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People of Cyprus
During your time in Cyprus, you will learn the true meaning of
hospitality. Cyprus is rightfully called the island of love. The
people of Cyprus owe their individuality to the fact that they
are the products of the amazingly rich history of an island at
the cross-roads of three continents.
Within a very short space of time, visitors can make friends and
find themselves fully integrated.
Cyprus offers a high quality of life, with a standard of living
higher than the per capita income alone can express. Combine this
with the islands landscape of sandy beaches and rugged coves which
border the central plain that rises up to the pine covered mountains,
and you have a truly beautiful place to visit or live.
Please
take a look at our new web site for details of properties and
other information
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Government & international relations
Cyprus is a republic based on a constitution written in 1960 after
independence from the British, who still maintain Sovereign bases
on the island. The President is the Head of State who is elected
for a five-year term. All citizens aged over 18 can vote in the
elections. Legislative power lies with the House of Representatives
which is composed of 56 members each elected for a five-year term
by a system of proportional representation.
Human rights and private property are safe guarded by the constitution.
Cyprus is a member state of the United Nations, the Commonwealth,
The Council of Europe and a full member of the European Union.
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The Cyprus "problem"
In 1974 the Turkish army invaded Cyprus and after an intense military
offensive captured 36% of the island. There are many books available
on the Cyprus Problem. The captured area is still occupied today
and lies in the North of Cyprus with the island being separated
by the "Green Line". Subsequently, access between the North and
South is restricted. Negotiations are taking place to resolve the
issue and bring Northern Cyprus into the European Union.
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Healthcare & medical services
The health risks involved when travelling to Cyprus are minimal.
No specific vaccinations are required except those travelling from
infected areas are required to have smallpox, cholera and yellow
fever vaccinations and tetanus boosters should be up to date for
everyone. It is wise to drink bottle water or boil the tap water
as in most European countries. Skin protection against the strong
sun should be used at all times.
The health care service is of a very high standard and available
to everyone, and you will probably find that the doctors have qualified
in either the UK or USA. Paphos and Larnaca provides a new General
Hospital, which is equipped with the latest medical and surgical
technology. Private treatment is also available. We recommend the
services of a mojor insurer for your medical insurance. Go Medical
insurance quoteshere for more info |
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Climate
The climate on the island is mild winters and hot dry summers.
The average daytime temperature in winter is about 10-13C and 26-29C
in summer. Cyprus enjoys 300 sunny days a year which in summer
is an average of 11 hours each day and in the winter months of December
and January the average of 6 hours. In winter the Troodos
Mountain range provides good skiing conditions.
| Temp |
Jan |
Feb |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
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| Min (C) |
7.9 |
7.7 |
9.3 |
11.1 |
14.8 |
18.8 |
21.1 |
21.8 |
19.3 |
16.1 |
13.5 |
9.7 |
| Max (C) |
16.6 |
16.9 |
18.5 |
22.2 |
25.9 |
29.7 |
31.8 |
32.7 |
30.5 |
27.1 |
22.7 |
18.6 |
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Banking Please
note there may be changes to this information now Cyprus has joined
the European Union.
A prerequisite to living and working in Cyprus is to open a Local
Disbursement Account (LDC) with a bank in Cyprus. There are a number
of banks to choose from which are well regulated by the authorities.
The currency in Cyprus is the Cyprus pound (CYP) which is made of
of 100 cents to the pound. The local banks are;
- Alpha Bank Ltd
- Bank of Cyprus Ltd
- Co-operative Central Bank Ltd
- The Cyprus Popular Bank (LAIKI) Ltd
- Hellenic Bank Ltd
- Universal Savings Bank Ltd
These banks are only open between the hours of
08.15 - 12.30 Monday to Friday, throughout the year. A number of
international banks are also represented in Cyprus, but an LDC must
be opened upon moving to Cyprus as it is intended to provide for
the expatriates living expenditure on the island. LDC accounts may
be debited for cash withdrawals and living expenses but should not
be debited for the purchase of duty free vehicles or the acquisition
of property. There are convertible accounts known in Cyprus as External
Accounts which can be traded in any currency and it is these that
should be used for payment of vehicles and property.
Local currency is not accepted for deposit in an LDC. These accounts
may only be credited with amounts transferred from convertible accounts
held in Cyprus or abroad. Upon departure from Cyprus any residual
balance in an LDC account can be transferred to any convertible
account either in Cyprus or abroad.
The Cyprus currency is the Cyprus Pound often seen as CY£.
There is a well developed banking system in Cyprus that caters for
the needs of everyone from Businessmen to individuals. There are
about five major banks on the Island, which includes, Bank of Cyprus
and Hellenic Bank. All of the banks in Cyprus adhere to the British
method of banking.
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Quality of life
The standard of living is higher than the per capita income alone
can express. Outside of the main towns It is virtually pollution
free. The crime rate is only 1/6 of the average crime rate in Europe,
which makes Cyprus a very comfortable island to live on with
excellent housing conditions. VAT from 1 January 2003 is 15%
A couple wishing to live in Cyprus could easily have a comfortable
lifestyle from CY£6,000 to CY£7,000 per
year. See chart below. |
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Education
It is your responsibility to check these fee's. They are provided
by us for guidance only. The children of expatriates in Cyprus
normally attend an independent or foreign school. These can be
found in all the major towns and offer high standards of education.
| American International School in Cyprus
(AISC) |
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| E-mail: |
n/a |
| Telephone: |
00357 22 316345 |
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| E-mail: |
n/a |
| Telephone: |
00357 22 424781 |
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| E-mail: |
n/a |
| Telephone: |
00357 22 664855 |
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n/a |
| Telephone: |
00357 22 780527 |
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| The International School
of Paphos |
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| The Xenion School at Paralimni |
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Language
Greek is the official language in Cyprus, but most people will speak
in English. If you try to speak to a Greek in their language, they
will reply to you in English. Street and road signs are all in dual
languages, which makes it easy for everyone to find their way around.
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Transport
The islands two international airports are situated in Larnaca and
Paphos Larnaca together with Limasol also has a deep water port.
Cyprus is the major cruising centre in the region with most international
cruise liners calling into its ports. Residents and visitors can
take advantage of exciting cruises to Greece, Egypt and Israel.
Driving in Cyprus is on the left, there is a new highway between
Paphos and Limassol which makes travelling that little bit easier.
A visitor holding a valid driving licence from his country or an
international drivers licence is allowed to drive in Cyprus.
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Food, alcohol and tobacco
All the markets in Cyprus provide a colourful variety of produce,
which are always reasonably priced. The large supermarkets are stocked
with local and imported goods. Restaurants are of excellent quality
and inexpensive.
Try a “meze” this is a selection of local dishes (usually between
15 – 28 dishes) this gives you a chance to sample the local food
without ordering a main course dish and finding you don't like it.
Local wines and spirits are reasonably priced and good value. Imported
beers are also available but Keo and Carlsberg are the most popular
brands, costing approx. 60 cents per bottle. Cigarettes are around
£1.90 for a packet of 20. |
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Residence Permit
Please note this information will change for EU citizens now Cyprus
is a member of the European Union.
The Cypriot regulations regarding visas depend on the nationality
of the visitor. For example, those with passports endorsed by the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will find themselves subject
to restricted entry. A valid passport without visa will provide
a stay of up to 90 days for all bona fide visitors.
Persons entering as visitors are not allowed to take up any form
of employment or engage in any business. Travellers arriving in
Cyprus may enter only through the legal ports of entry, Larnaca
Port or Airport, Limassol Port and Paphos Airport or Port. In order
to remain in Cyprus for longer than 90 days, an application must
be made for a Temporary Residence Permit.
People wishing to retire in Cyprus must make an application to the
Chief Immigration Officer in Nicosia for an Immigration Permit.
Under the current legislation, a short Curriculum Vitae is required
along with documentary evidence that access is available to a secured
annual income such as a pension or dividends from investments. This
annual income must be at least CYP5600 per person plus CYP2700 per
dependent. Once the immigration permit is approved a retired person
is not allowed to engage in any form of business profession or occupation,
whether paid or unpaid whilst residing in Cyprus.
Those coming to live and work will need to obtain a Temporary Residence
and Employment Permit if they are not holders of Cypriot passports.
However, the regulations about starting or owning a business in
Cyprus have now been relaxed and you can have a local company without
the requirement for a Cypriot partner. Our associated Lawyer can
assist with all the necessary documentation and finding of business
and franchises. Please go the business section for further information.
The address for Immigration is Migration Department, Ministry of
the Interior, 1457 Nicosia. Tel; +357 22 804502.
The current policy on employment (changing for EU citizens) states
that a work permit will only be given on a temporary basis and for
a specified position provided that no suitable qualified Cypriots
are available. A local Cypriot employer must first be secured (or
set up your own local company) and it is they who submit an application
to the Migration Officer in Nicosia. This action must occur while
the Foreign National is outside Cyprus except in the case of EU
Nationals. Initially the permit will be valid for 2 years, but thereafter
for 3 years. If a change of employer is made whilst in Cyprus, an
application for a new permit must be made. A word of warning here;
working illegally in Cyprus can result in prosecution and deportation.
It is expected now that Cyprus is a member of the EU, any EU National
will be able to work there as part of the European Union Treaty.
Offshore employees coming to Cyprus have different legislation.
Executive and Managers must apply for a Temporary Residence and
Employment Permit through the Central Bank of Cyprus with a form
obtained from their lawyer or accountant. Permits are granted quite
readily in these instances. Non-Executive staff however, must apply
through their relevant District labour Office and often permits
are only granted if there are no qualified Cypriots available.
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Working in Cyprus
With the changes in the laws recently in Cyprus, we can now assist
you to set up a local business, an off shore business, purchase
a franchise or just to work. Please go to the business advice section
for further information on these services.
| ESTIMATED
ANNUAL OUTGOINGS FOR AN AVERAGE SIZE PROPERTY IN CYPRUS
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| Water rates (payable Quarterly) |
£32.00 |
| Electricity Approx depending on use |
£260.00 |
| Municipal (Refuse collection) |
£75.00 |
| Insurance (House & Buildings) |
£130.00 |
Car Tax (1600 cc)
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£85.00 |
| Car Insurance (Fully Comprehensive) |
£205.00 |
Food for two people (approx. £60.00
per week)
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£4,120.00 |
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Total
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£4907.00 |
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| Divide £4,907.00 by 12 = £410
per month approx but it depend on how the individual lives. |
Not Included in the above are in Cyprus currency:
Petrol - about 48.8c per litre · Diesel - about
46c per litre
Health Costs - Prescriptions - £6.00 average ·
Private healthcare starts at £25.00 per Month.
Doctors & Clinics - £10-15.00 per visit.
All of the above
costs are in £'s Cyprus and are average only
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