Cyprus

Ὕμνος εἰς τὴν Ἐλευθερίαν ("Hymn to Liberty")

overview

Welcome to Cyprus

Cyprus, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, is known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location. Its economy is driven by tourism, shipping, and financial services, with a growing emphasis on renewable energy and technology. The island’s ancient ruins, such as those in Paphos, vibrant cities like Nicosia and Limassol, and diverse landscapes ranging from pristine coastlines to mountainous interiors attract visitors and expatriates seeking a blend of history, modern amenities, and Mediterranean charm.

overview

Cyprus Essentials

National Anthem

Ὕμνος εἰς τὴν Ἐλευθερίαν

Independence Day

October 1, 1960

Haiko

Olive trees sway slow / Ancient ruins kiss the shore / Halloumi melts gold

Interesting Tradition

Holds "Anthestiria," a flower festival celebrating spring with parades, music, and floral decorations.

Weirdest Local Superstition

Don’t sit at the corner of a table, as it is believed to bring bad luck

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to eat or drink anything while driving

overview

Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the sunshine, stay for the innovation: Cyprus blends its Mediterranean charm with a growing focus on technology, finance, and tourism. Life flows between morning walks along sunlit coasts and afternoon work in Limassol’s business hubs, while evenings embrace vibrant tavernas and cultural festivals. With attractive incentives for investment and a strategic location, Cyprus is emerging as a key destination for global professionals.

overview

Έλατε (Elate)

Experience a Mediterranean gem where ancient ruins and modern luxuries coexist in perfect harmony. Here, every corner of Cyprus beckons with golden beaches, timeless culture, and a lifestyle that blends innovation with tradition.

overview

"kalós írthate stin Kýpro "

Known for its crystal-clear waters and ancient ruins where every corner tells a story of Mediterranean charm.

Cyprus isn’t just a country—it’s an island where legends and landscapes come alive. Here, time stretches from Aphrodite's shores to modern Mediterranean charm, and even a simple walk through its villages becomes a story of history and hospitality. This is a land where rich traditions and azure seas blend seamlessly, creating an eternal allure.

From the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite to the golden sands of Nissi Beach, Cyprus offers a Mediterranean escape for every traveler. Whether you're drawn to the ancient ruins of Paphos, the vibrant streets of Limassol, or the serene beauty of the Troodos Mountains, you'll find an island steeped in history and natural wonder. With its warm hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and sun-kissed shores, Cyprus invites you to explore the crossroads of civilizations and create unforgettable moments.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers)

Drink

Commandaria (sweet dessert wine)

overview

διψασμένος

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

30.32

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

12.38

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

13.28

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Locals are called 'Cypriots,' and they are known for their warm hospitality and Mediterranean lifestyle.
#2
Family gatherings often center around shared meals featuring meze, halloumi, and fresh seafood.
#3
Traditional dances like sousta are performed during weddings and festivals.
#4
Greetings are friendly and include handshakes, with close friends and family exchanging kisses on the cheeks.
#5
Respect for elders and maintaining a polite demeanor are essential aspects of Cypriot culture.

overview

Cyprus Essentials

Representative Novel

The Cypriot Trilogy by Christos Christodoulou (A series of novels that explore the history, politics, and cultural tensions in Cyprus, focusing on the island's division).

National Animal

Cypriot mouflon

National Pasttime

Football (Soccer)

National Souvenir

Halloumi cheese

National Dish

Souvla

Famous Festival

Kypria International Festival

Famous Dance

Syrtaki

Famous Music

Laiko

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Did You Know?

Cyprus is home to the world's oldest wine label, with Commandaria dating back over 5,000 years, making it the longest-known named wine still in production.

Cyprus is famous for its ancient mosaics, with the Paphos Archaeological Park showcasing beautifully detailed mosaics dating back to the 2nd century AD.

Cyprus is known for the picturesque Blue Lagoon, a stunning turquoise bay on the island's northwestern coast, famous for its crystal-clear waters and natural beauty.

overview

Cyprus’s Key Historical Events

Ancient Greek Colonization (c. 1400 BCE)

April 2014

Greek settlers established colonies in Cyprus, significantly influencing the island’s culture and governance.

Roman Rule (58 BCE-395 CE)

July 2014

Cyprus became part of the Roman Empire, benefiting from trade and infrastructure development.

Ottoman Rule (1571-1878)

February 2015

The Ottoman Empire conquered Cyprus, introducing new administrative systems and cultural influences.

British Administration (1878-1960)

March 2015

Cyprus became a British protectorate in 1878 and later a colony, with significant modernization efforts during this time

Independence and Division (1960-Present)

October 2016

Cyprus gained independence in 1960 but has been divided since 1974, following a Turkish invasion in response to a Greek-backed coup.

MOBILITY

Access Cyprus Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

2

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Yes
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
3 years
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
7
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years, 2 years for children

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

151

Performance Class

Global Contender

Passport Grade

B+

Rank

51

Score

153.1

This visa grants access to:

• 39% of the world's population 

• 74% of UNESCO sites 

• 48% of global GDP 

• 51% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Cyprus by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Cyprus
791
1,119
1,446
2,174
3,335
3,063
3,161

MOBILITY

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Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Cyprus's Global Rankings 

Cyprus, an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, is celebrated for its sunny climate, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture. Its economy is driven by tourism, shipping, and financial services. With ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and cosmopolitan cities like Nicosia, Cyprus is a popular destination for expatriates and tourists seeking a mix of relaxation and history.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
34
Cost of Living
2024
Pricey
55
Quality of Life
2024
Standard
88
Safety
2024
Centered
50
Happiness
2024
High
78
Tax Burden
2024
Light Load
29
English Proficiency
2023
High proficiency
31
Rule of Law
2024
Stable
29
Healthcare System
2024
Well-Accessible
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

38.9

years

Life Expectancy

82.7

years

Obesity Rate

24.50%

Tobacco Use

43.30%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

9.43%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

per 1000 people

Doctors

5.4

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

29.40%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare Coverage

Cyprus provides universal healthcare through the General Healthcare System (GHS), offering free or subsidized services to residents.

Private Healthcare Sector

Cyprus has a well-developed private healthcare sector, providing faster services and specialized treatments.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Cyprus can access public healthcare but often opt for private insurance for better and quicker care.

Medical Tourism Hub

Cyprus is a popular destination for medical tourism, particularly for cosmetic surgery and fertility treatments.

Pharmaceutical Accessibility

Pharmaceuticals are widely available in Cyprus, with both local and imported medications accessible at pharmacies.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

The World Health Organization's United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000-2021) data describes the coverage of essential health services, defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.
Source:

Healthcare

Cyprus Healthcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps you compare healthcare expenditures between different countries based on per capita health spending data. The tool provides a straightforward comparison by allowing you to:
1. Select your current location from the dropdown menu
2. Choose a comparison country to see the difference in healthcare costs

The calculator displays two key metrics:
• Healthcare Expense Difference: The absolute dollar amount difference in per capita healthcare spending between the selected countries
• Percentage Difference: The relative difference expressed as a percentage
Please note that these calculations are based on annual per capita health expenditure data, which includes current prices and purchasing power parities (PPP). The figures represent total healthcare spending, encompassing both public and private healthcare expenses. For the most accurate planning and decision-making, please consult with healthcare providers or insurance companies in your target country for specific coverage options and costs.
Source:

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Cyprus has a moderate to high cost of living, depending on the location. Cities like Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos are more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. Housing costs vary, with modern apartments and properties in coastal regions being pricier. Local goods are reasonably priced, but imported goods and luxury items can be expensive.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.45

per liter

Cost of Meal

$15.53

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$968.75

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$178.94

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$3.62

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

19.00%

cost of living

Cyprus Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cyprus Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Cyprus Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before relocating to Cyprus, it's important to understand its tax system. Cyprus taxes residents on their worldwide income while non-residents are taxed only on Cyprus-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 35%. Capital gains tax is set at 20%. A Special Defence Contribution (SDC) applies to dividend, interest, and rental income for Cyprus tax residents. VAT stands at 19%, and a Tax Identification Number is required for tax purposes. Cyprus has double taxation treaties with numerous countries.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0-35%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

20.00%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

12.50%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

20.00%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

0.00%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0-17%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0-17%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

0.00%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they stay in Cyprus for more than 183 days in any one calendar year, or if they meet the '60-day rule' which requires staying at least 60 days in Cyprus and having other defined Cyprus ties

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

29

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

85.5

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

22.4
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

120
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

16

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

74.5
%

taxation

Cyprus Tax Burden Map

taxation

Cyprus Income Tax Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your income tax obligations based on your personal situation and country of residence. The calculation includes essential tax elements specific to each jurisdiction, such as personal allowances, various types of deductions or tax credits, and progressive tax rates where applicable. The estimation considers multiple key inputs that vary by country, including your annual gross income (in USD), marital status when relevant, number of dependent children, as well as additional factors like medical expenses, educational costs, and retirement contributions.

The calculator provides three main results:
• Total Deductions and/or Tax Credits (based on jurisdiction-specific rules)
• Net Taxable Income (income subject to tax)
• Final Income Tax amount
Please note that these calculations are estimates and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, additional income sources, special deductions, and changes in tax regulations across different countries. Some jurisdictions may use tox credits instead of deductions, have different qualifying criteria for dependents, or consider various types of expenses differently. For precise tax planning and compliance, please consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with your jurisdiction's tax laws.
Source:

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Mediterranean; hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters; occasional dust storms from the Sahara Desert.

Average Temperature

19.5°C

Humidity

60

%

Average Annual Precipitation

460 mm

mm

Rainless Days per Year

300

Best Time to Travel

May-October

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Cyprus

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship on Cyprus.

Can I keep my own citizenship?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Cyprus with me?

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Do I need to speak Greek to apply for Cypriot Mobility Assets?

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What Mobility Assets are available to me in Cyprus?

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How will GlobalPassport™ help me move to Cyprus?

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