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Moving to Cyprus

Moving to Cyprus

Moving to Cyprus from Dubai in 2021 takes careful preparation and attention to details and documentation. We provide everything you need to know before moving from Dubai to Cyprus. Start your move today by obtaining up to 6 competitive moving to Cyprus quotations FREE.

Moving to Cyprus means you get to live in a country where others spend their vacation in. Expats settling in Cyprus can take advantage of the island’s diverse population, rich culture, and pleasant climate. Even if the island is divided into different states, one cannot deny Cyprus’s beauty and people.

Among the many other countries in Europe, Cyprus enjoys the most appealing climates. Until now, the division between the Northern Cyprus’ Turkish Republic and the Republic of Cyprus remained a substantial political issue. But this issue is not stopping foreigners from exploring the country.

In this guide, we will share pertinent and useful information that can help you transition, assimilate, and mesh well with the country and its people. Hopefully, through this guide, we can keep you prepared for the kind of life you will be living in this foreign country and keep you from experiencing culture shock.

Overview

Every ex-pat moving to Cyprus comes to the country with a specific goal or purpose. For those who enjoy the Mediterranean climate, the island will be such a treat. Here, you will surely enjoy hot summers that can go as high as 33 degrees Celsius. The winters here are also mild, so you can say that staying here is a Mediterranean dream that finally came to life. The sea temperature can reach 27 degrees Celsius in summer, making the beach more pleasurable.

Both expats and locals also enjoy the 320 days of sunshine in Cyprus. This made the country the sunniest place throughout the European Union. Unfortunately, if you are into hydro technology or agriculture, you will have a problem with its water supply.

If you did your homework, you already know by now that the country has been divided into two parts since 1974. Fewer ex-pats settle within the Turkish part of the country. This, however, does not mean that the Northern part of the island is devoid of natural charms. Lack of independence and international recognition are the two main reasons why ex-pats prefer to settle in the southern half of the island. 

If you are sure about moving to Cyprus, we will pave the path for you. We will share information about the country’s taboos, customs, practices, and social etiquettes so that you can mingle comfortably with the locals in the city. We will also share more valuable information on the country’s visa application, taxing, banking, educational, and healthcare systems. At the end of this guide, we fervently hope that you are more than ready to live a life on this Mediterranean island.

Moving to Cyprus - Requirements

When you are moving to a different country, chances are, the paperwork and immigration process is the most stressful yet crucial aspect of the move. While the requirements are usually complicated, the official documents you need to fill-up are rife with technical terms. The list of things you need to get also seems endless. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in this case. 

The good news is the immigration process in Cyprus is nothing like this. The legal aspects of Cypriot immigration procedures are pretty straightforward. Meaning to say, you can complete the residency process in no time. Because of this, a new life to Cyprus is relatively easy and stress-free for non-EU and EU citizens. 

Despite this, it would still be beneficial if you are familiar with the immigration rules. If you know these processes, you can save a lot of money and time. Once you’re done with all the processes and obtained your residency, you can now enjoy the country's economic and financial potentials, along with the privileges and legal protection that comes with it.

When moving to Cyprus from Dubai, with Household Goods and Personal Effects, the following documents are required.

  • Copy of passport
  • Original passport
  • Original T2L (page 4) signed by Customs at origin (shipments from European Union (EU) countries, including diplomats)
  • Packing list
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / express waybill / air waybill (AWB) (must show C status for EU countries)
  • Sale agreement / termination of rental agreement in origin country (non-EU countries) 
  • Copy of ticket / boarding pass of flight to Cyprus (non-EU countries)
  • Utility bills (non-EU countries)
  • Exemption form from the local embassy (diplomats from non-EU countries)
  • Form 1002 signed and stamped by the local embassy
  • Letter of employment (non-EU countries) (diplomats from non-EU countries)
  • Registration of your children at local schools (non-EU countries)
  • Bank statement confirming you have any funds in Cyprus (non-EU countries)

For a more in-depth look at documentation please check the International Association of Movers.

Visas / Legal

Moving and starting a new life abroad is a significant decision for anyone. This is precisely the reason why ex-pats choose to grab every chance to get to know more about their future home country before they move there permanently. Since Cyprus relies mostly on international tourism, acquiring a legal right to visit the country is uncomplicated. 

Being a member state of the EU, EU passport holders can freely enter the island without paying for an additional visa. They can legally stay on the island for a maximum of three months.

What are the requirements to get a Cypriot visa?

You have to understand that the requirements and process for getting a Cypriot visa are different for EU and non-EU citizens. Then again, the process for either nationality is uncomplicated. Here are some of the requirements you need to secure.

  • Photocopy of your passport (first page and page indicating the country of last entry) 
  • Proof of funds or your source of income (bank statements) 
  • Authenticated copy of your employment contract
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable, should come with apostille translation) 
  • Birth certificate of all your children (if applicable, should also come with apostille translation)
  • Four passport-size photos
  • Medical insurance 

EU residents and nationals need to secure the yellow slip or the Registration Certificate for EU Nationals to stay and work on the island legally. Non-EU citizens have to apply for a pink slip or the Temporary Residence Permit. Nationals and foreign citizens have to meet specific legal requirements to be accorded with permanent resident status. Investors and those planning to open businesses on the island can apply for citizenship through its investment program.

Climate

The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate -- intense dry and long summers from May to October. It is usually winter in December until February -- with these months separated by short spring and autumn seasons. 

High temperatures and cloudless skies characterize Cypriot summer. The sea breeze also creates a pleasant coastal area atmosphere. In the early afternoons, you can expect isolated thunder showered over the mountains. Cypriot winters are usually characterized by mild snow and rain, especially on Troodos Mountains. 

Earlier, we mentioned that the country is a sun chaser’s paradise. This is mainly because it enjoys abundant sun, even in December and January. On average, they get to enjoy around six hours of vibrant sunshine every day. And during the summer months, the country enjoys about 11.5 hours of sun every day.

spring

mar - may
3

60%

8

Rainy
Days Per
Month
Relative
Humidity
hours of
sunshine
per day
High

28oC/82oF

Low

9oC/48oF

Summer

june - aug

1

55%

11
Rainy
Days Per
Month
Relative
Humidity

hours of
sunshine
per day
High

33oC/91oF

Low
16oC/61oF

AUTUMN

sep - nov
2
65%
9
Rainy
Days Per
 Month
Relative
Humidity

hours of
sunshine
per day
High
31oC/88oF
Low
13oC/55oF

winter

dec - feb
8
70%
7
Rainy
Days Per
Month
Relative
Humidity

hours of
sunshine
per day
High

20oC/68oF

Low

7oC/45oF

Healthcare in Cyprus

The country’s health insurance is governed and regulated by the Ministry of Health. The people’s taxes are used to fund the said system. As an ex-pat, you need to register with the Ministry to set their residency application in motion. After this, you have to sign up for state medical insurance. After that, you will then receive a health insurance card. You will fall under any of these categories: 

  • People entitled to free medical and healthcare service
  • People who have to pay a minimal fee 
  • People who have to pay for the full treatment cost 

The said categorization will largely depend on your pre-existing conditions, whether you have kids or not, and on your income.

How does the Cypriot healthcare system work?

Aside from those mentioned above, anyone who works in the country should not worry about their insurance. Their employer must sort insurance matters on their behalf. The country is still in the process of overhauling its health system, and as early as 2001, it has already established the National Health Service supported by the EU and the IMF. The establishment of the said body resulted in substantial system-wide changes.

Under this new system, retirees and wage earners have to pay a certain amount as a compulsory fee to be eligible for healthcare. This system was supposed to be in full force and effect from March 2019. The implementation of this system is expected to be started this year. But even if it will be further delayed, it’s good to know what you have to expect when you decide to move to the country soon.

Also, know that group plans are also expected to see the most changes under this new system. Companies are expected to offer their employees with group plans. The employees, in return, will be forced to pay mandatory contributions. They may also choose to go entirely private, especially if they have already subscribed to such a plan. 

Currently, small changes are already in place in basic medical appointments and procedures. Now, a doctor’s visit can cost around 3 EUR, while prescriptions can go as low as 0.50 EUR. Those who don’t have a health card are charged more - up to 15 EUR for a regular doctor’s check-up. Though not all doctors speak English, you can expect their medical professionalism to be very high. 

If you’re an EU national, you’re lucky because your EHIC card is your free treatment ticket. This card, however, is not a substitute for a comprehensive insurance plan. This card is also not applicable to the Turkish parts of the country.