Relocation to Cyprus
Are you considering relocating to Cyprus? Whether you dream of picturesque beaches and classical antiquities or seek to improve your quality of life, find lucrative employment, and live comfortably, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information about relocating to Cyprus and living there. Cyprus offers a high quality of life at relatively low prices (expect a significant decrease in grocery expenses). However, this holds true only if your expectations align with the lifestyle there. Quality of life in Cyprus is centered around simple pleasures: the sea, swimming pools, villages, wine, and beauty, all in a tranquil setting.
Over a million residents live in Cyprus, an island whose area is about a third of Israel’s territory. With its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and laid-back atmosphere, Cyprus attracts many tourists and expatriates. The percentage of foreign residents is very high, making it easy to find solutions for those in the process of relocating to Cyprus, such as temporary housing and furniture rental.
Common Occupations
Cyprus offers a wide range of employment opportunities. Common fields include customer service representatives, marketing managers, technical support personnel, finance and sales managers. Business activities are concentrated in Nicosia and Limassol, both within an hour’s drive from Larnaca. The official language in Cyprus is Greek, but English is widely spoken and easily adaptable.
Some people choose to relocate to Cyprus permanently, while others stay temporarily during the workweek and return to Israel on weekends. It’s important to distinguish between these options in terms of tax definitions in Israel. Those who complete residency disconnection and move to live in Cyprus will be exempt from Israeli tax obligations. In the second model, the employee is considered an Israeli resident for tax purposes even while working in Cyprus.
European Union citizens and citizens of EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries, such as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, do not need a visa to enter Cyprus and stay there. However, non-EU citizens need to apply for a visa before arriving in Cyprus. A temporary stay permit for tourist or business visits of up to 90 days can be obtained. You can apply for a temporary permit at the Cypriot embassy in your country.
If you plan to stay in Cyprus for an extended period, you will need a residence permit. You can apply for a residence permit at the Immigration Department of Cyprus at the embassy in your country. It is important to include documents demonstrating your financial status and specify the reason for your application. Note that entry requirements to Cyprus may change from time to time.
Healthcare System
If you are planning to live in Cyprus, it’s important to know that Cyprus offers an excellent public healthcare system as well as high-quality private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is funded by income tax and is available to both citizens and residents, providing comprehensive medical services. All residents, including foreign residents returning on a residence permit, are entitled to receive services in public hospitals and clinics.
Private healthcare services in Cyprus offer a variety of treatments and specialties, including specialized tests and advanced technologies. However, it’s important to note that private healthcare services are more expensive than public ones. It is recommended to purchase private health insurance to cover the costs of specialized medical treatments. Many employers also offer medical insurance to their employees.
The Cypriot Ministry of Health oversees both public and private healthcare services, ensuring that all medical facilities and healthcare professionals meet the required standards. Pharmacies in Cyprus are very accessible and sell over-the-counter medications. The healthcare system in Cyprus is generally efficient, and most professionals speak English. Cyprus has signed agreements with other countries in the European Union to recognize healthcare coverage. These agreements ensure that citizens of EU countries can receive comprehensive and quality healthcare services in Cyprus.
If you are planning to move to Cyprus, it’s advisable to take the time to understand the healthcare system and explore the best insurance options for you and your family.
Education System
Cyprus has a well-developed education system that offers high-quality education for students. Like other European countries, education is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 15. Cyprus has both public and private schools that provide education at various levels, including pre-primary education, primary education, secondary education, and higher education. Private schools may be more expensive than public ones, but they offer higher-quality education, and their range of disciplines is extensive.
Cyprus has several universities that offer a wide range of study programs for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The popular universities in Cyprus include the University of Cyprus, the European University of Cyprus, and the International University of Cyprus. The language of instruction in most universities is English, which is especially convenient for foreign students. One of the advantages of pursuing academic studies in Cyprus is the low cost of tuition. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to study at one of the universities in Cyprus, do not hesitate to do so.
Regarding the quality of the education system, Cyprus has received a high rating from the OECD. The population is highly literate, and the level of literacy is high. If you are planning to move to Cyprus with children, it is recommended to check educational institutions in different areas and choose the institution that suits your budget and needs. It is advisable to inquire in advance about the language of instruction, as some schools and universities may offer courses in Greek or Turkish. In summary, education in Cyprus is of high quality, affordable, and meets the needs of foreign children of all ages.
In conclusion, real estate investment in Cyprus is a tempting opportunity for people who want to secure their economic future. With strong market demand and a variety of diverse properties available for sale, such as houses and apartments, investors have many options to choose from. One of the main advantages of investing in Cypriot is its viable tax system. The country offers attractive tax incentives to real estate investors, including low estate and non-capital income on the sale of properties held for more than five years. Furthermore, Cypern boasts a high quality of life that makes it an attractive destination for residents and tourists as well. The Mediterranean climate, its beautiful landscapes and its cultural heritage contribute to a high level of living.
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