FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Choose Cyprus?
Is Cyprus continuing to invest its infrastructure?
I want to rent out my property how can I do that?
Can I get by without speaking Greek?
Can I bring my pets?
Can I bring my electrical appliances?
Can I use Gas?
How is my water bill calculated?
Driving in Cyprus
Can I get Satellite Television?
Can I get telephone connection easily?
Is there Broadband in Cyprus?
I have children, what about schools?
I want to stay active, what can I do?
Why Choose Cyprus? There are numerous advantages of living in Cyprus with 320+ days of sunshine every year topping the list. The laid back way of life and hospitality of its people, the freshness and quality of its food, fruit and vegetables, the abundance of wine and local produce and peace of mind regarding lack of crime and safety are all very good reasons for wanting to live here. Here is a summary of what Cyprus has to offer:
- Approximately 320 days a year of sunshine
- Virtually no crime, no vandalism, no pollution and no traffic congestion
- The cost of living is much cheaper than in the UK and Cyprus is one of the most inexpensive countries in Europe.
- Pensions from the UK can be claimed and are taxed at 5%.
- Income tax allowances are far more generous, over twice of those in the UK and a maximum higher rate of 30%.
- There is no inheritance tax in Cyprus.
- The law is based on British law (Common Law).
- Your annual Council tax will probably be less than you paid PER MONTH in the UK.
- Telecommunication systems are highly developed and very cheap to use.
- Cyprus has a superior medical care system.
- There are miles of unspoilt coastline and dramatic mountain scenery.
Is Cyprus continuing to invest its infrastructure? There are big plans for development that will make Cyprus even more marketable. These are just some of the new projects:
- Famagusta area (Protaras & Ayia Napa): A golf course, race track and marina
- Larnaca area: Dismantling the old oil refinery and expanding the residential marina and a new golf course.
- Limassol area: The agreement to build a new marina which will be situated in the heart of the town has been signed by the Minister of Commerce and it will have the capacity of holding 1,000 boats.
- Paphos area: A new marina at Coral Bay and a new road leading to Polis and a new golf course.
I want to rent out my property how can I do that? There are many Cyprus property management companies that offer packages to look after rentals on behalf of absentee landlords, they can offer services from just the change over cleaning through to all the whole scenario of advertising, taking bookings and the maintenance of the property.
Can I get by without speaking Greek? Yes, ninety percent of Cypriots speak English as it is a compulsory subject in schools. There are many opportunities to learn Greek from private lessons to classes and your efforts will be appreciated even if you just master the basics.
Can I bring my pets? Cyprus is a member of the Pet Travel Scheme which allows pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) from any of the countries covered by the scheme to enter Cyprus without quarantine provided they meet specified anti-rabies, blood sampling and anti-worm/anti-tick hygiene requirements (note: UK pets can enter Cyprus on the Pet Travel Scheme without the need for a rabies blood test. However, they will not be allowed back into the UK without quarantine.) Full information and paperwork must be obtained from the government department DEFRA.
Can I bring my electrical appliances? Yes, Cyprus works on the 240 voltage system and sockets are of British Standard.
Can I use Gas? There are no gas lines in Cyprus, however if you want a gas oven or hob you can use a bottle which is very inexpensive. LPG gas is available in 10 kg portable cylinders.
How is my water bill calculated? Water is paid on usage by meter readings and bills are paid quarterly.
Driving in Cyprus – Cyprus is a left hand drive country and all the road signs are the same as the UK. Car insurance and road tax are far cheaper that the UK. There is an excellent and modern road network of highways connecting all the major towns.
Can I get Satellite Television? – There are many packages to choose from some of the most popular are; Sky Digital, BBC Prime Hotbird, Nova (Greece) and Orbit Satellite – Arabsat are among the most popular.
Can I get telephone connection easily? The Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta) is one of the most technologicically advanced companies in the world. Cytanet provide landlines and mobile sim cards for either contract or pay as you go services.
Mobile services are also available from MTN (they have recently taken over Areeba).
Is there Broadband in Cyprus? Broadband is available from Cytanet. In remoter areas it is also available via satellite.
I have children, what about schools? There are two options for schooling either free state education or privately via fee-paying English speaking International schools. As our children were 12 and 16 when we arrived to Cyprus we opted to go for an International school as we felt that upheaval of relocating was enough to go through at the time. We have many friends who have entered their young children into local schools and they have integrated well.
I want to stay active, what can I do? Cyprus has every conceivable water sport available from scuba diving to para-gliding. There are international tournament standard golf courses, tennis academies, football pitches, bowling greens in fact all sports are catered for. As EU citizens you are allowed to work and set up your own company.
If there are any questions you may have that are not answered here, drop us a quick email and we will answer your query.
