Moving to Cyprus

Surrounded by the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean, Cyprus offers a unique experience of sun-soaked island living. Many expats moving to Cyprus are attracted by the island’s Blue Flag beaches, beautiful churches, and vibrant nightlife.

The country also has many cultural influences, having been part of the Roman Empire, a British colony, and, most recently, being divided between the North and South following the Turkish invasion. This makes it fairly easy for you as a newcomer to integrate into the local culture.

Living in Cyprus as an expat

Tradition runs strong through the island’s sun-kissed villages, but Cyprus is open and welcoming to expats – even more so if they try to adapt. Indeed, how you approach Cypriot culture and whether you want to be part of its local communities will significantly affect how the locals receive you.

The tourism industry accounts for a large part of the islands’ economy. If you’re looking for work in Cyprus, you can also consider teaching English and picking fruit to make a living. Those with skills in the finance, manufacturing and mining sectors will also find a lucrative job market.

There’s a variety of housing options on the island. Though some old stone options exist, much of the real estate is modern and equipped with amenities. Property is also comparably cheap and generally high quality. That said, some cities are pricier than others, so you should consider where you live carefully.

Unfortunately, the island has a limited public transport system. Without a railway network, many expats in Cyprus prefer owning a car. Driving is relatively easy, but some roads are unpaved, so the going can get rough. A sizeable bus network provides convenient travel in and between cities, though operation times for these can be limited.

Taxis are also abundant but can be pricey for long trips. Many residents choose to walk or use the Nextbike cycle-sharing scheme when moving about in a city.

The island offers an excellent and affordable healthcare system. In fact, many expats move to the island exactly for this reason. The public healthcare scheme is financed through taxes, making it cheap and widely accessible. Private healthcare is also outstanding and won’t break the bank. The island also has ample pharmacies that cater to residents’ needs, with some only closing after 10pm.

Cost of living in Cyprus

The island has a generally low cost of living. With low property prices, cheap food and a high quality of living, Cyprus is a very attractive option if you’re moving from a more expensive country.

Eating out on the island is mostly reasonably cheap, especially in smaller establishments. Although there’s a limited public transport system, the bus network here is inexpensive and largely easily accessible. The cost of petrol can accumulate quickly, but refilling your car is cheaper than in many other countries.

Families and children in Cyprus

The quality of public schooling varies throughout the island, but fortunately, public education is free in Cyprus. That said, if you conduct thorough research, you should be able to find an excellent public school. Language barriers may be a problem in public schools, though, which is why many expats prefer private or international schooling. Most international institutions offer British or American programmes, and the International Baccalaureate is also widely available.

When it comes to keeping your children entertained during the weekend, Cyprus offers plenty of options. Cypriots are as passionate as they come about their cuisine and enjoying family time together. The cuisine caters for different tastes and is often described as a fusion of cultural flavours.

Traditional food is strongly and unsurprisingly linked to that of Greece and Turkey, consisting of slow roasts, stews, kebabs and assorted appetisers commonly known as mezze. Expats of all ages will find most of their entertainment needs met, with hot summers on the beautiful beaches, scenic drives through the mountains and forests, or visits to the island’s various monuments and ancient monasteries.

Climate in Cyprus

The island has a typically Mediterranean climate, with sunny days most of the year. Between May and October, hot days are common with occasional rain, while winter comes around from December to February.

From its unique and quaint villages to the orchards and vineyards that stretch boundlessly over its hilltops and the ancient architecture that inspires a sense of a mystical past, Cyprus is a tiny treasure surrounded by pristine waters. With its low cost of living and high quality of life, the Mediterranean island is an option well worth considering for those looking for somewhere to retire or start a new chapter.

Fast facts

Population: Over 1.2 million

Capital city: Nicosia (also the largest city)

Other major cities: Limassol and Larnaca

Neighbouring countries: Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus shares land borders with Greece to the northwest, Turkey to the north, Syria and Lebanon to the east, Israel to the southeast and Egypt to the south.

Geography: Cyprus is an island country located 47 miles (75 km) south of Turkey. The island is dominated by two mountain ranges: the sprawling Troodos Mountains and the comparatively smaller Kyrenia Mountains. A central plain known as the Mesaoria lies between them.

Political system: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Major religions: Orthodox Christianity

Main languages: Greek and Turkish are the island’s official languages, but English is widely spoken.

Money: Cyprus uses the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. You can open a bank account in Cyprus as an expat, but you will need proof of identification (passports are acceptable) and proof of residence. ATMs are widely available.

Tipping: A service charge of 10 percent is sometimes added to bills, but no additional tip is necessary.

Time: GMT+2 (GMT+3 from March to October)

Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Plugs with three flat blades, as used in the UK, are standard.

Internet domain: .cy

International dialling code: +357

Emergency contacts: 112 (European); 199 (local)

Transport and driving: Traffic in Cyprus drives on the left-hand side.