Cyprus is a place with warm sun, a calm life, and a strong job scene. It brings both work and rest. The cost to live here is fair, and rules to move are not too hard. Many now pick this spot for work, a new life, or to spend their retirement.
As of mid-2025, Cyprus has around 1,370,000 people. Expats make up a significant portion, with foreign-born residents accounting for around 22.7% of the total population. As of December 2024, the expat population reached a record high of 259,939.
The island draws more folks from far-off lands each year. This guide will help you with the relocation guide Cyprus needs. You’ll find steps on how to move to Cyprus, pick a home, and set up work.
What You Need to Know Before Moving
Shifting life to a new place is no small task. A Cyprus relocation checklist keeps things smooth. Below are key things to note:
- Rules for visas and stays – Find out which type fits your case.
- Where to live? – Best spots for work and life.
- Daily cost – Rent, food, bills, and pay for health.
- Work or start a firm? – Work laws and set-up steps.
- Health and school – Good care and schools for kids.
- Main tasks – Steps to make life easy in Cyprus.
Laws and Rules for Long Stays in Cyprus
This relocation guide Cyprus starts with how to stay long-term. There are many ways to get a visa or permit. You must check what suits your case.
Additionally, when planning your move, it’s essential to explore the best places to live in Cyprus for expats to find a location that aligns with your lifestyle, work, and family needs.
Types of Residence Permits
| Permit Type | Who Can Apply? | Key Terms |
| Permanent Stay | Retirees, Investors, Self-Employed | Proof of cash flow, home buy plan |
| Pink Slip (Short Stay) | Non-working expats, digital nomads | No work rights, renew each year |
| Work Permit | Skilled staff | Job offer a must, boss applies |
| Yellow Slip (EU Only) | Any EU citizen | Work rights, long stay |
| Business Stay Permit | Firm owners | Need firm name, tax, start-up cash |
The net migration to Cyprus in 2025 is at 7,749 more people. This shows how many wish to move here for a better life.
Best Places to Live for Expats in Cyprus
Where to live in Cyprus? Each place has its perks. Some suit jobs, some have low rent, and others are best for rest. If you’re looking for the best places to live in Cyprus for expats, you’ll find a mix of vibrant cities and peaceful coastal towns that cater to different lifestyles.
Top Cyprus Neighborhoods for Expats
- Nicosia – The main hub for law and jobs.
- Limassol – Full of firms, high pay, and top flats.
- Paphos – Good for rest and low-cost life.
- Larnaca – By the sea, cheap, and calm.
Before you choose where to live in Cyprus, there are a few things to consider like work opportunities, cost of living, lifestyle, etc. To own a home, Cyprus asks non-EU folks to seek a nod from the state. Some expats opt to rent first, then buy once they feel at home.
Cost to Live and Plan Cash for the Move
One big task in how to move to Cyprus is cash flow. The cost to live here varies by town. Cyprus is still cheaper than most parts of the UK and Germany. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly expenses for expats living in Cyprus:
| Expense | Average Cost (€) |
| Rent | |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 952.28 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 754.53 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 1,775.72 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 1,431.35 |
| Utilities | |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment | 185.33 |
| Mobile & Internet | |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan (with Calls & 10GB+ Data) | 20.08 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 30.86 |
| Transportation | |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 2.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 50.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5.40 |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | 1.98 |
| Taxi 1-hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 30.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.40 |
This table gives you an idea of common monthly costs an expat can expect while living in Cyprus, but actual expenses may vary depending on the location, lifestyle, and choices made.
How to Move Your Cash Smartly?
Use low-cost exchange apps like Wise. This cuts bank fees and gives fair rates.
Find Work or Start a Firm in Cyprus
The Cyprus job scene is strong. Some fields need staff. If you are skilled, you might land a good role. If you are planning to move, having a Cyprus relocation checklist can help you stay organised and make the transition smoother.
A work visa takes 4–6 weeks to get. Firms must show they could not hire a local before they pick a foreign staff.
How to Set Up a Firm?
- Pick a firm name & get it checked.
- Draft the firm’s rules & send them in.
- Open a bank account & put in funds.
- Get a tax ID & firm license.
By January 2025, Cyprus gave 22,460 non-EU folks a short-term pass due to war. This shows how the island lets people in for work and life.
Top Schools for Kids
Among the top schools in Cyprus, institutions like The American Academy in Nicosia, The Heritage Private School in Limassol, and The International School of Paphos stand out for their high-quality education, often following UK or US-style curricula. These schools are popular choices for many expat families.
If you’d like to learn more about the schools in Cyprus, feel free to check out the article we wrote on the topic here.
That said, Cyprus also offers excellent public school options. While private schools are the go-to for many expats, public schools maintain a strong reputation for quality education and can be a great choice for those looking for more affordable alternatives.
Most expat kids go to private schools. Some high-ranked ones have UK or US-style courses.
How to Handle Hurdles When Moving?
- Paperwork – Cyprus can be slow with forms. Get all papers ready in Greek or English.
- Find a Place to Stay – Use an agent for fair rates.
- Settle In – Learn some Greek to blend in fast.
So, Is Cyprus Right for You?
A move to Cyprus means a low tax rate, mild sun, and a rich way of life. The relocation guide Cyprus helps plan the shift with ease. If the steps seem tough, get help from the Expatify Guide. Share this with friends & family who may want to move here!
FAQs
1. How much do I need to save before I move to Cyprus?
It depends on where you stay. You might need at least €10,000 to cover rent, bills, and first costs.
2. Can I move to Cyprus with no job?
Yes, but you must prove you have steady cash flow. A pink slip lets you stay, but not work.
3. How long does it take to get a work pass?
It takes 4–6 weeks. The boss must show why a local was not picked first.
4. Can I get health care in Cyprus as an expat?
Yes, via GeSY (public health). If you want fast care, get a private health plan.
5. What’s the best way to move my money to Cyprus?
Use Wise or Revolut to dodge big bank fees. Open a Cyprus bank for daily use.
