Relocating

Personal belongings

Cyprus is serviced by an extensive list of local and international moving and shipping companies.
To assist with relocation planning, one should keep in mind that it might take up to one month for goods and personal belongings to arrive in Cyprus. Individuals are also advised to insure their belongings. For EU nationals, exemption from excise duties is granted for personal property imported permanently from another EU member state. With regards to non-EU nationals, relief from import and excise duties as well as VAT is granted for personal property provided certain conditions are met. More information can be obtained from the Customs & Excise Department of the Ministry of Finance (refer to: www.mof.gov.cy).

Personal cars

The conditions to be fulfilled for the importation to Cyprus of a vehicle depend on whether the vehicle is to be imported from an EU or non-EU country and also whether the intention is for the vehicle to be imported temporarily or long-term.

Vehicles from countries of the EU

Vehicles from EU member states are considered goods in free circulation in the EU and can move from one member state to another without payment of customs import duty. To be exempt from paying import duty in Cyprus, proof of Community status of the goods must be provided, such as forms T2L or T2LF for a new or used vehicle or number plates and the vehicle registration document issued by the previous member state for used vehicles.

Vehicles from countries outside the EU

A person resident in a non-EU country that is transferring their normal residence to Cyprus is entitled to transfer their vehicle as part of their personal belongings without liability to import and excise duties and VAT, under certain conditions. In order to avoid a period of unavailability of their vehicle on importation, a temporary license to use the vehicle may be applied for under Form C104O.

It is possible to import a vehicle from a non-EU country in order to use it temporarily in Cyprus and then re-export it without paying customs duty, excise duty or VAT in Cyprus; subject to conditions including that the maximum duration of use in Cyprus is six months per year.

More in-depth information can be obtained from the Customs & Excise Department of the Ministry of Finance (refer to: www.mof.gov.cy).

Importation of Pets

Cyprus is a member of the European Pet Travel Scheme. Regardless the country of origin of the animal, the following conditions apply:

• The animal has a minimum age of 111 days
• The animal must be individually identified, via either

• a clearly readable tattoo (applied before 3 July 2011) or
• an electronic identification system (transponder-microchip)

The following breeds are prohibited:

• American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa or Tosa Inu
• Dogo Argentino or Argentinian Mastiff
• Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff

There are further specific requirements depending on whether the animal is to be imported from an EU member state or a non-EU country. Further information may be obtained from the Veterinary Services, Animal Health and Welfare Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment (refer to: www.moa.gov.cy).

Lifestyle & living

Accommodation

There are many estate agencies which can provide options and support during house hunting. A list of registered estate agents is available from the Cyprus Real Estate Agents Association, CREAA (refer to:www.skek-creaa.com).

Buying Property

Buying a property is a popular option, especially for people looking to settle longer-term on the Island. All EU nationals have the right of home ownership. In the case of non-EU nationals, special conditions apply such as being allowed to buy only one property, with the land not exceeding 4,014 square metres. Additionally, the individual should not own any shares in a company that owns immovable property and must not have a criminal record.

If a loan is required for buying a residence, one can contact any commercial bank to discuss loan terms. The deposit usually lies in the range of 20-30% of the purchase price. Stamp duty and transfer fees are also payable by the purchaser of property, the amount of which is calculated on the purchase price. The seller usually bears the commission of the real estate agent.

Renting Property

Cyprus has a surplus of property available for short or medium-term rent. A minority of property is furnished; however rental property is usually provided unfurnished, including only air-conditioning, heating and some kitchen appliances. It is common practice for a rental contract to be for a period of one or two years, allowing the possibility of renewal. Usually, the equivalent of one month’s rent is required as a deposit together with payment of one month’s rent in advance on signing of the contract. The deposit is refunded when the contract expires, unless there is property damage. The tenant usually bears the cost of utilities, such as water, heating and electricity.

Utilities

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus is the sole provider of electricity in Cyprus. The electricity supply is 240 volts, AC 50 Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp square pin in most buildings. The water supply is managed by the Cyprus Water Development Department, with each municipality having its own authority. Property owners or tenants register with the municipal water board. The largest telecommunications provider in Cyprus is the state-owned Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA). Other private organizations also operate on the Island, providing landline, mobile & cellular services as well as internet broadband.

Banking

The banking system in Cyprus is regulated by the Central Bank of Cyprus. The Central Bank keeps a register of all regulated banks operating in Cyprus including branch and representative offices of foreign banks (refer to: www.centralbank.gov.cy). The opening of a bank account involves the presentation of required identification documents such as an individual’s passport or identity card, recently issued proof of address (such as a utility bill or property title deeds) and confirmation of employment or copy of a valid work or residence permit.It is also possible to open an account before arrival in Cyprus through an overseas branch of a Cypriot bank or one of the many foreign banks operating in Cyprus. In this case, the applicant’s signature and personal identification will be verified for the account to be opened.

The working hours of most banks are 8.30am to 1.30pm, Monday to Friday. Banks usually provide 24 hour access through ATM’s to an account for withdrawals, deposits or balance checking. All machines have instructions in English. Additionally, most of the banks have online services where it is feasible to transfer funds between own accounts, review and print statements while being informed for any new Banking services or products available.

Office and Retail Hours

Most private offices are open 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Government offices are open until mid-afternoon, Monday to Friday. Most shops and supermarkets are open 9.00am to 7.00pm, Monday to Sunday.

Transport

In Cyprus driving is on the left hand side of the road. The rules of driving are regulated by European standards and include that the minimum driving age (student license) is 17 years old with the legal driving age being 18 years old. Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers and child seats are compulsory for children under the age of five in the back of the vehicle. There is a speed limit of 100km/hr on motorways, 50km/hr in residential areas and 80km/hr in rural areas, unless otherwise stated.
Third party liability insurance for vehicles is compulsory. Some foreign-issued driving licenses are considered valid in Cyprus while some may be exchanged for an equivalent Cypriot license. Only individuals who have been resident in Cyprus for at least six months may apply for a Cypriot driving license. The registration process involves a verbal test, theory test and practical test. Further information can be obtained from the Department of Road Transport of the Ministry of Communication and Works (refer to: www.mcw.gov.cy).

The minimum legal drinking age is 17 years old. The maximum legal alcohol level while driving is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath and 9 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath for people holding student license, for new drivers who have less than three years of driving experience, for drivers of public vehicles i.e. taxis, buses, trucks etc., as well as for motorcyclists. Information on public transport may be obtained from the Cyprus Tourism Organization, including bus routes (refer to: www.visitcyprus.com). Bus time tables and schedules are available from tourist offices or directly from bus companies.

Information on bus schedules can also be obtained from the Cyprus by Bus website (refer to: www.cyprusbybus.com)