You will, of course, have many questions about life in Cyprus. We hope that the following may help to answer some of them:

• How long will it take to build my house?
• How do I establish a bank account?
• Can I get a mortgage in Cyprus?
• Where do I buy furniture and white goods?
• Can I bring my own furniture to Cyprus?
• Will I be able to sell my property afterwards?
• What is the weather like in Cyprus?
• What are the hospitals like in Cyprus?
• Do the doctors speak English?
• How much are prescriptions?
• Can I get my prescription medicines in Cyprus?
• Am I allowed to work in Cyprus?
• Can I receive my pension in Cyprus?
• Do I need to make a Will in Cyprus?
• Can I use my UK Driving License in Cyprus?
• Can I buy British newspapers in Cyprus?
• Can I receive British television in Cyprus?
• Are there any English Schools?
• Can I bring my pets to Cyprus?
• Public holidays

How long will it take to build my house?

This is a difficult question to answer, as so much depends upon the stage at which you purchase a new property, the time of year that building starts and the type that you buy. For a new villa, built from scratch, a good rule of thumb is one year. The actual ‘build time’ will be established at the time you sign your contract.

How do I establish a bank account?

The banking system in Cyprus closely follows the British system. Non-Cypriot citizens have the privilege of opening foreign currency and local currency accounts very easily, for the purpose of receiving funds from the UK. You will need a Cyprus bank account to purchase a property, to qualify for residency permits and to purchase a vehicle. Of course, the account can also be used for all normal purposes, such as setting up standing orders to pay utilities. Cyprus banks commonly offer to issue Visa credit cards against the account and ATMs are widely available throughout the island.  Debit cards are not widely used in shops at present as businesses prefer to receive cheques.

Can I get a mortgage in Cyprus?

All commercial banks in Cyprus offer mortgage facilities to foreign purchasers. As in the UK, it is advisable to shop around before making a final decision. Alpha Panareti has a special relationship with a local bank, allowing them to offer exceptionally good rates for mortgage loans.

Where do I buy furniture and white goods?

Cyprus is full of furniture, white goods and electrical equipment shops, all of which supply exceedingly good quality and excellent value for money you will be spoilt for choice In general, supply is from stock, fast and reliable and many furniture suppliers will ‘make to measure’ as wellpackage offers on this website. If you are buying a property to rent out, there are several companies who provide a complete furnishing service, from beds and curtains down to the last teaspoon needed. There are several levels of quality from which to choose. You may also be interested in looking at our own furniture.

Can I bring my own furniture to Cyprus?

It is very easy to ship furniture etc. from Britain to Cyprus by sea container, usually into Limassol. If you make contact with a shipping company in Britain, they will usually make arrangements right the way through to Customs clearance and delivery to site in Cyprus. Personal effects, furniture and household goods are free of import duty for ex-patriates, provided everything is for personal use and not brand-new.

Will I be able to sell my property afterwards?

There are no restrictions on selling a property in Cyprus and the funds/profits can be re-patriated easily. You may sell your property to both Cypriots and non-Cypriots.

What is the weather like in Cyprus?

Cyprus enjoys the best Mediterranean climate, with approximately 330 days of sunshine per year.  Paphos has the finest climate on the island with cooler summers and short, mild winters.  The swimming season starts in April and does not end until November.  Cool pine forests are surprisingly close to the coast and it is possible to ski in the mountains in the winter or stay in cool mountain resorts in summer. The climate on the island of Cyprus is one of its main attractions.  And Paphos has the best of the weather, at all times of year.

What are the hospitals like in Cyprus?

Government hospitals equipped with the latest facilities exist in most large towns providing routine medical care at a relatively low cost.  (Accidents and Emergencies are treated free of charge.)  Many Cyprus doctors of various faculties jointly run ‘Polyclinics’ whose standard in specialist areas is comparable with other highly developed countries. These clinics also tend to have the latest in technology for testing and treatment. Doctors, dentists, specialists and general practitioners are available everywhere and their fees are quite low compared to European standards. Private Health Care Insurance is relatively inexpensive and widely available. Accession to the EU during 2004 has brought new reciprocal health agreements.

Do the doctors speak English?

Most doctors and dentists have trained in the UK, the USA or Europe and speak good English. Private clinics employ a high proportion of English-speaking staff at all levels.

How much are prescriptions?

Ex-patriates are not entitled to free health care or prescriptions in Cyprus, so you will have to pay for all drugs and proprietary medicines at the ‘market’ rate.

Can I get my prescription medicines in Cyprus?

Yes, the full range of medicines is available in Cyprus, but may exist under a different name than you are used to. Many items are available over the counter rather than needing a prescription. Pharmacists are particularly well informed in Cyprus and may well save you a trip to the doctor in non-urgent cases. If you take many prescription drugs on a regular basis, you may be advised to ask for a complete, annotated list from your doctor in England, to assist when you first go to a practitioner here in Cyprus.

Am I allowed to work in Cyprus?

As full members of the EU from 1st May 2004, you will be able to work freely and there should be equality of opportunity in recruitment. EU citizens may set up their own business in several sectors and merely need to apply for approval of a business permit, which is easily obtained from the Central Bank.

Can I receive my pension in Cyprus?

UK pensions are easily transferable to Cyprus.  Individuals are entitled to receive the first EUR 3417.20 of their pension exempt from tax, income tax is applied thereafter at the low rate of 5%. Cyprus has a double taxation agreement in place with the UK.

Do I need to make a Will in Cyprus?

If you intend to purchase a property in Cyprus and/or make it your permanent home, then you are strongly advised to make a Will here. There is no Inheritance Tax (Death Duties) in Cyprus and the probate process works faster than in Britain.

Can I use my UK Driving License in Cyprus?

Yes, your UK driving licence is valid in Cyprus.  However, if you apply for permanent residency, you will be expected to swap it for a Cypriot Driving Licence.  (No Driving Test necessary!)

Can I buy British newspapers in Cyprus?

British newspapers are widely available throughout Cyprus, some late on the same day in Paphos and others a day late throughout the rest of the island. However permanent residents soon tend to change over to the local English-language newspapers – the Cyprus Mail and the Cyprus Weekly that include both local and ex-patriate news.

Can I receive British television in Cyprus?

At present, British television programmes can be received by satellite (although the signal is changed periodically), whilst local Cypriot television screens many British/American programmes and films with Greek sub-titles. If you live within the reception area of the British Forces transmitters, you may also be able to receive British Forces radio and television broadcast services.

Are there any English Schools?

There are a number of reputable schools, including International Schools in both Paphos and Limassol for secondary education.  There are many English-language nursery and infant schools.  Fees are very much lower than those in England and standards are high.  Senior students regularly enter British and American universities and there are also many well-established business colleges for further education.

We now have the American Academy in Paphos which opened in September 2004, with the highest education standard.

Can I bring my pets to Cyprus?

Yes, it’s very easy. The 'Pet Passport' scheme is in full operation in Cyprus. If you wish to bring your pet dog or cat to Cyprus, then they must have all the necessary vaccinations and a licence, obtained from the Department of Veterinary Services in Nicosia. If you make contact with the Department in advance, the official Vet will be on hand at the airport. The process is not difficult to follow.

Public holidays

Banks, shops and offices are closed in Cyprus on the following dates: Fixed holidays:

1 January	New Year’s Day
6 January	Epiphany
15 February	Green Monday 2010
25 March	Greek Independence Day
1 April	National Day
2 April	Good Friday
3 April	Holy Saturday
4 April	Easter Sunday
5 April	Easter Monday
6 April	Easter Holiday Tuesday
1 May	Labour Day
24 May	Whit Sunday
15 August	The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1 October	Cyprus Independence Day
28 October	Ochi Day
24 december	Christmas Eve
25 December	Christmas Day
26 December	Boxing Day

(Holidays falling on a weeked are not moved.) Movable feasts: Green Monday – 50 days before Greek Orthodox Easter Easter – note that Easter is celebrated according to the Greek Orthodox calendar and is usually over a different date than in the rest of Europe. The Tuesday after Easter Monday is taken as an extra day’s holiday.