Moving

Emigrating to Cyprus A to Z

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Airports

Paphos Airport

The airport is:
15 km ( 9 miles) east of Pafos town;
63 km (39 miles) from Lemesos;
129 km (81 miles) from Larnaka;
50 km (30 miles) from Polis;
146 km (91 miles) from Lefkosia.

Paphos Airport 26 423 161

Flight Information (24 hours service, Tel: 77 88 33)
Tourist Information (service up to 23.00 hrs)

 

Larnaca Airport

The airport is:
5 km (3 miles) from Larnaka town;
49 km (31 miles) from Lefkosia;
70 km (44 miles) from Lemesos;
46 km (29 miles) from Agia Napa;
139 km (89 miles) from Pafos.

Larnaca Airport            24 643 576

Flight Information (24 hours service, Tel: 77 88 33)
Tourist Information (08.15 - 23.00 hrs)

Aftercare

We offer a complete Aftercare Service in the UK and Cyprus to assist you with every aspect of moving into your new property from relocation advice, legal services and mortgages to property management, establishing utility services, furnishing and landscaping!

 To discuss how we can help you, please email us on admin@shervingtons.com

Banking Hours

September
Monday-Friday 08:15 - 13:00
Monday 15:15 - 16:45

October to April
Monday-Friday 08:30 - 13:00
Monday 15:15 - 16:45

May to August
Monday-Friday 08:15 - 13:00

 

Banks are closed at weekends and on public holidays and Easter Tuesday. Christmas Eve is a working day for banks.

British Embassy

Alexandrou Palli,
P.O.Box 21978, 1587 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 86 11 00

Fax: +357 22 86 11 25
Office hours:
Monday - Friday: 07:30 - 14:30

British Legion

Limassol Branch HQ BR3454,
Branch Office and Clubhouse,
23 Ambelakia Str,
Potamos,
Germasoyia,
Limassol.

Tel: + 357 25 31 53 13

Fax: + 357 25 31 10 60

Car Hire

We can offer our clients new and dependable vehicles with cheap rates for car rental in Cyprus. From an economy car rental to a 4 wheel drive, 7-8 seater or convertible car, we have the vehicle that is right for you.

Cars can be collected and dropped off at your choice of location.

For further information email us at:

Chemists

Names, addresses and telephone numbers of chemists which stay open until late at night, on Public Holidays and on Sundays are listed in the daily papers. They can also be traced through the following automatic telephones:

Nicosia:            90 90 14 12,

Limassol:          90 90 14 15,

Larnaca:           90 90 14 14,

Paphos:            90 90 14 16 ,

Climate

With it's typically Mediterranean climate, Cyprus delights in one of the most agreeable climates in Europe, with 340 days of brilliant sunshine. The warm, dry summers lead into a pleasant autumn season and the mild winter months are shortened by an enchanting springtime. During the six summer months Cyprus is blessed with 11.5 hours of sunshine per day, whilst the cooler months of December and January enjoy 6.5 hours of sunshine.

Whilst snow is very rare on the central plain and coastal areas, there is snowfall every year between December and March in areas over 1000m above sea level. The higher slopes of the Troodos mountains offer good skiing conditions for approximately six weeks a year.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is relatively low in Cyprus, with prices around 25 per cent lower than in most northern European countries.

As expected, prices have risen slightly since the country's EU accession, and a survey carried out by the Cyprus Consumers' Association in 2004 showed that prices had risen on average by 1.6 per cent since then.

According to the results of the Cypriot government's Household Budget Survey 2004, average monthly outgoings for a single person are CY£647, for a couple CY£970 and for a couple with two children, CY£1,358. This is a basic guide and will obviously vary according to circumstances and lifestyle.

Currency

On 1st January 2008 Cyprus adopted the Euro. During January 2008 there will be dual circulation of both Euro and Cyprus Pounds. During this period, payments in Cyprus Pounds shall be accepted and change will be returned in Euro.

On February 1st 2008 the changeover to the Euro will be complete; the Cyprus Pound will cease to be considered as a legal currency, and will not be accepted for transactions.

The rate of the Euro does vary and if you looking to transfer a large amount of money it is worthwhile sourcing the best exchange rate. For more information about exchange rates, please refer to our Money Matters section or email us on

Directory Enquiries

Telephone: 192

Drinking Water

The water is safe to drink in Cyprus and you will often find a smaller tap on the sink for drinking water.

Driving In Cyprus

With Cyprus moving into the EU, European driving licenses are now officially recognized and we have summarized below a few pointers to ensure your safety on the roads!

Traffic moves on the left hand-side of the road, not the right, the same as the United Kingdom.

Distances and road speed limits are posted in kilometers and kilometer per hour.

The maximum speed limit on the motorways is 100km/h and the lower speed limit is 65km/h. on all other roads the general speed limit is 80km/h, unless a lower one is indicated.

The use of seat-belts is compulsory (front and back).

Children under the age of five must not, under any circumstances sit in the front passenger seat.

Children from five to ten years of age, may occupy the front passenger seat, only if an appropriate child's seat belt has been fitted.

Driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle or pedal cycle with an alcohol concentration( in breath or blood) above the prescribed limit is an offence.

It is an offence to use mobile phones when driving.

E1 11 Forms

If you are a UK resident you are entitled to any medical treatment which becomes necessary, free or at a reduced cost, when temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country. Only treatment provided under the state scheme is covered. However to obtain treatment you will need to take a completed Form E111 with you, which you can get, free of charge, from your nearest post office.

Electricity Problems

Tel: 90 901 420

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance:      199, 112
Fire Service:     199, 112
Police:              199, 112

Fishing

Fishing is another popular activity. There is no license required for salt-water fishing. Inland, 13 reservoirs are stocked with Trout, Perch, Bream, Catfish and other fresh water fish, those over 12 years of age, must apply for a license at the district fishing department.

Flights

Whether you are a seasoned visitor to Cyprus or are looking forward to your first trip, we can source the best flights available from your choice of airports.

To check on flight or package holiday availability, please email us on admin@shervingtons.com with your preferred departure / arrival airports, travel dates and the number of days you would like to stay.

Golf

Golfing tourism is regarded as a 'priority special interest' sector aimed at attracting the bigger-spending holidaymaker who wants more than sun and who provides good business for hotels in the winter.

With 3 established golf courses and more in the pipeline Cyprus is fast becoming a mecca for golfers attracted by first class resort facilities, excellent year-round facilities and the opportunity to invest in luxury golf properties at very attractive prices compared to other European golf hot spots such as the Algarve and the Costa Del Sol. (For further details on golf properties available email: admin@shervingtons.com )

Current golf courses on the island include:

Tsada Golf Club

The club is situated near Tsada village 20 minutes drive, north of Paphos town in the grounds of a 12th century monastery. It is an 18 hole course created by Donald Steel, it plays to a par 72 all green and measures 6060 m

Secret Valley Golf Club

It is located 18 km east of Paphos and 49 km from Limassol, near "Petra tou Romiou". The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. Is is an 18 hole course, plays to a Par 71 and measures 5.904 m.

Aphrodite Hills Golf Club

A 18-hole international standard golf course - plays to a par 71/70 and measures 6,269 m - and club house located near the birthplace of Aphrodite.

Home Insurance

As an overseas property owner, or someone who is about to invest in property in Cyprus arranging suitable insurance cover is essential to protect your investment.

Many UK residents however, often choose a policy offered by a foreign insurer that offers limited protection, is written in a foreign language, and as a result is not suitable for the special requirements of overseas property ownership.

HIFX Insurance Services* provides tailored insurance policies designed to meet the specific needs of holiday home and overseas property owners.

Underwritten at Lloyds of London, our policies have been created to provide customers with total peace of mind and exceptional value.

Cover includes:

• Buildings

• Contents

• Travel

• Title Insurance

All documentation is in "Plain English" and all claims are handled by overseas property specialists in the UK.

For more information and the opportunity to save up to 35% on your premium contact us on admin@shervingtons.com

*HIFX Insurance Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Hospitals

Nicosia General Hospital: 22 80 14 00, 22 80 14 75
Limassol General Hospital: 25 80 11 00, 25 30 57 70
Larnaca General Hospital:  24 80 05 00, 24 80 03 69
Paphos General Hospital: 26 80 32 60, 26 30 61 00
Paralimni Hospital: 23 82 12 11
Polis Hospital: 26 32 14 31
Kyperounta Hospital: 25 53 20 21
Agros Hospital: 25 52 13 17

Immigration

Cyprus offers many inducements for those who are considering living in a warmer climate and we can introduce you to professionals who can guide you through this process. Services include the following:

• employment permits

• temporary residence permits

• residence permits

• customs clearance to obtain a pensioners residence permit and naturalization procedure

For further details regarding Immigration, please email admin@shervingtons.com

Income Tax

Resident taxpayers in Cyprus are taxed on all income acquired or derived from sources in Cyprus and abroad. Resident taxpayers are persons who live in Cyprus for a total of more that 183 days in the taxation year.

Non-resident taxpayers in Cyprus are taxed on income acquired or derived from sources in Cyprus only. 

Income Tax Rates

• 0% for the first £10 000

• £10 000-£15 000, rate of 20%

• £15 000-£20 000, rate of 25%

• over £20 000, rate of 30%

Inspection Trips

Our relaxed, pressure free, visits are a cost effective way of viewing a wide selection of locations and properties that suit your requirements; you will be in the company of a professional, happy to answer your queries and introduce you to a new way of life...

Reserving your place on an inspection visit is easy. Simply decide when you'd like to go and call us on 00 357 99 052 324 or complete the enquiry form.

Landscaping

From Mediterranean havens to traditional English gardens our helpful staff are at hand to assist you with your outdoor designs with packages bespoke to your individual taste and budget!

For an initial consultation and quote, please email us on admin@shervingtons.com

Lost Credit Cards

For lost credit cards call JCC Payment Systems Ltd., on +357 22 86 81 00 and at the same time contact his bank either in Cyprus or in his country.

For further information please apply directly to:

JCC Payment Systems Ltd.,
Stasikratous 16, P.O.Box 21043, CY 1500 Lefkosia
Tel : +357 22 86 81 00 (24 hours service)
Fax: +357 22 86 85 91, 22 86 81 11

Mileage Chart

Mortgages

Making the dream of purchasing a property in Cyprus a reality is a very exciting step to a new way of living, and it's important to have a sound financial plan in place.

At Shervington's we have financial experts who are able to source the best options of financing your holiday home in both the UK and Cyprus. We offer you a friendly, efficient service geared to giving you the most cost effective mortgage deals available for your personal requirements. We can even obtain a mortgage agreement in principal before you visit Cyprus, giving you the confidence of knowing monthly repayments before viewing.

For further information email: admin@shervingtons.com

Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus has become a desirable location for many property investors seduced by the price and sadly looking to make a profit or buy more for their money from a politically unsettled area. Some purchasers are not fully aware of the risks involved and believe that it is safe to purchase pre 1974 Turkish land.

The fact is a high percentage of land in the Northern Cyprus belongs to Greek Cypriot refugees and consequently property and land purchases are in danger of being returned to their Greek-Cypriot owners.

The Apostolides v Orams court case will be a landmark case for Greek Cypriots and if ruled in favour of the Apostolides will result in the Orams forfeiting there dream home in the sun.

Apart from the moral issue of purchasing property in the North, the risks to the purchaser is immense and if they do not have finances to compensate the legal owner then their property abroad could also be at jeopardy to meet costs.

Pension

When can I claim my UK pension?

The UK State Pension age is 65 for men and 60 for women. The State Pension age for women is changing and will gradually increase from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2020.  

Can my UK pension be paid to me while I am in another EEA country?

You can be paid a UK State Pension (with an extra amount if you are aged 80 or more), in any other EEA or agreement  country. You will get the same as you would get in the UK.

Direct Payment of your pension if you live overseas

Payment into an account is the normal method of paying pensions. People can experience delays in receiving order payables, or even not receive them at all. Other benefits of payment into an account are:

• it is safe and secure

• it is convenient (money can be withdrawn from cash machines, you do not have to make a journey to cash your order payable)

• payments will be made in your local currency

• there are normally no individual bank charges or transaction fees

• you will benefit from competitive exchange rates based on bulk buying of currency if you select overseas Direct Payment

• there are no cheque clearance delays

For further information with regards to receiving your pension in Cyprus, you can contact The Pension Service International Pension Centre (IPC).

Tel: 00 44 191 218 7777     Opening hours are 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
Fax 00 44 191 218 7293

Or you can write to

The International Pension Centre,
Tyneview Park,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE98 1BA

Pets Abroad

We have noted below important information regarding regulations on bringing pets into Cyprus:

From 1st October 2004 all animals entering Cyprus must have a European Pet Passport, which can be obtained from your local vet.

You must have a suitable travel box that complies with IATA regulations for the movement of live animals.

If your pet has a Pet Passport, i.e. is micro-chipped and has had a rabies vaccination at least one month but not more than one year before flight, then it can enter without any form of quarantine.  The pet's passport will be checked by a Customs official at the airport. There is a charge for this plus the airline delivery note of approximately £30 per family of animals, all payable in cash at the airport.

Your pet must have flea, tick and worm treatment 24 to 48 hours before the flight (you can ask your Veterinary Surgeon to do this). Your vet will fill in the relevant pages of the passport and stamp and date it to prove that this has been done.  If this treatment has not been performed you will have to pay a further CY£26 at the airport and your pet may be subject to one month in quarantine from the date of import.

If your pet does not have a passport (as described in point 1) it may still enter Cyprus, but the pet will be subject to six months in quarantine and will need an import licence obtained from the Government vet in Limassol (Tel: 00357 25 305256).  You will also need to book quarantine kennels in Cyprus.  

Please note that the following breeds of dogs are not allowed to enter Cyprus:
American Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro

Population

Demography
Total Population: 818.200 (End 2003)
79,1%: Greek Cypriots             646.900
10,7%: Turkish Cypriots             87.800
10,2%: Foreign residents            83.500
Population of Main Towns (End 2003)
Nicosia (Lefkosia):       213.500

Limassol (Lemesos): 167.800
Larnaca (Larnaka):       74.700
Paphos (Pafos):            49.700

 

Property Maintenance and Management

In your absence we can arrange complete care for your home in Cyprus and can ensure that your property is ready for guests arriving from cleaning and welcome packs to flights, airport transfers and car hire.

Should you require we can also assist in marketing your property for holiday, short term or long term lets. We offer this service on a non-exclusive basis and can help you maximise your rental income returns.

If you have a property in Cyprus and would like to discuss our property management services and how we can help you, please email us on admin@shervingtons.com or

T: 00 357 99 052 324.

• Flight bookings

• Pre-preparation of property use either by you or tenant. .

• Full Laundry services.

• Cleaning services.

• Garden maintenance.

• Pool maintenance.

• Home maintenance.

• Welcome grocery pack.

• Car Hire bookings.

• Payments to utilities companies.

Public Holidays

Rentals

Whether you are looking for a welcomed break in the Cyprus sun or searching for a more permanent home on a long term basis, we offer a range of select properties from apartments to luxury villas with pools. To view our extensive list of properties click on View Property (Insert a link) or for further information on how we can assist your booking contact us on admin@shervingtons.com 

Rotary Club

Limassol Branch. 2450,

Curim Palace Hotel.

Tel: + 357-25362818

Safety

Crime in Cyprus is, comparatively, at a very low level. The Police are always ready to assist anyone who needs help. In case of emergency, telephone 199 or 112 (in all towns). All policemen speak good English.

Schools

The Cyprus Government wishes to ensure that children from other EU countries continue their education while they are in Cyprus.

For that reason, children with other native languages who do not speak Greek can receive special lessons in the language so that they can go to a state school. The measures being implemented provide such children with intensive tuition in Greek to facilitate their gradual integration into school and also provide training for teachers to enable them to respond adequately to the teaching of pupils from other language backgrounds. In addition, training courses dealing with the cultures and languages of the countries of origin of the children will be provided in cooperation with those countries. 

There are many Private Schools that have been approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Please find below contact details for some of the more prominent schools on the island

American Academy School:

Gregory Afxentiou Avenue, Larnaca Cyprus 6301
T: 00 357 24 815 400

Lefkas St, PO Box 1867, Limassol, Cyprus 307
T: 00 357 25 382 782

25 Iakovou Christodoulides St, Paphos, Cyprus, 8046
T: 00 357 26 946 300

W: www.americanacademy.ac.cy
E: info@americanacademy.ac.cy

St John's School

Episkopi, Cyprus. B.F.PO. 53

Headteacher: Mr M.J. Cawson
T: 00 357 25 963 888

W: www.stjohns-school.org E: stjohns@sjs.ac.cy

The Heritage Private School

15 General Makriyiannis St ,  Limassol, Cyprus  3022
School Secretary: Mrs. Julie  Phillips
T: 00 357-25 362 224
W: www.heritageschool.ac.cy
E: heritageprimary@cytanet.com.cy

The Papantoniou Institute

30 Ippocratous, Nicosia, Cyprus 2122

T: 00 357 22 330 391 / 22 455 724

W: www.papantoniou-institute.com

Lingua Summer Language Courses

8 Souliou Street, P.O.Box 55001, 3820 Limassol
T: 00 357 25 564260
W: www.linguasummercourses.com
E:info@linguasummercourses.com

Skiing

From January to March there is skiing on Mount Olympus. The Cyprus Ski Club
operates four runs and offers equipment and toboggan rentals as well as skiing lessons. 

Theatre

There are numerous theatrical productions performed throughout the year. 'Stage One' Theatre located in Emba has shown first class productions, the latest being 'Private Lives' by Noel Coward with forthcoming productions including, 'Educating Rita' and 'My Fair Lady'.  There are also many Sheakespeare Productions, and operas performed at stunning ancient locations such as the amphitheatre at Kourion Beach and Paphos castle.

Taxation

Capital Gains Tax

Capital gains tax is payable by both residents and non-residents at a rate of 20% on gains from the disposal of immovable property in Cyprus.

If the property is a principal residence, there's a lifetime (i.e. once only) exemption of CY£50,000. For any other kind of property (e.g. a holiday home), only CY£10,000 is exempt, and this exemption is per registered owner, not per property. (You cannot claim both of these exemptions!)

Other exemptions from capital gains tax include the following:

• Transfers due to death;

• Gifts to close relatives such as spouses or children;

• Gift to the government or a charity;

• Exchanges or sale in accordance with Agricultural Land Laws;

• Exchanges of properties where the value is equal.

If you've made any improvements or additions to the property, this will be deducted from the assumed profit, thereby reducing your liability.

University of Cyprus

75 Kallipoleos St., P.O. Box 20537, 1678, Nicosia Cyprus

T:  +357 22 892 000
F: +357 22 892 100

W: www.ucy.ac.cy
E: fm@ucy.ac.cy

VAT

Developments that have been granted planning permission after May 2004 are subject to VAT at a rate of 15%.

Water Department

Problems
T: 90 901 430

After Office Hours
T: 99 603 622

Wills

Once you have purchased property in Cyprus it is essential to protect your asset by setting up a Will in Cyprus.

One of the greatest advantages of the current law in Cyprus is that there is no inheritance tax connected with movable and immovable property - in the jurisdiction of Cyprus- passing on to beneficiary(ies) in the event of death of the testator.

The services offered include through our company Lawyers include:

• Drafting Wills

• Obtaining Probate Order

• Administration of Estates

• Resealing

Working in Cyprus

As cost of living and taxation are lower in Cyprus compared to other European countries, you will find that this is reflected in the average salary and many people leaving the UK to start a new working life in Cyprus opt to work on a self-employed basis.

As Cyprus has a large expat community and is a popular holiday destination for Brits, it is not necessary to speak other languages. There are many employment opportunities and many vacancies are posted in the local weekly papers such as The Cyprus Weekly and Cyprus Mail.

In 2003 the unemployment rate was as low as 3.5%.

eXpat Community

Cyprus has an established expat community and there are many clubs and societies you can join including dancing classes (from tango to belly dancing!), bridge, tennis, rambling, squash, cycling, running, snooker, rugby and golf to name but a few!

Yachting

A new marina is planned for Paphos with berth space for 1,000 yachts, and facilities on land to include restaurants, apartments and shopping malls. The chosen location is Kissonerga, about 10km from the centre of Paphos.

The ambitious project is estimated to cost close to £100 million: £60 million for the building of the marina and supporting facilities, and the remaining £40m for land development in the surrounding area.

It has only been recently that the government has made some headway on the marinas issue, which has been in the pipeline for more than a decade. In the meantime Cyprus has lost out on yachting tourism to neighbouring countries as the two existing marinas at Larnaca and Limassol do not have enough berth space to cope with the demand.

Under the government's plan Larnaca would be upgraded marina from 400 to 1,000 berths, while Limassol would have 1,000 berths, Paphos 1,000, Ayia Napa 650 and Paralimni 250-300.

(reported from the CT Ones conference 11/2/06)

Zivania

Zivania is a very strong, domestic made spirit often referred to as fire water! It is made from the left-overs after wine making is finished. Not for the faint hearted and often used for cleaning!