International Removal Guide
Moving to Cyprus
Known around the world as a warm and sunny tourist destination, Cyprus is becoming more and more popular as a destination to move or retire to. With a stupendously hot climate and thriving expat community, discover why moving to Cyprus should be at the top of your places to move to in 2025, as we discuss the politics, demographics and even the cultural aspects of moving to Cyprus from the UK, in our latest country relocation guide!
1. Why Move to Cyprus?
Quality of Life
Consistently ranking in the top 25 countries in the world for quality of life, Cyprus still ranks as one of the happiest places anywhere in Europe. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine per year, a relaxed lifestyle, combined with beautiful coastlines, Cyprus is an attractive destination for those seeking a balance between work and pleasure. With a lower cost of living than the UK (about half) and most of Western Europe, it’s an appealing option for expats and retirees alike.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
Cyprus has a very stable and growing economy, with key industries in tourism, finance, shipping and IT. Back in 2023 the un-employment rate was around the 6.5%, with a demand for skilled workers in the finance, healthcare and technology sectors. Varying by industry and location, the average salary in Cyprus is around €24,000 per year.
Climate and Natural Beauty
Being one of the most southern parts of Europe, Cyprus is blessed with great weather all year round. However, many expats find inland cities like Nicosia too hot in the peak of summer. So look at a coastal town if you’re looking for somewhere that’s bearable for your pale white skin!
Ease of Integration
The two official languages in Cyprus are Greek in the South, and Turkish in the North. However, thanks to local tourism, English is widely spoken across the island, so you don’t need to learn Greek or Turkish quite yet! This makes integration into the local community much easier. However, with limited public transport, we’d recommend having your own vehicle to get around the island.
2. Key Facts and Figures
Here are some of the key facts and figures about Cyprus itself:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.36 million |
| Official Language | Greek/Turkish |
| Currency | Euro |
| Time Zone | GMT+2 |
| Major Cities | Nicosia and Limassol |
3. Visa and Immigration Requirements
Before considering a move to Cyprus, you need to carefully examine all the options for visas and residency before you you plan your move. Fortunately there are 3 main ways to get residency when moving to Cyprus. The processing time for these visas can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
- EU Citizens: Can move freely between EU countries, but must apply for residency after 3 months.
- Non-EU Citizens: Requires a visa, such as a work permit, student visa, or investment visa
- Permanent Residency: Only available through property investment or a pre-approved long-term stay.
4. Preparing for Your Move
A. Choosing the Right Removal Company
During your research for a trustworthy International Removal Company, be sure to check if they are members of an internationally accredited association, such as Euromovers or IAM. Also check to see if they have specific case studies that relate to you desired destination. If they’ve not previously shipped goods to your chosen country, we’d advise choosing another removal company.
The services you would typically expect from your chosen International Removal Company should include:
- Packing and Unpacking Assistance
- Secure Transportation of Goods
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Storage Solutions (if required)
B. Shipping Options
Located in the Mediterranean sea, shipping your goods to Cyprus from the UK is the most cost-effective option. Although much quicker, air-freight is considerably more expensive. Being an island nation, a road train is not a viable option for shipping your goods to Cyprus.
- Sea Freight: Cost Effective for larger shipments; transit times range from 3-5 weeks from the UK.
- Air Freight: More expensive than sea freight, but significantly quicker, making ideal for time-sensitive goods.
- Road Train: Not an option
*BONUS* – why not check out our article all about Air Freight vs Sea Freight?
C. Customs Regulations
Be aware of Cypriot customs policies. At the very least you need to be able to provide the following:
- Detailed Inventory List
- Passport and proof of residence in Cyprus
- Copy of visas
- Work permit or Residency Documents
In Cyprus, and most other countries, certain items like alcohol, tobacco and electronics may attract higher duty payments, or may even require special permits! Vehicles can be imported, but require registration and a roadworthiness test. The Cypriots also drive on the left hand side of the road too, so you wouldn’t have to make any alterations if you were shipping your vehicle with you to Cyprus.
D. Decluttering and Packing
Here at Euromovers we’re firm believers in using the three R’s when it comes to decluttering before you pack:
- Reduce: Decrease the amount your taking by removing old clothes and items you no longer need.
- Re-Use: Those boxes you’re about to throw away? They can be re-used for moving!
- Recycle: If you’ve not got a use for it, maybe someone else will? Recycle any old clothes and put them into a donation box for you local clothes bank
5. Estimated Costs
At Euromovers, our calculated cost of moving abroad is based upon 3 main factors: The shipment size (ft³), destination, and customs duty! Here’s a further breakdown of these costs to help with your move to Cyprus:
- Shipping Costs: Sea Freight for a 20ft container can be anywhere from £5500-8500 from the UK. Plus transport costs when you get there. While air freight can be upwards of £10,000. If shipping from the US, expect to pay almost £12k for a 20ft shipping container.
- Custom Duties: Cyprus has a set rate import tax rate of 19% for most items. For example, if your laptop is worth £200. You would pay a total of £238 to import it into Cyprus. Confused? Why not use this handy import calculator to figure out how much VAT you would be due on your current inventory of goods.
- Insurance: At Euromovers we offer varying levels of cover including marine transport insurance. On average, insurance costs are between 1-3% of the shipment value.
- Temporary Accommodation: You may need to factor in the costs of staying short-term if awaiting a visa or a room to become available. Put aside approximately £55-£90 per night for a comfortable night of sleep in Nicosia. Whereas a night’s stay in a more urban location will cost less, at between £40 and £60 per night.
6. Settling In: Housing, Schools, and Healthcare
A. Housing
The housing costs in Cyprus depend greatly on where you plan to live. Here are the average rental costs in Cyprus for a 3 bedroom house, depending on location:
Nicosia: €700 – 1,200 per month for a three-bedroom home.
Limassol: €900 – 1,500 per month.
Paphos: €600 – 1,000 per month.
Purchasing property is also popular when moving to Cyprus, with prices lower than many Western European countries. Point to note, the government also offer incentives for foreign investors.
B. Education
In Cyprus there is a mix of both public and private schools. Education for natives is entirely free, but is taught in Greek and Turkish. Therefore, if you’re bringing children along you’ll need to pay around €5,000 – 12,000 per year for international school fees.
C. Healthcare
The healthcare in Cyprus is high quality and very affordable. EU citizens can access the public healthcare services, while non-EU residents must rely on private healthcare insurance. However, private healthcare in Cyprus is widely available and often preferred due to the shorter wait times.
Top 3 Rated Hospitals in Cyprus:
7. Cyprus Cost Comparisson
Cost of Living Comparison
| Expense | Cyprus (€) | UK (£) | Germany (€) | USA ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (3 bed home) | 1,000 | 2,800 | 1,500 | 2,500 |
| Utilities (monthly) | 150 | 300 | 200 | 180 |
| Public Transport | 50 | 180 | 100 | 120 |
| Groceries (monthly) | 500 | 850 | 600 | 700 |
Pros of Moving to Cyprus Over Popular Expat Destinations:
- Affordable Cost of Living: Half the cost of living in the UK, Cyprus has a lower cost of living than much of Europe.
- Favourable Tax System: Low income tax rates and numerous incentives for expats.
- Mediterranean Climate: Warm weather all year round, with little to no winter.
- English Widely Spoken: Although Greek and Turkish are the 2 main languages, English is still widely spoken, making it easier for expats to integrate with their local community.
- Safe and Friendly: Very low crime rates and welcoming communities make it an ideal location for families relocating to Cyprus for safety and sunshine.
Cons of Moving to Cyprus:
- Limited Public Transport: With zero railways and a limited bus service, owning a car to get about is essential in Cyprus.
- High Summer Temperatures: Many expats struggle in the heat of summer, with extreme temperatures, especially inland.
- Bureaucracy: Some administrative processes can be slow, leading to lengthy delays for critical changes.
- Tourist Driven Economy: You may find some jobs are seasonal and can lead to employment issues at certain points of the year.
8. Settling Down
Exploring Your New Home in Cyprus
Depending on your interests and lifestyle, selecting the right location to move to in Cyprus can make all the difference for your move. Here are some of our suggestions for locations to move to in Cyprus based on what you may like:
- Urban Life: If you’d like to live and thrive in a busy and vibrant city, choose the capital of Nicosia. Both Greek and Turkish sides offer a rich cultural tapestry, with historical landmarks and some excellent business opportunities. Whereas Limassol is known for it’s modern infrastructure, luxury lifestyles, and is complimented with a thriving expat community.
- Coastal and Beach Life: If you seek the sea and beach life, Paphos offers stunning coastal views, beautiful beaches paired with a very relaxed atmosphere. Larnaca is another option, and favoured by tourists due to it’s proximity to the clubbing capital of Ayia Napa and convenient access to the international airport.
- Outdoor and Adventure Lifestyle: Outdoor and nature lovers may find the Troodos Mountains appealing. Offering lots of scenic hiking trails, traditional villages and even ski resorts, if you like to be active, then choose a location close to the mountains.
- Food and Wine Enthusiasts: If a nice well bodied red is your thing, why not move to the Limassol wine region in Cyprus? Known around the world for wineries and delicacies, it’s an excellent spot for both food and wine lovers. If you’re after more traditional Cypriot food, try the traditional tavernas in Paphos and Lefkara where you can sample authentic Cypriot dishes like souvlaki, halloumi and fresh seafood.
- Festivals and Culture: If festivals are more your thing, there are numerous cultural festivals and parades held throughout the year. The Limassol Carnival is one of the biggest celebrations, but you also have the Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood) held in Larnaca every year.
9. FAQs About Moving to Cyprus
Q: How long does it take to ship household goods to Cyprus?
Sea freight using 20ft or 40ft shipping containers usually takes between 3-5 weeks, whereas air freight can be as little as 3-5 days. As in island nation, shipping goods via the sea is the most cost-effective option.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to Cyprus?
Yes, the majority of European pets such as cats and dogs can be brought into Cyprus. However, they must meet specific import regulations, including vaccines, quarantine and micro-chipping if they've not been tagged already. For dogs, a rabies vaccination is required at least 3 month before moving. You'll also need several documents to go through Cypriot customs. These may include:
• proof of purchase or evidence of ownership, if available
• permit to import the animal
• veterinary certificates
• Air Waybill
Q: What are the Living Costs like in Cyprus?
Compared to the United Kingdom, the cost of living in Cyprus is a bit cheaper, but more expensive than the likes of Greece or Portugal. Monthly expenses range from £800 to £1100 per month for a single person. However, a family may need upwards of £2000 to live comfortably.
10. Conclusion: Moving to Cyprus
Moving to Cyprus from the UK offers a fantastic lifestyle change, with a lower cost of living, stunning natural beauty, and a welcoming expat community. Compared to the UK, Cyprus provides a much more affordable lifestyle, however what it lacks in terms of infrastructure and job opportunities, it more than makes up for with it’s charm and relaxed pace of living. Compared against similar destinations like Portugal or Greece, Cyprus offer a more stable economy and better tax benefits.
For a seamless move to Cyprus from the UK, the team here at Euromovers can help you every step of the way. We’re here to assist with packing, shipping and even customs clearance to ensure a stress-free transition abroad.
Choose Euromovers as your trusted international removal company, and get a Quote Today!
