Before moving to Cyprus – Tips on what to do before relocating
In December 2020, we decided that we wanted to move to Cyprus. The plan was to relocate as soon as I received my Portuguese passport, with my appointment at the Portuguese immigration office scheduled for the end of April. Therefore, we set our move for early May 2021!
The decision to move stemmed from our desire for change, a new experience, and a family adventure. At the time, we were a couple with a one-year-old baby. About six months earlier, we had relocated to a new city after spending ten years in a major metropolitan area, but we had been considering moving abroad for years.
What made the decision feasible was my Portuguese passport, which allowed us to work in any European Union country. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the job market, making remote work more accessible—my partner was able to work from home, and I was already working from home on my blog. This reinforced our confidence in making the move.
We chose Cyprus for financial reasons—its corporate tax rate is 12.5%, and my partner planned to establish a company there instead of continuing with his previous business. The proximity to other European locations, the favorable climate, and the relaxed lifestyle were all attractive, especially with a small child.
I knew I wanted to move to Limassol because, during previous visits to Cyprus, it was the city I connected with the most. It felt the most modern and suited our urban lifestyle.
If you’re considering relocation to Cyprus or purchasing property in Cyprus, I invite you to join my WhatsApp group on relocation and real estate investments in Cyprus – WhatsApp group link.
Gathering Information from Others’ Experiences
After deciding to move, the first thing I did was search for Facebook groups of expats living in Cyprus to gather more information about life there and understand costs. I connected with a few people who answered my questions and helped structure the information more clearly.
- I heard from several people about positive childbirth experiences in Cyprus, which was reassuring since I was planning another pregnancy.
- I learned that rental prices vary significantly, ranging from €1,200 to €5,000, depending on the type, condition, and location of the property.
- I identified which neighborhoods were close to the sea and which were more elevated, as we preferred to live near the promenade on level ground.
Finding and Securing a Preschool
Since our daughter was just over a year old and had already been attending daycare, it was important for us to find a similar environment for her in Cyprus. As we planned to move in May, which is close to the end of the school year, finding a place wasn’t easy. I asked for recommendations in Facebook groups and searched online. After reaching out to several preschools, I found that some only accepted children over two years old, while others were fully booked. Eventually, I secured a spot in a recommended preschool.
Consulting Accountants and Lawyers
Since our decision to move was also financially motivated, we knew we needed to stay for at least five years to benefit from Cyprus’ tax advantages. Therefore, we consulted professionals to ensure that when we eventually returned to our home country, we wouldn’t face retroactive tax obligations. I had been a self-employed business owner, and my partner had a company, so we needed to properly handle tax residency matters.
Closing Businesses and Bank Accounts
Following our accountant’s advice, we closed both my self-employed business and my partner’s company by December to avoid paying an additional year’s taxes. He then registered a new company in Cyprus.
Searching for an Apartment
We started looking for a rental in February out of excitement. We received recommendations to use local second-hand property websites, but we found a real estate platform we preferred. In Cyprus, the rental agency fees are typically covered by the landlord, so we didn’t incur extra costs. Through this, we found an apartment we loved. We negotiated the rent with the landlord and informed him of our move-in date in early May. Due to the pandemic, he agreed to start the lease in April at a discounted rate, as the apartment had been vacant for months.
Visiting Cyprus to Finalize Arrangements
Since traveling as a family was challenging due to COVID-19 restrictions, my partner flew alone for a few days to inspect the apartment and preschool. He was a bit surprised by the area we chose, as it seemed underdeveloped, though it had been expanding rapidly in recent years.
He loved the apartment—it was exactly as shown in the photos, and the landlord was genuinely accommodating, which reassured us. He also visited the preschool, but due to COVID-19 protocols, he could only meet the manager after hours, making it hard to assess the environment fully.
Traveling to Portugal for the Passport
At the end of April, I flew to Portugal to collect my passport. Within two days, I had it in hand, having paid for professional assistance to expedite the process.
Selling Furniture and Household Items
We decided to rent a fully furnished apartment since the cost of shipping furniture was high and unnecessary. I listed all our furniture on local Facebook groups and my social media. Within three days, we had sold everything.
Returning a Leased Car
We had a leased car, so we had to return it. Since we ended the contract early, we had to pay a penalty, but we were relieved to avoid the hassle of selling a vehicle.
Packing and Preparing for the Move
We packed five large suitcases and three carry-ons. I bought three second-hand suitcases to fit all our clothes, linens, towels, and a few books and toys. We purchased everything else gradually in Cyprus. The furnished apartment even included kitchenware, so we didn’t need to buy much for a while.
Arranging Transportation to the Airport and from the Airport
Since we had many suitcases and two mountain bikes, we booked a large taxi to the airport and another one in Cyprus to transport us from the airport to our new home.
Moving to Cyprus
We booked a one-way flight to Larnaca, which was incredibly exciting. My partner’s parents came to say goodbye, and we held several farewell gatherings with friends and family before leaving.
Lessons Learned After Moving
- Don’t rely solely on Facebook recommendations—many of those who praised the preschool turned out to be employees or friends of the staff. When we arrived, it took me just ten minutes to decide I wouldn’t leave my daughter there. The environment wasn’t what I had expected. Fortunately, I found another preschool quickly (though we eventually switched again).
- Closing all but one bank account back home was a mistake. The remaining account was solely under my partner’s name, which complicated financial transactions. When I needed to access funds like savings, I found that the money could only be transferred to a local account, not our Cypriot bank. Eventually, I had to open a postal bank account to resolve the issue.
- Obtaining residency required various documents that would have been easier to arrange before leaving. I realized I should have collected all necessary official documents beforehand, as retrieving them post-move was much more difficult.
- Renting a fully furnished apartment and selling all our furniture was fantastic. It made the transition smoother, and we settled in quickly.
