One AxionRelocation · Cyprus

Moving to Cyprus

The big-picture checklist for relocating to the island — from first decisions to arrival day.

Cyprus is a wonderful place to land — sun, sea and a big, welcoming expat community. This is the high-level plan; the “Cyprus residency & paperwork” and “Settling in Cyprus” checklists go deeper. Tick items off as you go; your progress saves automatically on this device.

1Decide your status & route

Work out your route: EU/EEA/Swiss (register on arrival) or non-EU (a residence permit — work, self-sufficiency, digital-nomad or investment).
Check the current entry/visa rules for your nationality on the official Civil Registry & Migration Department site.
Choose your area — Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia or the east — to fit work, schools and lifestyle.
Set a target arrival date and a budget for the move plus the first few months.

2Paperwork to bring

Passports valid well beyond your move; bring apostilled birth and marriage certificates.
Bring school records, medical records and vaccination history.
Bring proof of income/funds and any employment contract (often needed for residency).
Get certified translations of anything not in English or Greek.

3First official steps on arrival

Apply for your Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Start your residency registration — Yellow Slip (MEU1) for EU citizens; the relevant permit for non-EU.
Open a Cypriot bank account.
Register your residential address. (See the “Cyprus residency & paperwork” checklist for detail.)

4Money & cost of living

Budget for local rents, groceries and utilities — EAC electricity can spike in summer with air-conditioning.
Understand the tax basics (and the “non-dom” rules if relevant) — take professional advice.
Set up a way to move money and hold euros; keep a buffer for deposits and setup costs.
Plan private health cover for the gap before you’re in the GeSY national health system.

5Home & utilities

Rent before you buy; use reputable agents and insist on a written contract.
Set up electricity (EAC), water, and internet (Cyta, Epic, PrimeTel and others).
Plan for cooling in summer and heating in winter — and the running costs.
Arrange contents insurance and learn the bin/recycling routine.

6Children & schools

Choose between public (Greek-language) and private/international (often English-language) schools.
Apply early — good international schools in Paphos and Limassol have waiting lists.
Gather school records and references; the school year runs September to June.
Plan the social side — clubs, sports and friends — for the kids.

7Healthcare

Register for GeSY (the national health system) once you’re eligible.
Hold private health insurance for the gap, and register with a local GP.
Bring prescriptions and a medication list; find your nearest pharmacy.
Save the European emergency number, 112.

8Getting around & settling in

Remember Cyprus drives on the left; check whether you can use your licence or must exchange it.
Consider buying a car — public transport is limited outside the cities.
Learn a few Greek basics; English is widely spoken, especially in Paphos.
Tap into the large expat community for support and local know-how.