Requirements of Residency
There are different rules and regulations on moving to Cyprus depending on your existing citizenship and where in the world you are moving from. For EU and EEA citizens, the move is a simple one because Cyprus is a member of the European Union. For non-EU citizens, there are strict regulations that you must follow.
EU/EEA Citizens
You don’t require a visa to enter Cyprus if you are a British citizen or British subject with right of living in the UK. There is no minimum passport validity requirement, but your passport must be valid for the whole duration of your stay.
EU/EEA nationals who are planning on staying in the Republic of Cyprus for more than 3 months are required to apply for a residence permit (yellow slip).
After 5 consecutive years of living in Cyprus, a permanent registration certificate can be applied for.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens
To understand the procedures of moving to Cyprus from a non-EU/EEA country, please visit the Cyprus Government website or make an appointment at your nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus.
Who to Contact Before the Move
If you are moving or retiring to Cyprus from the UK, it is best practice to contact the following centres before you move:
Your Local Council
Contact your local council and give them your new address, or if you don’t have a new address yet, tell them that you have quit your UK one.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
You must contact HMRC before you move to Cyprus so that they can work out how much tax you need to pay in your new situation.
Read GOV.UK’s relevant page for full information and advice on taxation.
International Pension Centre
You need to contact the Pension Centre to understand what will happen to your pension when you move to Cyprus. Your state pension is claimable and payable in Cyprus if you’ve paid enough UK National Insurance contributions to qualify.
Relevant Benefit Offices
If you receive any benefits – e.g. Jobseeker’s Allowance, Maternity, Childcare, Illness, Disability etc. –in the UK, you need to contact the relevant offices to tell them you’re moving to Cyprus.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure you make copies of the following before you move:
Passport
Birth certificate for you and any children
Marriage certificate
Employment contract (if applicable)
Passport photographs
Medical and dental records
