F.A.Q

“FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS"

Banks - Bank Accounts
Local Bank accounts quick and easy to open in both Local and FX

Business - Can I set up locally and control
YES - Since Full EEC Entry in April 2004 and can now be controlled 100%

Credit Cards
All Major accepted - especially Visa and Master Card

Driving - Cars
Same as in UK – All cars are 'right hand drive'  so if you wish to – you can  bring your Car M.o.T - similar to UK now.
NO City "Congestion" charges
Speed Cameras - just being introduced
Breathalizers - operate

Petrol & Diesel
Currently 60% less than current UK Prices

Driving Licences
UK / EEC accepted. If residing 'permanently' you apply for local licence Valid to Age 70, then Annual Medical/Eye Test.
Similar 'Penalty Points' system to UK, for Traffic Offences

Duty Free Allowances
Reduced since EEC Membership in April 2004.
For Pensioners - Yes - including Cars also on Domestic/Household Goods brought in within 2 years of moving to Cyprus to live

Education
As a resident - local schools entry is freely available.
Many local "private" English speaking Schools/Colleges

Electricity
Same as UK - 240 volts & 3 pin plugs

Flight time
London 4 hours 30 mins - see our Airports / Inspection.
Visit our Sub Link for all Locations and contact info

Freemasonry - in Cyprus
Yes since 1888 - 2 Lodges in Larnaca/Famagusta District
12 throughout island under E.C.

Language
Greek but English widely spoken

Legal System
Based on UK system [as originally introduced here]

Marriage
You can be married in Cyprus after "3 days residence".
becoming a popular location for "Ceremonies"

Medical
As Cyprus now a full EEC Member
Forms E111 - E112 and E 121 apply for all
Emergency treatment
Pensioners and their Dependants have access  via [E 121] to Free Medical and Local Precriptions these facilities have [at present] to be renewed Annually
 
Medical - Private - is this expensive
No - a fraction of the Costs in the UK very short waiting times excellent clean and efficient Hospital Facilities, with top Consultant Surgeons

Mortgage / Local Property Loan Facilities
Yes freely available
All major local Banks offer Facilities for House / Property purchase

Pensions
UK Pensions can be paid directly intto your Cyprus Bank account
You choose - whether to have Tax deducted here or UK
See our Pensions - Taxation Sub Links

Pets - can I bring to & from Cyprus
Yes - under "Pet Passport" electronic chip schemes
Now free movement within the EEC

Property - General - Can I purchase?
Yes, at present - one Property or Apartment on a plot area max 4,013 SqMtrs - shortly to change under EEC Regulations

Property - Title Deeds -are these important
Yes and you must apply for these via the Land Registry Office

Property - Transfer requirements & Fees
Written confirmation from Central Bank of FX purchase 
The Sale Contract - Council of Ministers Approval  
Property Title Deeds  [if available].
Confirmation all local taxes & Tranfer Fees paid

Rates - Community Charges
Way below UK charges -  65Cyp to 100 Cyp P.A. payable 31st Dec - in arrears!

Religion
Greek Orthodox , but also C.o.E and R.C & many
local Churches for worship

Renting / Letting
Yes - we can assist - see our Services sub link

Residents Permits- easy to obtain
Temporary Permit as EEC citizen, no problem.
Lodge Sale Contract & Bank Statement
Permanent Permit -more paperwork inc:  proof of annual income of CY£10.000 p.a
Since April 2004 & EEC Membership
Permit conditions are changing/relaxing.

Shops & Shopping
Many Shopping Centres and Supermarkets with all Brands of UK & EEC Products
Ladies you need not have "withdrawal symptoms" Marks & Spencer - Dorothy Perkins - Debenhams - River Island - Monsoon- Next  and Mango are all here - to name but a few

Solicitor - do I need one
We recommend "Yes" to check land title - building permits
contract etc  [Fees can  range £700 -  £1,200]

Sports and Leisure in Cyprus
Unlimited - inc
Golf - Scuba Diving - Clay Shooting – Horse Riding  [see our Sports & Leisure Sub Links]

Survey / Valuation - is this mandatory ?
NO - but recommended especially for re-sales and for properties of some age  Costs range 150Cyp for a Valuation and 200Cyp for a Survey

Taxation
Generally, lower rates than the UK- you can choose under the "double taxation" agreement with the UK

Telephones
Excellent local services via CYTA - generally cheaper than UK and your GSM phones will work here
Also local phone cards - "Pay as you go"

Temperature
Ranges from Winter "lows" of 17 to 18 degrees to 32 to 35 degrees in Summer

Time Difference
+ 2 hours to G.M.T Same Spring & Autumn "clock changes" as in UK

Travel
Cyprus has a superb network of 'toll free" motorways linking all major cities
Over 40 Airlines fly to Cyprus - frequent Trips by Air and Boat to Egypt [inc Pyramids and Nile Cuises to Luxur and Aswan - the Red Sea] - Jordan - [inc Petra] - Israel - Syria
Lebanon and Dubai also many MediterraneanIsland Cruises

Vets
Excellent local facilities and very reasonable charges Well below UK rates

Weddings
Very popular with 'parties/families' from UK - see "Marriages"

Wills
Easily arranged through a local solicitor and "recommended"

Work / Employment
Since - EEC entry - April 2004 - ALL EEC Citizens may work be employed locally


For further Information see our "LIVING IN CYPRUS" Sub Link or Complete the "CONTACT US" Form with details of your specific query.

LET US HELP YOU TO ENJOY LIFE IN CYPRUS "THE JEWEL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN"