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Moving to Cyprus - Living in Cyprus

Are you considering moving to Cyprus? Then let's leave the bureaucratic red tape behind. Whether you are an entrepreneur, crypto investor, or digital nomad, moving to Cyprus is the ultimate upgrade for your wealth and lifestyle.

We offer a complete relocation strategy from A to Z: from arranging your visa (EU or non-EU) and activating your non-domestication status (0% tax on dividends) to finding real estate entirely independently. We even help high-income individuals set up a local business to benefit from the massive 50% income tax exemption.

Emigrating to Cyprus: Choose your route

The immigration procedure depends entirely on your current passport. To avoid confusion and find exactly what you need, choose your route below:

Route 1: Moving as an EU citizen

As an EU citizen , moving to Cyprus is extremely easy thanks to the free movement of persons.

You do not need a visa to enter the country, but if you plan to stay longer than 90 days and become a tax resident, you must apply for a Yellow Card (certificate of registration for EU citizens).

How we can help you: We prevent you from having to stand in line at the immigration service. We take care of your employment contracts, rental agreements, and social security registrations so that your Yellow Slip is issued quickly and you can immediately activate your 60-day tax residency and your 'Non-Domiciled' status.

Route 2: Moving as a non-EU citizen

For non-EU citizens (including Britons moving from the UK to Cyprus after Brexit), the 90/180 day Schengen rule applies.

To live here permanently and maximize your tax benefits, you need an official residence permit. We specialize in two main routes:

  • The Pink Slip (Temporary Visitor Permit): Ideal for remote workers and pensioners with stable passive income from abroad (minimum €24,000 per year). This permit grants you a renewable residence permit for one year and access to the 0% dividend tax regime.
  • The Golden Visa (Permanent residence permit): The most attractive fast track. By investing €300,000 in Cypriot real estate or stocks, you and your family will receive a permanent residence permit for life within a few months.

Table of contents

Why are so many people moving to Cyprus?

The trend of moving to Cyprus has been increasing enormously since 2019, especially for expats who want to move to Cyprus from the United Kingdom, the US, and Western Europe, such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

But why do entrepreneurs and families choose this island instead of, for example, Dubai, Bulgaria, or Malta?

  1. Cyprus is the ultimate tax haven in the EU: Cyprus offers attractive, fully legal tax benefits for expats (more on this later), allowing you to keep your wealth in your own pocket.
  2. Everyone speaks English: As a former British colony, more than 80% of the population speaks fluent English. All business and legal documents and daily interactions can be handled in English.
  3. Safety and family first: Cyprus is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, making it a paradise for raising children.
  4. An average of 320 days of sunshine: The Mediterranean climate offers long, warm summers and mild, short winters.
  5. High-quality healthcare and education: The island boasts first-class private clinics (GeSY's public healthcare is also excellent) and leading British international schools.

Taxes and other benefits of Cyprus

  • 15% corporate tax: one of the lowest in Europe,
  • 8% Flat Tax on crypto traders (and 0% for “Hodlers”),
  • 0% tax on dividends and interest for Non-Domain residents,
  • 0% inheritance and capital gains tax,
  • Lower cost of living: housing, food, and energy are more affordable than in Western Europe,
  • Very safe, English-speaking and friendly country,
  • Fully EU-recognized, not an “offshore structure” but a transparent, legal system,
  • Pension is taxed at only 5% above €3,420, meaning you keep much more of your pension.

One More Extra: 50% income tax exemption.

While traditional law firms limit themselves to filing visa applications, we look at your total assets.

Are you a high-earning professional or entrepreneur with an annual income of more than €100,000? Then Cyprus offers a huge incentive: a 50% exemption from income tax.

If you move to Cyprus and take up local employment, 50% of your income is completely tax-free for up to 17 years.

You do not have to work for someone else to benefit from this. We can help you set up your own Cypriot Ltd, appoint yourself as director, and pay yourself a salary of more than €100,000.

You benefit from 50% income tax, combined with a low corporate tax rate of 15% for your company.

Our trump card: Independent housing and real estate guidance

To obtain a residence permit in Cyprus, you must have a registered local address (a rental contract or a purchased home). Most commercial service providers abandon you at this stage, or worse, refer you to expensive property developers who pay them hidden and exorbitant commissions.

We do things differently, and more honestly: We are Western expats who know the local market inside out. We offer a 100% independent service for finding real estate, for both rent and purchase.

  • Real estate guidance for €500: We charge a fixed, transparent fee of €500 for a personal search for your perfect home and ensure you do not fall into pitfalls when buying or renting your home in Cyprus.
  • The refund: If you decide to buy a home through our network, you will receive this €500 back in full.

It does not matter to us where you buy, and that is precisely our trump card; the only thing that counts is that your property meets the strict immigration criteria, safeguards your assets, that you feel comfortable on the island, and that there are no hidden defects.

Important Info: The difference between North and South Cyprus

The island is politically divided into two parts:

  • Southern Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus): internationally recognised, part of the EU, safe and legally stable.
  • Northern Cyprus: recognized only by Turkey, non-EU, legal uncertainties and risks regarding real estate

For those who want to live legally, safely and with tax benefits: always choose South Cyprus.

Climate in Cyprus

With an average of 320 sunny days per year, Cyprus is one of the sunniest places in Europe.

The summers are hot and dry, the winters mild and short. The Mediterranean climate has a proven positive effect on human health and mental well-being.

Where to live in Cyprus?

  • Paphos: Popular with expats, family-friendly, good real estate prices. (Our best choice)
  • Limassol: business hub, vibrant, expensive real estate
  • Larnaca: central, close to the airport, more local
  • Nicosia: capital, mainly interesting for employees or government functions

Rent or Buy?

Both are possible.

Renting offers the perfect flexibility for newcomers to discover the island. Buying (especially new builds starting from €300,000), on the other hand, is the ideal strategic move if you, as a non-EU citizen, want to secure the Golden Visa immediately.

Note that rental prices have nearly tripled since 2020, and due to high demand and rising real estate prices, it still pays to buy in 2026.

Banking

Opening bank accounts as a non-resident can be complicated. Local assistance is strongly recommended, given the traditional banking system, long wait times, and in-person appointments.

Once you are an official resident, it becomes easier. International transfers, crypto transactions, and multi-currency accounts are available at the larger banks. However, everyone in Cyprus uses Revolut, and we highly recommend it as well.

Internet & Co-working

Internet quality varies, but cities offer fast fiber connections. Co-working spaces are available in Limassol, Nicosia, and Paphos.

Working or doing business & setting up a company

Cyprus is ideal for:

  • Remote working (you retain your customers in BE/NL)
  • Freelance activities (self-employed status or sole proprietorship)
  • Incorporate a company (Ltd or Holding)

A limited liability company (Ltd.) can be established starting from approximately €2,500. The incorporation process takes approximately 7 business days. Tax optimization and privacy structures are perfectly feasible with the right advice.

Healthcare, insurance and education

The national health system GeSY provides basic care to everyone registered and liable for tax here. In addition, many expats opt for international health insurance to remain covered in Belgium or elsewhere in Europe.

Emigration process

Emigrating to Cyprus: A Step-by-Step Plan

Emigration process

  1. Find and rent/buy a place to live
  2. Unsubscribe from Belgium/Netherlands
  3. Book a flight ticket and move
  4. Register address in Cyprus
  5. Open bank account(s) (and company)
  6. Application for a residence permit
  7. Applying for Non-Dom status
  8. Taking out health insurance (GeSY)
  9. Import or register car (optional)

Emigration Checklist

  • Is your passport valid for at least another 6 months?
  • Deregistration certificate home country
  • Lease agreement or deed of ownership
  • Health insurance certificate
  • Proof of income/savings
  • Apostille documents (if necessary)

Start your move to Cyprus today

Your dream of living in a better climate while paying less tax is closer than you think. At Cyprus Consult, we'll guide you from start to finish.

Relevant information

Frequently asked questions about moving to Cyprus

Cyprus is not cheap, but generally speaking, Cyprus is still cheaper than many Western countries.

Hospitality and medical care are significantly cheaper, while rent is becoming substantially more expensive. Buying a home, on the other hand, is still affordable. Groceries can turn out to be more expensive depending on your habits and imported products.

Many British expats confuse the new British tax regime for “foreign income and gains (FIG) of 4 years” with Cypriot legislation.

In Cyprus, the equivalent tax benefit is the Non-Domiciled (Non-Dom) regime, which allows qualified expats to live tax-free on their foreign dividends and interest for as long as 17 years (and not just 4 years).

Yes, moving to Cyprus is an excellent idea for entrepreneurs, investors, and remote workers. The combination of year-round sunshine, widespread English, a low crime rate, and some of Europe's most attractive tax benefits (such as the 0% dividend tax) makes it a top destination for wealth preservation and a high quality of life.

People primarily move to Cyprus to escape countries with high taxes and for a better climate. The island offers a corporate tax rate of 15%, 0% tax on dividends, 0% capital gains tax on stock/crypto trading, and a very attractive 50% income tax exemption for high-income expats.

No, but you must reside in Cyprus for at least 60 days per year and not have another country as your tax residence.

You can easily move to Cyprus and continue your foreign business. Thanks to Cypriot non-dom status, dividends that you distribute to yourself in Cyprus from your foreign company are taxed locally at 0%. However, we always recommend contacting us to avoid tax pitfalls regarding “management and control” from your home country.

For those seeking financial optimization, sunshine, security, and an international living environment: absolutely. Cyprus offers both quality of life and tax benefits within the EU.

Yes, as an EU citizen, you are free to travel and live in Cyprus. However, you must officially register within four months using the MEU1 document.

Larnaca and the villages around Paphos (Tala, Emba, Lempa, Peyia, etc.) generally have the cheapest rental prices. Limassol has the highest prices.

The main disadvantages of living in Cyprus are the slow pace of life and the heavy bureaucracy in the public sector (often referred to as “siga-siga” or “slow-slow”). Furthermore, public transport is limited, making a car practically indispensable for daily life.

Cyprus attracts many wealthy individuals, tech entrepreneurs, and celebrities due to its privacy-friendly and favorable tax legislation. Famous residents include billionaire investor John Fredriksen, pop star Shakira (who invested in real estate here), and various prominent European crypto entrepreneurs and athletes.

Yes, Cyprus is considered a high-income economy by the World Bank. It has a robust GDP, primarily driven by professional services, shipping, tourism, and real estate, making it a stable, prosperous, and modern member state of the European Union.

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