On arrival
Southern Cyprus is rapidly becoming a popular choice of island to live on since it became a full member of the European Union in May 2004. UK citizens have the freedom of movement to live and work in Southern Cyprus as new regulations mean that it is now quite straightforward to live in this half of the country. However, regulations regarding immigration change regularly so it is advisable to seek advice before moving. Currently, once in Cyprus, you must register with the immigration authorities within three months and have documentation to prove that you can support yourself and not be a drain on the Cypriot economy.

EU nationals can now own more than one property, previously illegal, making it an attractive proposition for those wishing to invest. Travellers arriving in Cyprus may enter only through the legal ports of entry: Larnaka and Pafos international airports, or the ports of Larnaka, Limassol and Pafos.

Currency
The currency in Cyprus is the Cypriot pound (CY£) which is divided into 100 cents. The exchange rate as of July 2005 was £1=CY£0.83. All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout southern Cyprus, although debit cards such as Switch and Delta are not so readily recognised. Check with your bank for more information.

Lifestyle
Adjusting to life in Cyprus, 'the island of love', is a relatively smooth process for most Brits. Although the country is predominantly Greek in language and culture, most Cypriots also speak English and all government, banking and utility company employees are required to speak English as a second language.

Communication costs are very cheap and broadband is widely available for keeping in touch with friends and family. Medical treatment is different from the UK, and some would say better. Private health is recommended and is much cheaper than in the UK.
 
Although under EU legislation you have the right to the same facilities as the Cypriots, this isn't always free like the NHS – visiting a doctor usually costs about CY£15 to CY£25. A wide range of drugs are available over the counter in pharmacies at lower costs than in the UK. Driving is also easy as the Cypriots drive on the left and all road signs are in English. However, speed limits and distances are conveyed in kilometres instead of miles. You will need to be 21 or over to drive and will need to be in possession of either a valid British or international driving licence. Petrol is cheap, at about half the cost of the UK per litre. Insurance is generally on a par with Britain, and British no claims bonuses are permitted. The lifestyle is very different, spent mainly outdoors, laid-back and relaxed. The crime rate is only one sixth of the average crime rate in Europe and Cyprus has excellent housing conditions.
Explore every avenue to make sure you buy the right property in the right area – Cyprus has a variety of different landscapes from wooded peaks to sandy beaches. The climate can be beautiful when the sun is shining, but it does rain and can get cold in the winter months (December to March), and the heat can also be overbearing during summer. The average daytime temperature in winter is about 10–13°C; in summer it is 26–29°C. Cyprus has 300 sunny days a year which means an average of 11 hours to enjoy the sun each day. In winter, that drops to six hours of sun a day. Stay cool when it gets hot and remain relaxed. Life in Cyprus can be frustrating for anyone who is used to getting things done in a hurry. One consequence of the lifestyle is that you can't expect things to be done straight away and one should bear in mind that life in Cyprus is very different from being on holiday; people moving there should avoid falling into the trap of living like a tourist, as this will become an expensive lifestyle.

Working
European citizens can now work in Cyprus after registering with immigration and obtaining a National Insurance number from the labour office, which is a fairly simple process. Do not expect to get rich working in Cyprus as the average salary is only about CY£500 (approximately £596) a month, but the cost of living is lower than the UK – with a more generous tax allowance. As tourism is the biggest employer in Cyprus, one can expect to gain employment in this field either in one of the hotels' many functions or in the local bars and restaurants. There are also also opportunities for trades people and nurses are particularly sought after in the clinics and hospitals. Administration positions are available in the many smaller companies and professional practices.

Franchises are available, and it is easy to establish a local company, enabling businesses such as building trades, beauty salons and hairdressers.

Tax
Cyprus has a dual taxation scheme with the UK, so you only get taxed once depending on where you live. You will be regarded as 'tax resident' if you spend more than 182 days in a calendar year on the island. Half days spent on the island are included within this number. Standard income tax rates start at 20 per cent for incomes of between CY£10,001 to CY£15,000. Those earning between CY£15,001 to CY£20,000 pay 25 per cent and an income of over CY£20,000 incurs a 30 per cent tax rate. VAT is 15 per cent.

Read the latest World Property Bulletin ezine now FREE

Search for properties in Cyprus

Article first published in August 2005