:: Useful Info ::
Arriving in Cyprus
Being an island, Cyprus can be only reached by sea or air. The island has two airports, one at Larnaca and one at Paphos and two main harbours, one at Limassol and the other at Larnaca. Within the latter two towns there are yachting marinas which cater for the yachting enthusiast / traveller. Four new marinas are planned to be constructed by the year 2006. | back to list |
Climate
Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate and is fortunate to have one of the most agreeable climates in Europe, with 11 out of 12 months a year enjoying brilliant sunshine. The warm dry summers stretch into a pleasant autumn season, and the short mild winter leads the way to the rebirth of nature in an enchanting springtime. During the six summer months, the sun shines for an average of 11.5 hours a day, and for approximately 6.5 hours during the cooler months of December and January. While snow is very rare on the central plain and coast, there is snowfall every year between December and March in areas over 1,000m above sea level. The higher slopes of the Troodos mountain range offer good skiing conditions for approximately six weeks a year. Sea temperatures exceed 22 degrees centigrade from June until November, reaching a maximum of 27 degrees centigrade in the height of summer. During the cooler months between January and March, average sea temperatures rarely fall below 16 or 17 degrees centigrade. | back to list |
Language
The local language is Greek, but over 80% of the population speak English, making life for the non-Greek speaker much easier. Correspondence with the Government and other authorities can be made in the English language also. | back to list |
European Community
Cyprus became a member of the European Union (EU) in May 2004. | back to list |
Residence Permit
Buying property in Cyprus does not imply the issue of a residence permit nor of a work permit. The fact however, that a Council of Ministers’ permission for acquiring property was given to a foreigner, will make an application for residence permit be looked upon more favorably by the Immigration Control Board (and in fact this is rarely refused). To obtain a Cypriot citizenship, a written application must be submitted to the Immigration Department. Each case is looked individually. Successful applications are usually the ones made by:
(a) Foreigners married for over five years with persons of Cypriot origin.
(b) People residing in Cyprus that have totaled 10 years of stay on the island within a 13 year period. | back to list |
Banking Standards
The banking system in Cyprus is modeled on the British System. The banks have many convenient branches that are very efficient, modern and well equipped with the latest technology. Foreign persons retiring to Cyprus may open an external deposit account without difficulty. International banks have branches throughout the island and furthermore, major credit cards, such as those within the Visa and Europay networks, are widely used in Cyprus. Most local Banks provide finance for foreigners in any currency when acquiring real estate. The usual requirement is 25% own contribution and up to 10 years repayment. Usual charge = libor +1.5 % - 2% p.a.
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Legal System
The legal system in Cyprus is mainly based upon the British Legal System. The Cyprus Land Registry is probably one of the most advanced and reliable systems in the world. Purchasers of property in Cyprus will therefore be far more secure, with regard to their title deeds, than they might be in another country. Furthermore, legal fees / costs are very reasonable and are way lower than in other European countries. | back to list |
Educational Care
There are both junior and secondary schools of high standards catering for English, Armenian, French and Arabic speaking pupils. There is a Greek speaking Cyprus University and a number of English speaking private colleges of high standards covering a wide spectrum of professions. These colleges are related to UK and USA universities and graduates of 2-3 years courses in these colleges can easily enroll with the UK / USA related universities. Fees in such colleges are in the range of CYP 2.000 - CYP 4.000 per annum depending on the college and the course attended. | back to list |
Health Care
Health care in Cyprus is inexpensive, since every town has its own Government hospital, where fees are very low. However, for those who prefer private treatment there are a number of private clinics with competent specialist physicians in all fields. Government statistics showed that there is a doctor for every 370 persons, a dentist for every 1,100, a nurse for every 215 and a hospital bed for every 215 persons. A doctor’s visit costs about CYP 15 – CYP 20 and X-rays from CYP 20. Inexpensive Private Medical Insurance is also available. Cyprus residents, whether Cypriots or not, can have a private medical insurance starting from CYP 142 pa. | back to list |
The 'standard option' covers public sector clinics and hospitals only whereas the 'comprehensive option insurance' includes the covering of expenses of private medical services and medicine. The plans differ mainly in respect of the maximum coverage they provide. Plan A covers up to CYP 550.000 pa, Plan B up to CYP 30.000 pa and Plan C up to CYP 10.000 pa.
EU citizenship implies enjoying the same benefits in health care as the Cypriots, ie practically free health care. | back to list |
Car Driving
Visitors in Cyprus may drive using a valid international driving licence or their National driving licence, provided it is valid for the particular class of vehicle they want to drive. If a foreigner wishes to get a Cyprus driving licence then he must convert his national licence to a Cypriot one or take the driving test. A Cyprus driving licence will cost CYP 35 for a lifetime. Hiring an ordinary saloon car costs about CYP 25-35 per day including full cover insurance during the summer season and CYP 15 - 20 per day during the rest of the year. Four lane motorways connect all towns and the airports and two lane, good surfaced roads connect all towns and villages. Visitors can bring their cars to Cyprus for a period of three months provided the car has a valid registration in its country. Attention must be paid to the fact that driving in Cyprus is on the left side of the road with cars being right-wheeled. | back to list |
Crime Rate
Cyprus enjoys a very low crime rate in comparison with other competitive Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Italy. According to Interpol Statistics, Cyprus’ crime rate is only at the rate of 6% to that of the UK, 8% of Germany, 30% of Portugal and Spain, 5% of Sweden, 12% of Norway etc. | back to list |
