Confirm passport validity (≥6 months past intended stay)
Cyprus follows EU norms: ensure passport has at least six months validity beyond your planned move-in date.
Your move
Your relocation planner
18 milestones, grouped by when you should hit them. Tick as you go — your progress saves to this device.
Each milestone links to the official source and, where relevant, the professional who'll do the heavy lifting.
Your progress
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Still deciding where
Explore the island and find the area that fits your life
Six districts, the neighbourhoods measured on live listings, and what a year here actually feels like.
Before you arrive
Anything that's easier to do — or required to be done — before stepping off the plane.
Choose your district + 2–3 specific neighbourhoods
Use the Areas section to compare lifestyle, cost, schools and language mix before signing anything.
Appoint a Cyprus-licensed lawyer (verify with Cyprus Bar Association)
Even for renting it pays; for buying it's essential. Get fixed-fee quotes; never use the developer's recommended lawyer alone.
Appoint an ICPAC-registered accountant
Plan your tax residency strategy (60-day or 183-day; non-dom status) before you move.
Open a non-resident Cyprus bank account
Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic and Alpha all accept non-resident applications. Begin paperwork remotely; finalise on arrival.
Book international removal company (transfer-of-residence relief eligible)
Confirm they handle Cyprus customs and the transfer-of-residence relief on household goods.
Pet preparation (EU pet passport, microchip, rabies)
Allow 3+ months for non-EU origins (blood titer test 30 days post-vaccine, then 3-month wait).
Find vets →≈ 90 days
First 30 days
The administrative sprint that turns 'I'm here' into 'I live here'.
Sign tenancy / take property handover
Get a rental contract or property handover letter — needed for utility connections and residence applications.
Connect electricity (EAC), water and internet (Cyta/PrimeTel/Epic)
EAC needs ID, contract and ~€100 deposit. Internet activation 5–14 days depending on existing line.
Apply for ARC (Alien Registration Certificate) if non-EU, or MEU1 if EU
EU citizens: register within 4 months. Non-EU: temporary residence (pink slip) within timeframe of entry.
Register for a Tax Identification Code (TIC)
Required for almost everything administrative. Online via TaxisNet.
Month 2–3
Settling in, registering with the systems that catch up to you.
Register with GeSY + choose a personal doctor
Once you have a TIC and a residence permit, you can register with GeSY and pick a GP within 24 hours online.
Register with Social Insurance Services (if employed/self-employed)
Self-employed register at the local Social Insurance office within their first month of activity.
Exchange driving licence (if non-EU) / register imported car
EU licences valid indefinitely. UK / non-EU exchange within 6 months of becoming resident.
Enrol children in school
Public-school year starts September; private/international varies. Apply 3–6 months ahead for top international schools.
Ongoing
Annual rhythms once you're established.
File annual tax return (April–July)
Personal income return TD1 due 31 July following year. Non-doms file but pay no SDC on dividends/interest.
Renew residence permit (annually for non-EU)
Pink-slip holders renew yearly until 5-year continuous residence + permanent residence eligibility.
Learn enough Greek to settle (and to feel welcome)
A1→A2 in 6 months gets you through admin and shopkeepers. Investment in social roots.
Before you pick an area
Start from what places actually cost.
Every measured neighbourhood in Cyprus on one map, priced per square metre from live listings. It is the data the rest of this site is built on.