A world away from the unpredictable weather of the UK, there’s no surprise why many people are choosing to relocate to the sunny locales of Cyprus. As well as being a great place for business, this is a location where stunning natural landscapes and laid back living are the order of the day.
If you are tempted to make the move from the UK to Cyprus, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.
Why Move to Cyprus?
Once you make the switch from the UK to Cyprus, you’ll never look back. The island offers both plenty of business opportunities, and the feeling of a holiday that never ends. You can expect a high quality lifestyle without the high prices of living in most UK cities.
From its sunny beaches and rich history to its growing expat community, Cyprus has fast become a popular location for people looking for both business opportunities and constant holiday weather. Cyprus is also a great place to work or grow your business, with a low taxation system and a strong economy.
Worried about settling in? Don’t sweat it. Cypriot locals are known for their welcoming nature, ensuring you’ll feel at home in no time. And if you ever get homesick, the island’s strategic location allows for easy travel to other European destinations.
How to move from the UK to Cyprus?
You may want to move from the UK to Cyprus, but how do you go about it? To make this life-changing decision, you’ll need to follow several important steps:
Find the best area for you
Cyprus has plenty of great cities to choose from, making it easy to pick one that aligns with your lifestyle. Do some digging on the various cities and regions in Cyprus, including Limassol, Paphos and Famagusta. Whether you’re moving for your career, or to be near the beach, you’ll find your ideal city in no time.
Work out the legalities
As a UK citizen, you won’t need a visa to enter Cyprus for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Temporary Residency Permits are a great option for people who need to move to Cyprus for a part-time job, or a prolonged stay with family.
However, if you plan to stay in the long-term, you’ll need to apply for a Permanent Residency Permit. This permit is valid for up to 5 years, but you’ll first need to prove that you have lived in Cyprus for 5 years with a temporary residence permit. For a faster route, you can also obtain permanent residency by purchasing a property in Cyprus worth 300,000, as long as you used funds that came outside of Cyprus.
Housing
To avoid a last-minute scramble for accommodation, aim to secure this before you arrive. At Chris Michael Property Group, you can choose from a selection of apartments, villas or even traditional family houses. Just speak to one of our local real estate agents, and you’ll find your dream home in no time.
Healthcare
In the case of an emergency, it’s a good idea to make sure you have health insurance that covers Cyprus – sooner rather than later. Thankfully, healthcare in Cyprus is renowned for its great quality, and was even recognised by the World Health Organisation as offering the same standard as the UK and US.
Finances
To make your day-to-day expenses as easy as possible, be sure to open a bank account in Cyprus as soon as you can. All you’ll need is your passport, proof of your new address, and a reference letter from your previous bank to begin. To make your transactions smoother, you might want to consider going with an international bank that has branches in both the UK and Cyprus.
Why are so many people making the switch?
Cyprus has become a popular destination for expats seeking a change of scenery and lifestyle. There are currently around 50,000 British expats in Cyprus, with many choosing to relocate to Paphos. Many expats are drawn to the slower pace of life, the opportunity to experience a different culture, and the chance to live in a sunnier destination.
Whether you are moving for work, or simply sold on the idea of living by the beach, Cyprus has something for everyone. At Chris Michael Property Group, you can enjoy a luxury base to explore the heights of Cypriot living, with homes in popular areas like Paphos, Limassol and Famagusta.