subject: Retiring To Cyprus - Some Useful Information [print this page] It is becoming increasingly popular for British citizens to retire to Cyprus as it has many advantages, including a pleasant climate and a relaxed, outdoor way of life. The warm winters are a big attraction for anyone who wishes to escape from the dreary, cold winters of Northern Europe. Cyprus is also considered a very safe place to live with its low crime rate, which is lower than almost all the other EU countries. For those concerned about health care be reassured that it is not a problem for those retiring to Cyprus. Government hospital facilities are excellent and cheap and there are also many private doctors and specialists throughout the island.
A warm climate and low living costs are big attractions for those who wish to retire to Cyprus but it has many other advantages. The banking and legal systems are derived from the UK systems so will be easy to use for those from the UK. The transition to Cyprus is thus much easier. For British citizens there are tax incentives if you are receiving a pension.
Nearly all Cypriots speak English, often very competently, hence you won't have communication problems. The infrastructure is modern with facilities as good as those in the UK. Local fruit and vegetables are plentiful and overall the relaxed, easy going lifestyle in a warm climate, with low humidity throughout the year is very good for the health. This may be especially significant for anyone who has rheumatism or other conditions that worsen during the damp and cold winters.
Procedures Required to Retire to Cyprus
There will be, of course, paperwork to submit to become a resident in Cyprus. The first thing to do is fill in a form to apply for a residency permit. An M67 form, obtainable in Cyprus from an immigration office locally needs to be submitted. For those who are retiring the category needed is F. Evidence is needed that you can support yourself and any dependents. This may be investment income or a retirement pension,
Once you have been approved as a category F immigrant you cannot be employed or do any work, even voluntarily, or run any business in Cyprus so you must have sufficient money to maintain yourself and any dependents. If you are from the UK your pension can be directly paid into an account in Cyprus will be index linked so you will receive any pension increases just as if you still lived in the UK.
In Conclusion
Cyprus is becoming increasingly popular as a retirement destination for Northern Europeans. It has a similar, but more relaxed lifestyle, and you can usually expect a trouble free transition. If you are thinking about somewhere in the sun to retire to, take a look at Cyprus as an ideal place to enjoy a relaxed retirement.
