there are many pitfalls for the unwary. It is vital that you consult a qualified lawyer, who is fully independent of the estate agent, vendor and developer, before making any financial commitment to purchase land or property and who will guide you through the process. As a minimum, your lawyer should advise you about:
- Establishing the credentials of the developer
- Confirming that the land is free from any encumbrances.
- Confirming that the developer is in a position to deliver the title of the property to the purchaser
- Ensuring that electricity and water supplies are available
- Ensuring that the property is not affected by town planning proposals
- Ensuring there is free and legal access to the property from the public highway
- Obtaining an independent valuation
- Obtaining a property survey
- Making the relevant property searches
- Property taxes
- Drafting and finalising the legal contracts
Estate agents must be licensed. A list of licensed Real Estate Agents in southern Cyprus may be obtained from the Cyprus Real Estate Association, P O Box 21455, Nicosia.
The purchase by foreigners of up to a maximum of one donum of land (1,000 square metres or about 1/3 acre) is subject to the permission of the Council of Ministers. A Further information on the subject may be obtained from Headquarters, Lands and Surveys Department, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus, Nicosia, or from the District Lands Office for the property.
The following books may help you with the purchase of property. However, you should note that The High Commission is unable to recommend any of these books and is unable to verify whether the advice that is given within them or the associated web-sites is correct.
- Buying a Property: Cyprus (Buying a Property) by Paul Hellander and John Howell (Paperback - 1 Jun 2005)
- Buying a Home in Cyprus (Survival Handbooks) by Anne Hall
- - Buying a Home in Cyprus by Nigel Howarth (downloadable in .pdf format)
- Buying a Home in Greece and Cyprus (Survival Handbooks) by Joanna Styles and Jim Watson (Paperback - Nov 2001)
- Retiring to Cyprus (Retiring Abroad) (Paperback) by PatYale (Author)
RENTED ACCOMMODATION
Rented accommodation in the large towns is plentiful and is comparatively inexpensive in British terms. For example, the rent of a 3 bedroom furnished house in the better quarters can range from CYP£400 to CYP£1000. Unfurnished flats of a similar size and location may cost CYP£350 to CYP£600 per month.
10. EDUCATION
There are three schools in Nicosia run on United Kingdom Preparatory and Public School lines. These are:
The JuniorSchool P.O. Box 21940
Contact: The Head Kyriacos Matsis Avenue
Nicosia
Tel: +357 22 664855
Fax: +357 22 666 993
Email:
The EnglishSchoolP.O. Box 23575,
Contact: Costas Farsides1684 NicosiaTel: +357 22 799300
Fax: +357 22 799301
Email:
Website:
The FalconSchool III Govt. Housing EstatesAdmissions Secretary: Mrs. L. Georgiades P O Box 23640
Dassoupolis
Nicosia
Tel: +357 22 424781
Fax: +357 22 422398
Email:
In Limassol there is a private English medium school which is broadly comparable to an EnglishGrammar School. It is the: -
Foley’s Grammar & Junior School40 Homer Street,
Contact: Ms Helen AyiomamipisAyios Nicolaos,
(School Secretary)3095 Limassol.
Tel: +357 25 582191
Fax: +357 25 584119
Email:
Website:
There are also schools situated in Dhekelia and Episkopi areas (in the Sovereign Base Areas) and a primary school Nicosia which are primarily for the children of British Forces personnel stationed on the island. The standard of education at these schools is comparable to that in the UK. Subject to vacancies being available, children of non-Forces personnel may be enrolled on a fee-paying basis.
Enquiries and application for enrolment should be submitted to the head teacher of the school c/o HQ AES Episkopi Garrison, Episkopi, Cyprus.
Cyprus Education System
In Cyprus, school attendance is compulsory up to the age of 15 (first nine years of education). This applies to all children who live in Cyprus, regardless of their nationality or faith.
Detailed information on the educational system in Cyprus can be found on the website of Ministry of Education and Culture ( – Greek language only) or at
11. CHURCHES
There are Anglican, Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches in the main towns and one Synagogue in Larnaca. There is a mosque in Nicosia.
12. PETS
Animals originating from an EU country and accompanied by the relevant documentation can enter the Republic of Cyprus without inspection fees or being subjected to quarantine or the need for an import permit.
Pets travelling to Cyprus are required to have a clearly readable identity tattoo or an implanted electronic microchip, and must:
- have a European passport issued by an authorised veterinarian, showing that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies at the age of not less than three months. Rabies vaccination or revaccination should have taken place at least one month prior to departure for Cyprus.
- be no less than three months old.
- be accompanied by documents showing that the animal has arrived from an EU member country
- have up-to-date vaccination records for diseases other than rabies. Please contact the Veterinary Services department for details.
For more information please contact the Veterinary Services department:
Tel: +357 22 805 152/253
Fax: +357 22 805 174
Website:
E-mail:
13. TRANSPORT
Most residents of Cyprus rely heavily on their private cars to travel around the island. However, there are alternative options:
BUSES
‘Intercity’ buses travel regularly between Nicosia and Larnaca and Nicosia and Limassol, departing from the city centres. Local buses are available in the towns, but can be intermittent and unreliable.
TAXIS
The most common way to travel between cities in Cyprus (without using a private or hired vehicle) is a ‘service taxi’. You arrange to be picked up from your house and delivered to your destination. It is relatively cheap way of travelling to another city, but as the service taxis are shared with other travellers who also need to be collected and dropped off, the journey can be longer than anticipated.
Private taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive compared with the UK.
USEFUL WEBSITES
/ Government of Cyprus/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs
/ Ministry of the Interior – Press & Information Office
/ Ministry of Education and Culture
/ Ministry of Agriculture
/ Cyprus Tourism Organisation
/ Yellow Pages – Business Directory
/ European Institute of Cyprus
CONSULAR SECTION
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
MARCH 2007