Retiring to Cyprus

Why retire to Cyprus?

� Year round sunshine
� Cyprus has ties with the UK
� Flight time to the UK is only 4.5 hours
� Easy-going & relaxing lifestyle
� Modern infrastructure
� Safe environment
� Fresh local groceries
� Excellent health care
� Low living costs
� Short distances from town to town
� Stunning scenery
� International schools

What is the procedure for retiring in Cyprus?

All non-Cypriot citizens wishing to take up permanent residence in Cyprus will need to apply to the Migration Department of Cyprus to receive a residence permit. Upon visiting your local immigration office in Cyprus, you will be given a form (M67), whereby you can apply to become a permanent resident of Cyprus, under category F, if you are a retired citizen.

You will also be requested to submit together with your above-mentioned application, documentary evidence that you have in your own and free disposition a secured annual income (such as pension, dividends from investments, interest from deposits, etc.) of a sufficient amount to support yourself and your family whilst in Cyprus. Please note that the minimum secured annual income required for a person is CY�5,600 (approximately �9,360) plus CY�2,700 (approximately �4,500) for each dependent person.

If your application for an Immigration Permit as a retired citizen is approved, you will not be allowed to engage in any form of business profession or occupation, whether paid or unpaid whilst residing in Cyprus and you will have to support yourself and all your family from own income.

Additional information on retiring in Cyprus can be obtained by contacting the Migration Department:
Migration Department
Ministry of the Interior
1457 | Nicosia
Tel: +357 22 804 502 | Fax: +357 22 804 587
E-mail: migration@crmd.moi.gov.cy

Payment of UK pensions in Cyprus

If you are entitled to a UK state pension, this can be paid directly to your Cypriot bank account and unlike some other countries, your pension remains index linked, when moving abroad to Cyprus. For further details, please refer to the Social Security agreement between UK and Cyprus, as summarised in a DSS booklet on this topic or the DSS website at: www.dwp.gov.uk. Private pension income may of course be transferred to your Cypriot bank account, if so desired.

10 Good Reasons why people are choosing to Retire in Cyprus.