Moving to Cyprus: step by step

Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland who stay longer than three months apply for a Registration Certificate, form MEU1, known as the "yellow slip". Apply within four months of arriving, in person, at the Migration Department in Nicosia or the District Administration Office of the district you live in. Family members who are not EU citizens apply with form MEU2.

Citizens of other countries need a residence permit before or soon after they arrive. The main routes are a permit for employment, a temporary residence permit as a visitor for people with income from abroad (the "pink slip"), and permits for students, family members and digital nomads. Each has its own conditions: read the Migration Department page for yours before you apply.

Everyone who works, rents out property or opens most kinds of account needs a Tax Identification Code (TIC). Register online on the Tax Department's "Tax For All" portal; EU citizens upload their registration certificate, others their residence permit. The Tax Department sends the number and the TAXISnet login by email.

An employer registers each new employee with Social Insurance Services through the ERGANI system before the first day of work, using the employee's identity document and social insurance number. If you are self-employed, you register yourself with your local Social Insurance office.

GeSY, the General Healthcare System, covers residents who contribute to it and their families. Once registered as a beneficiary you choose a personal doctor, who is your first point of contact and refers you to specialists. Many people also take private health insurance for what GeSY does not cover.

Most newcomers rent first. Ask for a written tenancy agreement and have it checked before you sign; a lawyer can also check title deeds before you buy.

Electricity comes from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC): open an account in your name with your tenancy agreement or title deed. Water is supplied by the water board or the municipality of your area. Internet and phone come from several providers; compare their fibre coverage at your address.

Banks in Cyprus check identity and the source of funds carefully. Bring your passport, proof of your address in Cyprus and your registration certificate or residence permit, and ask the bank in advance which other documents it needs.

Public schools teach in Greek and are free. Private schools teach in Greek, English, Russian, French and other languages, and some follow their own curriculum, often British. The school year runs from September to June; apply early for private schools, which often have waiting lists.

An EU driving licence is valid in Cyprus and can be exchanged for a Cypriot one at the Road Transport Department. Licences from some other countries can be exchanged too; for the rest you take the Cyprus driving test. Ask the Department which applies to yours.

A car brought from abroad goes through Customs first and is then registered at the Road Transport Department. If it comes from outside the EU, ask the Department before you ship it whether it can be registered here. Motor insurance is compulsory. Cars drive on the left.

The emergency number is 112 (and 199). Pharmacies take turns to stay open at night and at weekends. Buses run in every district, and public holidays follow both the civil and the Orthodox calendar, so Easter usually falls on a different date from Western Easter.