Can British citizens still move to Cyprus after Brexit?

Yes. Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals are treated as third-country nationals, so you need a residence permit rather than the EU citizen registration. The main routes are: a visitor temporary residence permit (the pink slip) if you will live on income from abroad and not work in Cyprus; Category F, a permanent permit for people with a secured income from abroad; the digital nomad visa for remote workers earning at least €3,500 a month net; an employment-based permit arranged by a Cyprus employer; permanent residency by investment, from €300,000. The relocation route finder shows which fits you.

How long can a UK citizen stay in Cyprus without a visa?

90 days in any 180-day period. Cyprus is not in the Schengen area, so days in Cyprus and days in Schengen countries are counted separately. Time spent in the north of Cyprus counts towards your 90 days. Overstaying can get you put on a stop list and refused entry for up to 5 years, according to the FCDO.

How long can I stay in Cyprus if I own a property?

Owning property does not by itself give you a right to live in Cyprus. Without a residence permit you are still limited to 90 days in any 180. Owning or renting a home does help with a permit application, and buying a new home worth at least €300,000 plus VAT can qualify you for permanent residency.

Can I get a yellow slip with a UK passport?

Not with a UK passport alone if you moved after 31 December 2020. The yellow slip is the Registration Certificate for EU citizens (form MEU1, €20). You can use it if you also hold an EU passport, such as Irish. Britons who lived in Cyprus before 2021 are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement and have their own residence document. See the yellow slip guide.

What is the Cyprus pink slip?

The pink slip is the common name for a temporary residence permit, usually the visitor permit for people who live on income from abroad. You apply on form MVIS8. It lasts 1 year and is renewable, and you cannot work in Cyprus on it. The fees are €70 for the permit and €70 for your first Alien Registration Certificate, and the Migration Department usually decides within 4 months. The government does not publish a minimum income; immigration lawyers commonly cite around €24,000 a year for a single applicant, plus about 20% for a spouse and 15% per child.

What is Category F and who is it for?

Category F is a permanent immigration permit for people with a secured income from abroad who will not work in Cyprus. It suits many retirees. The regulatory minimum income is €9,568 a year, plus €4,613 per dependant, though in practice applicants show more. The fee is €500 and applications go to the Migration Department in Nicosia on form MIP2. Lawyers report long backlogs for standard applications, so most people hold a visitor permit while they wait. From 1 September 2026, applicants must also submit medical tests.

How do I get permanent residency in Cyprus?

The fastest route is Regulation 6(2): buy new residential property from a developer worth at least €300,000 plus VAT and show at least €50,000 a year of income from abroad, plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per child. The application fee is €500 and the government targets a decision in about 2 months. The permit covers your spouse and children under 18. See the PR investment route guide.

Can I work in Cyprus?

It depends on your permit. Visitor and Category F holders cannot work in Cyprus. The digital nomad visa lets you work remotely for employers or clients outside Cyprus, but not for Cyprus businesses. A job with a Cyprus employer needs an employment-based permit, normally arranged by the employer. Running your own business through a Cyprus company has its own routes, covered in the entrepreneurs hub.

What is the 90-day rule in Cyprus?

There is no 90-day rule for Cyprus tax residency. The 90-day rule UK visitors hear about is the immigration limit of 90 days in any 180 without a permit. For tax, Cyprus uses the 183-day rule and the 60-day rule.

Is it easy for UK citizens to move to Cyprus?

It is straightforward if you pick the right route and prepare the paperwork, but it is slower than before Brexit. Expect official document translations and apostilles, private health insurance, a stamped rental contract and waits of weeks to months for decisions. The admin is easier in the right order, which is what the free relocation plan sets out.

Is Cyprus expensive to live in?

Cheaper than the UK overall, but not cheap. Numbeo’s August 2026 data puts UK living costs including rent about 20% higher than Cyprus, and UK rents about 22% higher. Electricity for summer air conditioning, cars and private school fees can all cost more than people expect. Paphos is usually cheaper than Limassol: Wise estimates a single person’s monthly costs at about £1,582 in Paphos against £1,991 in Limassol.

How much is rent in Paphos?

Numbeo’s August 2026 averages for Paphos are about €967 a month for a one-bedroom flat in the centre and €875 outside it, and about €1,863 for a three-bedroom flat in the centre and €1,671 outside. Houses with pools in the villages cost more. Utilities are rarely included. The renting in Paphos guide covers contracts and deposits.

How much income do I need to retire in Cyprus?

It depends on the permit. Category F has a regulatory minimum of €9,568 a year, the visitor permit is commonly assessed at about €24,000 a year, and fast-track permanent residency needs €50,000 a year from abroad. For comfort rather than the legal minimum, the Cyprus Mail’s 2026 estimate for a couple is €1,700 to €3,200 a month. See retiring in Paphos.

Can I bring my belongings to Cyprus without paying duty?

Usually, yes. Cyprus Customs gives transfer-of-residence relief from duty and VAT on personal belongings and a car you've owned and used for at least 6 months, if you've lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and import them within 12 months of moving. See importing a car to Cyprus.

Can I bring my dog or cat to Cyprus from the UK?

Yes. Your pet needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel and an animal health certificate issued within 10 days of entering Cyprus. The vaccine can't be given before 12 weeks of age, so puppies and kittens need planning.

Can I still get my UK State Pension in Cyprus?

Yes. It can be paid into a Cyprus bank account every 4 or 13 weeks, and it still rises each year because Cyprus is in the EEA. Payments converted into euros carry a 0.39% conversion charge, according to GOV.UK.

Can I still vote in UK elections if I live in Cyprus?

Yes. You can register as an overseas voter and vote in UK Parliament elections, however long you've lived abroad. You must renew your registration every 3 years.

Should I keep my UK bank account after moving to Cyprus?

Most movers do, at least at first, because UK pensions, rent and refunds are easier to receive in sterling. Tell the bank you've moved abroad, because some UK banks restrict or close accounts for non-UK residents. Open a Cyprus bank account too: residence permits look at money arriving in Cyprus.

How do I become tax resident in Cyprus?

Through one of two tests. The 183-day rule: spend more than 183 days in Cyprus in a calendar year. The 60-day rule: spend at least 60 days in Cyprus, no more than 183 days in any other single country, keep a permanent home here, and have a Cyprus business, job or directorship that lasts to 31 December. Professional sources report the 2026 reform dropped the old condition of not being tax resident elsewhere, though the Tax Department’s own page still lists it. See the 60-day rule guide.

Is Cyprus a tax haven?

No. Cyprus is an EU member state with normal income tax: 0% on the first €22,000, then 20%, 25% and 30%, and 35% above €72,000. Corporate tax is 15% and VAT is 19%. Its attraction for UK movers is specific: non-dom status, no inheritance or wealth tax, no tax on gains from shares, and a 5% option on foreign pensions.

Is Cyprus tax free on dividends?

For non-doms, almost. Non-dom residents pay no Special Defence Contribution on dividends and interest for up to 17 years. The only charge is the 2.65% GeSY health contribution, capped at €180,000 of income a year. Cyprus-domiciled residents pay 5% SDC on dividends from 2026 profits.

How are UK pensions taxed in Cyprus?

Private and State pensions paid to a Cyprus tax resident are taxed in Cyprus under the treaty. You can choose each year between the normal tax bands and a flat 5% on the amount above the tax-free part. Professional sources report the tax-free part rose from €3,420 to €5,000 from 2026; the Tax Department’s form still shows €3,420. UK government service pensions are taxed only in the UK. See UK pensions in Cyprus.

Do I still pay UK inheritance tax after moving to Cyprus?

Possibly, for a while. Since 6 April 2025, UK inheritance tax depends on residence. If you were UK resident for at least 10 of the last 20 tax years, your worldwide estate stays in scope for 3 to 10 tax years after you leave, depending on how long you lived in the UK. Cyprus itself has no inheritance tax.

Do I need private health insurance to move to Cyprus?

Yes for most residence permits. Applications generally need private cover for inpatient, outpatient and repatriation costs, often called Plan A. Insurers and lawyers report that GeSY alone is not accepted for immigration purposes. Brokers quote about €175 to €250 a year per adult for this basic cover, more for fuller policies.

Is healthcare free in Cyprus?

Not entirely. GeSY is funded by contributions, 2.65% of income for employees and pensioners, and has small co-payments, such as €1 per prescription item and €10 for A&E, capped at €150 a year for most people. Visits to your GeSY personal doctor are free.

What are the costs of buying a property in Cyprus?

On a resale, you pay transfer fees to the Department of Lands and Surveys: 3% up to €85,000, 5% to €170,000 and 8% above, halved when no VAT applies. New builds carry 19% VAT instead, or 5% on the first 130 m² if it will be your main home and meets the limits. Professional sources report stamp duty was abolished from 1 January 2026. Legal fees come on top. Use our property buyer due diligence guide before you sign.

Should I rent before buying in Paphos?

Most people should. Renting for 6 to 12 months lets you test areas in summer and winter, and it removes the pressure to buy before your residence and tax position are settled. See rent first or buy.

What is the weather like in Paphos?

Hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Average highs are about 29°C in July and 30°C in August, with the sea near 28°C. January averages about 17°C by day and 8°C at night. Most rain falls from December to February, with almost none in July.

Do people speak English in Cyprus?

Widely. Greek is the official language, and around 75% of the population can communicate fluently in English. Government forms are usually available in English, although some law texts are only published in Greek.

Where is the best place to live in Paphos?

It depends on what you need. Kato Paphos and Universal suit people who want to walk to the sea and restaurants. Chloraka (3 km north) and Konia (3 km east) suit families. Peyia (Pegeia), about 14 km north-west, has around 7,000 residents and a large British community. Hill villages such as Tala (290 m) and Tsada (600 m) are cooler in summer. Compare them in our Paphos area guides.

Can I drive in Cyprus on a UK licence?

Yes, at first. Once you live in Cyprus you must exchange a UK licence for a Cyprus one after 6 months. Cyprus drives on the left, like the UK, and uses the same three-pin plugs. See driving in Cyprus.

How do I open a bank account in Cyprus?

Expect it to take 3 to 4 weeks. Banks usually ask for your passport, proof of address no older than 3 months, a reference letter from your current bank and proof of your source of funds. The two biggest banks are Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank, which took over Hellenic Bank in 2025. Deposits are protected up to €100,000 per bank. See opening a bank account.

Are there English-speaking schools in Paphos?

Yes. Paphos has several private English-medium schools. Numbeo’s 2026 figure for international primary school fees in Paphos averages €6,000 a year, with a range of about €4,500 to €7,500, and secondary fees are higher. State schools teach in Greek. See schools in Paphos.

Can I keep running my UK limited company from Cyprus?

You can, but it is risky. A company is tax resident where it is managed and controlled, so running a UK company from Paphos can make it Cyprus resident, while board decisions made in the UK can keep a Cyprus company taxable in the UK. Read running a UK company from Cyprus and get advice before you move.

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: 41 Questions Answered (2026)

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: Straight Answers for UK Movers

Yes, British citizens can still move to Cyprus, but since Brexit you need a residence permit, not the EU yellow slip. This FAQ answers the 41 questions UK movers ask most, from the 90-day rule and living costs to UK tax, healthcare and buying property, with every figure checked for 2026.

JJason 16 min read Last verified 27 September 2026

Get my relocation plan Find my residence route

The short version

UK passport holders can visit for 90 days in any 180. To live here you need a residence permit: visitor (pink slip), Category F, the digital nomad visa, a job-based permit or permanent residency by investment (€300,000).

The yellow slip is only for EU citizens, such as Irish passport holders, and for Britons who lived here before 2021.

Cyprus tax from 2026: 0% on the first €22,000, up to 35% above €72,000, 15% corporate tax. Non-doms pay no SDC on dividends or interest, but do pay 2.65% GeSY.

Leaving the UK tax net is decided by the UK Statutory Residence Test, not by a single 183-day number.

Budget guide: roughly €1,700 to €3,200 a month for a couple, and €2,800 to €6,000+ for a family of four, depending on rent and schools.

Cyprus in six numbers

90 days

Visa-free stay for UK passport holders in any 180-day period

€22,000

Income taxed at 0% from 2026

Up from €19,500

15%

Corporate tax rate from 1 January 2026

Up from 12.5%

€300,000

Minimum property investment for fast-track permanent residency

Plus VAT, new build

2.65%

GeSY health contribution for employees and pensioners

4 hours

Typical flight time from the UK

Moving to Cyprus FAQ by topic

This page covers the big questions. Each topic also has its own, more detailed FAQ.

Residency FAQPermits, the yellow slip, Category F, PR and renewals.

Tax FAQ60-day rule, 183-day rule, non-dom, pensions and the UK exit.

Property FAQBuying as a non-EU citizen, fees, title deeds and renting.

Families FAQSchools, children’s residence, healthcare and family areas.

Company formation FAQSetting up a Cyprus company, substance, VAT and banking.

Glossary60 Cyprus terms explained in plain English.

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: residence and visas

Yes. Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals are treated as third-country nationals, so you need a residence permit rather than the EU citizen registration. The main routes are:

a visitor temporary residence permit (the pink slip) if you will live on income from abroad and not work in Cyprus;
Category F, a permanent permit for people with a secured income from abroad;
the digital nomad visa for remote workers earning at least €3,500 a month net;
an employment-based permit arranged by a Cyprus employer;
permanent residency by investment, from €300,000.

The relocation route finder shows which fits you.

Coral Bay in early summer with pale sand, turquoise shallows and a few distant swimmers — Coral Bay in early summer

From experience

The single most useful thing you can do before you move is get your documents in order in the UK: birth and marriage certificates with apostilles, a police certificate and bank statements from a traditional bank. Chasing them from Paphos takes far longer.

— Jason

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: costs

Plan for two things: set-up costs and monthly living costs. Set-up typically includes a rental deposit of 1 to 2 months’ rent plus the first month, residence permit fees (€70 to €500 depending on the route, plus €70 for the ARC), translations and apostilles, private health insurance and removal costs. The Cyprus Mail’s 2026 estimates put monthly budgets at €1,100 to €2,000 for a single person, €1,700 to €3,200 for a couple and €2,800 to €6,000+ for a family of four. Our Paphos cost of living calculator works out your own figure.

Orange trees heavy with fruit in a grove near Paphos on a sunny winter day — Orange groves near Paphos in winter

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: the move itself

Most couples spend about €4,500 to €14,000 on the move itself. That covers removals (£1,200 to £6,500 in comparison-site quotes, depending on home size), a rental deposit plus the first month's rent, a year of Plan A health insurance, permit fees of €140 per person on the visitor route and apostilles at £35 to £45 per document. The home page cost breakdown lists each line.

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Moving to Cyprus FAQ: tax

It depends on whether you are still UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test. That test combines days spent in the UK with ties such as family, a home and work there, so there is no single 183-day cut-off. Once you are non-resident, the UK generally only taxes UK-source income such as UK rent. Under the UK–Cyprus tax treaty, UK government service pensions stay taxable in the UK, while private pensions are taxed in Cyprus. The UK to Cyprus tax planning hub explains split-year treatment and the inheritance tax tail.

The long empty sandy curve of Lara Bay on the Akamas peninsula on a summer morning — Lara Bay, where turtles nest in summer

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: healthcare

Yes, if you are eligible. Third-country nationals can join GeSY if they work in Cyprus, hold permanent residence, are the family member of a beneficiary, or are insured through another country, which includes UK State Pension recipients registered with an S1. People living on a visitor permit without working usually rely on private insurance. See the GeSY guide.

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: property

Yes. As non-EU buyers, UK-only passport holders need permission from the District Administration, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks and has no fee. Non-EU buyers can generally buy one home, up to two units, or a plot of up to 4,000 m² for a home. Get an independent lawyer to check the title deeds and any mortgages first. See buying property in Paphos.

Hands pouring Cypriot coffee from a copper pot into a cup at a café in Paphos old town — Cypriot coffee in the old town

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: daily life

Cyprus has low crime, and the FCDO says crime against tourists is not common. The bigger everyday risks are the roads, where the FCDO notes poorer driving standards and a higher risk of road deaths than the UK, wildfires from April to October and occasional earthquakes. For regional security, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Cyprus.

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: business

A licensed Cyprus lawyer prepares and files the documents with the Registrar of Companies. The standard government fee is €165, and incorporation takes about 7 to 10 working days including name approval. You need a registered office in Cyprus, at least one director and a secretary. Profits are taxed at 15% from 2026, and every company needs audited or reviewed accounts. See the company formation guide.

Still have questions?

Ask about your own situation

The FAQ covers the general rules. For your route, your tax steps and your timeline, get a free plan built from your answers.

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Sources checked for this page

1.FCDO — Cyprus entry requirementsGovernment
2.FCDO — Cyprus safety and securityGovernment
3.Migration Department — Visitors and family members (MVIS8)Government
4.Migration Department — Immigration permits (Category F, fees, medical tests)Government
5.Migration Department — Immigration permits for investors (Regulation 6(2))Government
6.Migration Department — MEU1 registration of EU citizensGovernment
7.Cyprus Tax Department — Tax residency of individualsGovernment
8.Cyprus Tax Department — Foreign pension formGovernment
9.PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — Cyprus, taxes on personal income (2026 bands)Professional
10.GOV.UK — Inheritance Tax if you’re a long-term UK residentGovernment
11.GOV.UK — Tax on foreign income: residenceGovernment
12.GOV.UK — Cyprus tax treatiesGovernment
13.GESY — Beneficiaries eligibility FAQGovernment
14.GESY — Financing and co-paymentsGovernment
15.Ministry of Interior — Purchasing property (non-EU buyers)Government
16.Department of Lands and Surveys — Transfer fees calculatorGovernment
17.Road Transport Department — Foreign driving licence conversionGovernment
18.Registrar of Companies — Forms and feesGovernment
19.Numbeo — Cost of living in Paphos (August 2026)Professional
20.Cyprus Mail — Cost of living budgets (April 2026)Professional
21.Cyprus Customs and Excise — Guide: Transfer of normal residence from outside the EU (Dec 2024)Government
22.GOV.UK — Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroadGovernment
23.GOV.UK — State Pension if you retire abroadGovernment
24.GOV.UK — Voting when you're abroadGovernment
25.GOV.UK — Get a document legalised (apostille fees)Government
26.Sirelo — Moving to Cyprus from the UK (removal cost ranges, 2026)Professional

Written by

Jason

Founder, Paphos Advisor

British founder who moved his family from the UK to Paphos in 2025. I write down what I learned doing it properly — the tax, the residency and the living-here detail — and introduce people to the specialists I’d use myself.

How I research and fact-check

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: Straight Answers for UK Movers

Cyprus in six numbers

Moving to Cyprus FAQ by topic

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: residence and visas

Can British citizens still move to Cyprus after Brexit?

How long can a UK citizen stay in Cyprus without a visa?

How long can I stay in Cyprus if I own a property?

Can I get a yellow slip with a UK passport?

What is the Cyprus pink slip?

What is Category F and who is it for?

How do I get permanent residency in Cyprus?

Can I work in Cyprus?

What is the 90-day rule in Cyprus?

Is it easy for UK citizens to move to Cyprus?

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: costs

How much money do I need to move to Cyprus?

Is Cyprus expensive to live in?

How much is rent in Paphos?

How much income do I need to retire in Cyprus?

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: the move itself

How much does it cost to move to Cyprus from the UK?

Can I bring my belongings to Cyprus without paying duty?

Can I bring my dog or cat to Cyprus from the UK?

Can I still get my UK State Pension in Cyprus?

Can I still vote in UK elections if I live in Cyprus?

Should I keep my UK bank account after moving to Cyprus?

Get your answers turned into a plan

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: tax

Do I pay UK tax if I live in Cyprus?

How do I become tax resident in Cyprus?

Is Cyprus a tax haven?

Is Cyprus tax free on dividends?

How are UK pensions taxed in Cyprus?

Do I still pay UK inheritance tax after moving to Cyprus?

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: healthcare

Can I use the Cyprus health system (GeSY)?

Do I need private health insurance to move to Cyprus?

Is healthcare free in Cyprus?

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: property

Can UK citizens buy property in Cyprus?

What are the costs of buying a property in Cyprus?

Should I rent before buying in Paphos?

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: daily life

Is Cyprus safe to live in?

What is the weather like in Paphos?

Do people speak English in Cyprus?

Where is the best place to live in Paphos?

Can I drive in Cyprus on a UK licence?

How do I open a bank account in Cyprus?

Are there English-speaking schools in Paphos?

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: business

How do I set up a company in Cyprus?

Can I keep running my UK limited company from Cyprus?

Sources checked for this page

Keep reading

Cyprus in six numbers

Moving to Cyprus FAQ by topic

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: residence and visas

Can British citizens still move to Cyprus after Brexit?

How long can a UK citizen stay in Cyprus without a visa?

How long can I stay in Cyprus if I own a property?

Can I get a yellow slip with a UK passport?

What is the Cyprus pink slip?

What is Category F and who is it for?

How do I get permanent residency in Cyprus?

Can I work in Cyprus?

What is the 90-day rule in Cyprus?

Is it easy for UK citizens to move to Cyprus?

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: costs

How much money do I need to move to Cyprus?

Is Cyprus expensive to live in?

How much is rent in Paphos?

How much income do I need to retire in Cyprus?

Moving to Cyprus FAQ: the move itself

How much does it cost to move to Cyprus from the UK?

Can I bring my belongings to Cyprus without paying duty?

Can I bring my dog or cat to Cyprus from the UK?

Can I still get my UK State Pension in Cyprus?

Can I still vote in UK elections if I live in Cyprus?

Should I keep my UK bank account after moving to Cyprus?