Moving to Cyprus

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Your path to residency in Cyprus largely depends on your nationality. For citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), the process is generally simpler, often involving registration after arrival. Non-EU/EEA citizens, however, will typically require a visa to enter, followed by applying for a residence permit.

Common routes for obtaining a residence permit in Cyprus include:

• Work Permit: If you have secured employment with a Cypriot company, your employer will usually assist with the application process.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a family member who is already a legal resident of Cyprus.
• Study Permit: For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Cyprus.
• Residence Permit for Financial Reasons: For individuals who can demonstrate sufficient independent financial means to support themselves without working in Cyprus. This often involves specific income and investment criteria.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements and procedures directly with the official immigration authorities of Cyprus or the Cypriot embassy/consulate in your home country before making any relocation plans. Regulations can change, and individual circumstances may require specific documentation.

Housing & Rental

Finding accommodation in Cyprus can be done through various channels. Online property portals are a popular starting point, offering a wide range of apartments and houses across different regions. Local real estate agents are also invaluable, especially if you're unfamiliar with the areas or prefer to have professional assistance navigating the market. Word-of-mouth and local community groups can sometimes yield hidden gems.

The typical rental process in Cyprus involves:

• Viewing Properties: Arrange visits to potential homes that match your criteria.
• Negotiation: While some prices are fixed, there may be room for negotiation, especially for longer leases.
• Rental Agreement: A formal contract outlining the terms of the tenancy, including rent, duration, responsibilities of both landlord and tenant, and any specific clauses. Ensure you understand all terms before signing.
• Deposits: It is standard practice to pay a security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, which is refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition. You may also be asked for the first month's rent in advance.

Consider whether you need temporary accommodation upon arrival, such as a short-term rental or hotel, before committing to a long-term lease. This allows you to explore different neighborhoods and finalize your housing decision on the ground.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Cyprus is influenced by several key factors, making each move unique. Understanding these elements will help you prepare your budget:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the larger the container or space required, directly impacting the cost. Decluttering significantly before your move can reduce expenses.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Cyprus plays a major role in shipping costs.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand for moving services.
• Accessibility: The ease of access at both your origin and destination properties (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, parking availability) can affect labor time and specialized equipment needs.
• Extra Services: Services like professional packing, unpacking, disassembling/reassembling furniture, storage, and specialized handling for delicate or oversized items will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation service provider.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation typically benefits from a 4-8 week preparation timeline. Here’s a checklist-style guide:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Go through all your belongings. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This significantly reduces moving volume.
• Research: Begin researching schools, healthcare providers, and potential neighborhoods in Cyprus.
• Gather Documents: Start collecting important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, academic transcripts, financial statements). Create digital copies and keep originals in a secure, accessible folder.
• Request Quotes: Contact relocation companies for quotes and services.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Book Services: Confirm your moving date and book your chosen relocation service.
• Notify Landlord: If renting, give formal notice according to your lease agreement.
• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need until after the move (e.g., off-season clothing, decorative items, books).
• Utilities Research: Research utility providers in Cyprus (electricity, water, internet) and understand the setup process.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Change of Address: Start notifying banks, insurance companies, subscriptions, and government agencies of your upcoming change of address.
• Medical & Pet Records: Arrange for transfer of medical records and veterinary records if moving with pets. Research pet import requirements for Cyprus.
• Consumables: Start using up frozen foods and pantry items to minimize waste.
• Create an "Essentials" Box: Designate a box for items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, basic kitchenware, medication, chargers, important documents).

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Confirm Travel: Finalize flights and temporary accommodation in Cyprus.
• Utilities Disconnection/Transfer: Arrange for disconnection of current utilities and setup of new ones in Cyprus.
• Final Packing: Pack remaining items, leaving only what you need for the final few days.
• Bank Accounts: Research options for opening a bank account in Cyprus.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Confirm with Movers: Reconfirm all details with your relocation company.
• Clean: Begin a thorough clean of your current home.
• Charge Devices: Ensure all electronic devices are charged for travel.
• Pack Essentials Box: Put all last-minute necessities into your designated essentials box.

For a tailored moving plan and a precise cost estimate, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Cyprus: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Planning your move to Cyprus? Navigating customs and import regulations for your household goods and personal effects can seem daunting. This guide provides a clear, concise overview to help ensure a smooth transition for your belongings.

If you're relocating as a new resident from a non-EU country

To qualify for duty and tax-free import of your household goods and personal effects, you must meet specific residency criteria. You shouldn't have lived in Cyprus for more than 365 days in the last two years, nor more than 185 days in the 12 months immediately preceding your physical arrival to establish permanent residence. Your shipment must arrive within 365 days of your arrival in Cyprus.

What you'll need

• Proof of property sale or rental termination in your origin country (or title deed if retaining residence). All documents must be officially translated to English or Greek.
• Utility bills (electricity, water, phone) in your name from your origin country, dating back 12 months from your last arrival in Cyprus. Official translations required. If employer paid, a confirmation letter is needed.
• Letter from your previous employer confirming years of service and last employment date (in English or Greek). If transferring within the same company, a letter confirming years at origin and transfer to Cyprus.
• Termination of employment from previous employer.
• Marriage Certificate if spouses have different surnames.
• Council tax, municipality tax, or Social Insurance documents (if applicable).
• Pay slips for 12 months prior to your last arrival in Cyprus, or proof of pension for 12 months if retired. Alternatively, two years of tax returns.
• Bank statements from your origin country for 12 months prior to your last arrival in Cyprus. Print these and have them ready for customs; copies cannot be made at customs.
• Proof of children's school attendance and termination at origin (if applicable).
• Boarding card/ticket/reservation confirming arrival date for you and your family.
• Residency permit or immigration appointment (for non-Cypriot nationals).
• Employment contract and a letter from your current employer in Cyprus (if working).
• Registration of your children at local schools (if applicable).
• Recent bank statement (3 months) confirming a local bank account.
• Original valid passports for you and your family, to be presented at customs. Provide copies of the picture page in advance.
• For Cypriot nationals: Passport and ID card.
• Rental contract or title deed if you own property in Cyprus.
• Utility bills in your name in Cyprus (if available).
• Packing list.
• Waybill with billing instructions.
• Express bill of lading (no originals needed) or Air Waybill.
• Copies of your passport and your family's passports.

Good to know

• New items, defined as those owned and used for less than 6 months prior to export, are dutiable.
• All new electrical appliances must have CE markings; otherwise, they may not be allowed entry.
• Physical customs inspections are common for non-EU shipments and typically occur after 3:00 PM, which may incur additional charges.

If you're moving from an EU member country

Importing household goods and personal effects from another EU member country generally has fewer customs hurdles.

What you'll need

• For sea shipments: An Electronic PoUS T2L or a "Status C" manifested bill of lading from the shipping line.
• Packing List.
• Copy of your passport (picture page).
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) or Express Waybill.
• Original registration documents for any cars, motorbikes, or boats (if applicable).
• For air shipments: An Air Waybill (AWB) showing "C status" and not routed via a non-EU country. If routed via non-EU, an Electronic PoUS T2L is required.
• Pre-alert for air shipments must be sent at least 48 hours (excluding weekends) before arrival at Larnaca airport.

Good to know

• It's not expected to import items like pianos, alcohol, shotguns, air rifles, or other "abnormal" items not typically considered household goods. If you intend to import such items, contact your destination agent beforehand.
• If shipping a car, motorbike, or boat, you must attend Limassol Customs in person.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments from both EU and non-EU countries benefit from specific exemptions.

What you'll need

• For sea shipments: Electronic PoUS T2L or "Status C" bill of lading.
• Packing list.
• Passport copy.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) or Express Waybill.
• For air shipments: "C status" Air Waybill.
• Pre-alert.

Good to know

• Diplomats are exempt from duty and VAT on alcohol, provided the Embassy supplies a Diplomatic Franchise before the shipment's arrival. Otherwise, standard duty and VAT rates apply.
• For diplomatic vehicles, an Exemption Certificate (Diplomatic Franchise) and a Note Verbal from the local Embassy are required, in addition to car details, C72, 1002 certified by the Embassy, CC of the car, mileage, and first registration date.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles (cars, motorbikes, off-road bikes) has detailed regulations based on origin and vehicle status.

What you'll need

• From EU Origin: Electronic PoUS T2L, original registration, valid driving license, European or Cyprus insurance cover, owner's presence at Limassol customs. Purchase invoice if registration isn't in owner's name. Brand new vehicles require a Certificate of Conformity.
• From Non-EU Origin: Original registration, valid driving license, European or Cyprus insurance cover, owner's presence at Limassol customs. Original Certificate of Conformity for used or new motorbikes and new cars. Purchase invoice if duties/taxes are payable.
• Diplomatic Cars: Exemption Certificate (Diplomatic Franchise) and Note Verbal from the local Embassy, C72 with car details, 1002 in diplomat's name certified by the Embassy, CC of car, kilometres/miles, and first registration date.

Good to know

• EU Origin Vehicles: No excise duty or VAT if the vehicle is at least 6 months old and registered for at least 6 months at origin. If not owned for 6 months, it must be registered for at least 6 months at origin AND driven for at least 6000 km. There's no limit on the number of vehicles for personal use.
• Brand new cars are subject to 19% VAT on CIF value, even from EU, but VAT may be reclaimable from origin.
• Non-EU Origin Vehicles: The car must be owned and used by the importer at origin for at least 6 months and driven for at least 6000 km. The importer must be eligible for duty-free import as a transfer of residence.
• If not eligible for duty-free import, duty is 10% on CIF value plus 19% VAT on the combined CIF value and duty.
• One vehicle (car or motorbike) per family member is allowed.
• Vehicles under 5 years old can be imported with duties and taxes if not eligible for duty-free import.
• Vehicles over 5 years old, if the client is not eligible for transfer of residence, cannot be imported and must be exported or placed in a bonded warehouse. Local registration will not be possible.
• Bill of lading for all vehicles must include make, model, chassis, and engine number.
• Used and new motorbikes from non-EU countries require an original Certificate of Conformity (COC).
• Antique Vehicles (over 30 years old): Permitted even if not imported under transfer of residence. If not a transfer of residence, the vehicle will be evaluated by customs, and duties of 10% and VAT of 19% will apply to the evaluation. If no alterations, only VAT is applicable. Alterations are examined by the FIVA department (OKAK) before registration. If imported under Transfer of Residence, normal TOR documents apply, and no duties or taxes are applicable.

Pets

Contact your destination agent for specific requirements regarding pet shipments, as these are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Restricted & prohibited items

• Guns/Rifles: Shipper must hold a European Firearms Pass or obtain an Import License from a local District Police HQ in Cyprus before arrival. They must be presented for registration at the local police station within 48 hours of shipment arrival. A registration fee is payable per rifle/pistol. Release is contingent on a valid European Firearms Pass or Firearms Permit from the Chief of Police.
• Prohibited Items: Drugs, narcotics, pornographic material.

Alcohol & tobacco

As part of a household goods shipment, alcohol from both EU and non-EU origins is subject to duty and VAT, unless you are a diplomat with a valid Diplomatic Franchise.

• Sparkling wine: EUR 0.32 cents/litre plus VAT.
• Red and white wine: EUR 0.15 cents per litre plus VAT.
• Spirits: EUR 9.57 per anhydrite ethyl alcohol plus VAT.

Frequently asked questions

What is considered a "new item" for customs purposes?
An item is considered new if it has been owned and used for less than 6 months prior to export from your origin country.

Do I need to be present for customs clearance of my vehicle?
Yes, you must attend Limassol Customs in person for the import of any car, motorbike, or boat.

Are there any restrictions on electrical appliances?
Yes, all new electrical appliances must have CE Markings. Appliances without these markings may be confiscated by customs officials.

What happens if my non-EU shipment is inspected?
Currently, about 90% of non-EU shipments undergo physical customs inspection. These inspections are typically carried out after 3:00 PM and may result in additional charges.

Can I import food items?
A reasonable amount of dry and canned food is permitted from both EU and non-EU member countries.

What if I want to import unusual items not typically considered household goods?
If you plan to import items like pianos, shotguns, air rifles, or other "abnormal" items, you must contact your destination agent in advance.

For personalized assistance with your move to Cyprus, please contact relocation123.com.

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