Your First Checklist

Clarify first

• Why Cyprus? Write down your three main reasons – climate, tax, family, work.
• How do you want to live: permanently, seasonally or as a second home?
• Which region suits you? Start with Deciding where to live.
• Set a budget – including buying costs and running costs.
• Discuss the tax consequences at home and in Cyprus with a tax adviser.

Documents and organisation

• Check your passport or ID card is valid (expiry dates!).
• Get birth and, if applicable, marriage certificates; authorities often need certified translations.
• Gather proof of income or assets (for residence permits and the bank).
• Arrange health insurance for the transition period.
• Plan deregistration, contracts, post and insurance in your home country.
• Plan a viewing trip before you commit to an area.

Arriving

• Find a rental – a rental phase helps you choose the area.
• EU citizens: apply for registration (form MEU1, the “yellow slip”) within four months of arrival.
• Non-EU citizens: clarify the right residence permit with the migration department.
• Apply for a tax identification code (TIC) – you need it for the bank, the purchase and your tax return.
• Open a bank account; banks check the source of funds closely, so have documents ready.
• Register with the GeSY healthcare system once you are eligible.

Prepare the purchase

• Instruct an independent lawyer licensed in Cyprus – not the seller’s lawyer.
• Have the Land Registry search certificate and encumbrances checked.
• Non-EU citizens: allow for the purchase permit.
• Clarify the purchase process and deadlines with your lawyer.