Cyprus’ location lends itself to the multi-faceted culture of the country; adrift the Mediterranean, straddling both Greek and Turkish territories and being the far away neighbor of the Levantine countries. It’s not hard to figure out why it draws in expats from the world over. If you’re one of them take a look at our essential information.
INFO
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
Greenland Citizens Association Cyprus
Membership of the UKCA is open to all British Citizens, non-British spouses of Members are allowed to join as Associate Members.
Address: UKCA, Chlorakas Avenue, 8220 Chlorakas.
Tel: +357 2695 2470
Website: www.ukca.com.cy
Go Positive Cyprus
Send a positive statement about Cyprus the whole world
FB: www.facebook.com/GOPositiveCyprus
The Baha'is of Limassol, Cyprus
Baha'is have been established in Limassol for over twenty years, and despite small numbers, have often been able to form a local administrative body, the Local Spiritual Assembley, that requires nine Baha'is in an administrative boundary.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +357 25 331856
Website: b-youth.com
Cyprus Morris
The club was formed in 2008 as a result of a chance meeting of 3 British residents in Cyprus who had been morris dancers in the UK; conversation naturally turned to the possibility of starting a side in Cyprus, and within a few months the inaugural meeting of Cyprus Morris took place. They meet on Mondays at the village hall in Kyvides, a little to the north-west of Limassol. See the "Contact " page for directions. New members - dancers or musicians, experienced or raw beginners - are always welcome.
Tel: +357 97 722576
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cyprusmorris.net
Limassol Toastmasters Club
Limassol Toastmasters Club was founded in October 1994 and chartered in February 1995. The club meetings are conducted in English, attended by members of many different nationalities. Meetings are held every third Thursday at the Atlantica Miramare Beach Hotel, Limassol at 8.00pm , except during the summer months of July and August (view Meeting Dates). The meetings are conducted during dinner and are typically attended by around 30 to 40 members and guests.
Address: P.O.Box 56038, 3304 Limassol, Cyprus
FB: www.facebook.com/limassoltoastmasters
Email: [email protected]
The Rotary Club of Limassol-Berengaria Cosmopolitan
THE ROTARY Club of Limassol Berengaria-Cosmopolitan is one of 19 Rotary Clubs on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus; and as a Cosmopolitan club, their meetings and club business are conducted in English.
Website: rotary-cyprus.org
Cyprus Women of Today
The Cyprus Women of Today is a charitable organization that has three main purposes – Community Service, Personal Growth, and Friendship.
Website: ww2.cypruswot.org
Cyprus International Women of Today
The Cyprus International Women of Today is a charitable organization that has three main purposes: Community Service, Personal Growth, Friendship.
FB: www.facebook.com/cyprusinternationalwomenoftoday
Email: [email protected]
Website: ciwot.org
Paphos Sailing Club
Paphos International Sailing Club (known as PISC), was formed in 1999 by a group of sailing enthusiasts living in Paphos, Cyprus. The purpose of the club is to promote all aspects of sailing and other boating within Cyprus and provide a framework where like minded people can meet, share their knowledge, talk about their common interests and have some fun.
Address: Amargeti, Paphos 8642, Cyprus
Tel:
FB: www.facebook.com/groups/444003995632399/
Limassol Bridge Club
The club started 26 years ago at the Aquamarina Hotel and after a number of moves, now seems to have settled at the Limassol Sporting Club behind the Land Registry Office. They play twice a week and get about 8 to 13 tables depending on the time of year. They organise several annual events. The Limassol Cup usually in May, the Fintikides Cup in October and the Pair of the Year in December. They also have a running competition for the Player of the Year. The Limassol Bridge Club is a friendly club where visitors are most welcome to come along and enjoy an afternoon of Duplicate Bridge, tea, coffee and biscuits for only 6 euros.
Website: www.bridgewebs.com/limassol
Pafos Darts League
Tel: +357 99 766 352, +357 99 126 567
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pafosdartsleague.com
C3A Cyprus 3rd Age: Limassol Branch (Affiliated to U3A in UK)
Their volunteer group leaders offer an extensive program of activities and interest groups and there is bound to be something that sparks your interest. They also have forged links with a number of other activity groups in the Limassol area that offer membership at a discount to their members. There is no set range of activities; they continue year on year, or change, to reflect their group leaders’ abilities and their members’ interests, whether they be educational, cultural, physical or recreational. It is learning in the widest sense for its own sake, for personal satisfaction and development – and for making new friends.
Address: c3a-cyprus.org/limassol
Cyprus Cricket Association
Address: P.O. Box 70240, Limassol CY-4162 Cyprus
Tel: +357 7000 2742
Email: [email protected]
FB: www.facebook.com/groups/177244039002476
Website: www.cypruscricket.com
i-Connect Cyprus
This is a networking site for residents in Cyprus.
Website: www.iconnect-cyprus.com
Cyprus Hash House Harriers
Basically hashing is a form of non-competitive cross-country running with the main objective of working up a decent thirst. Great emphasis is placed on the social aspects - particularly the communal boozing session at the aprés-hash. If you have half a mind to join the Hash, that's all it takes.
FB: www.facebook.com/nh4cy
Website: www.nh4.com.cy
Cans for Kids
Cans For Kids is a registered charity, formed in 1990 to organise the collection and recycling of aluminium cans in Cyprus. To encourage people to save their cans, it was decided to use the proceeds to purchase medical equipment for the children's wards at Cypriot hospitals. Since its inception, more than 25 million cans have been collected, and over €260,000 euros worth of equipment has been donated to the Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, which is the central paediatric hospital in Cyprus.
Address: P.O.Box 20565, 1660 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 22781828, +357 99666011
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cansforkids.org
Paphos Pub Leagues
Website: www.paphospubleagues.com
Art Café 1900
Address: 6, Stasinou Street, Larnaca, Cyprus
Tel: +357 24653027
International Schools
Gan Menachem – Happy Days
Gan Menachem - Happy Days is dedicated to providing a warm, secure, Jewish environment where students can feel comfortable exploring and learning. In this environment they can develop at their own individual rate and be proud of their heritage and who they are. This is achieved through offering a program enriched with hands-on experience in an integrated Montessori program.
Curriculum: Montessori
Address: Diogenous 7 B, Larnaca, 6020 Cyprus
Tel: +357 24 828 770
Fax: +357 24 828 771
Website: www.cyijs.com
English School of Kyrenia
The ethos of the English School of Kyrenia is caring, student centered and international.
Address: Bilim Sokak, Bellapais – Kyrenia, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Turkey
Tel: +90 392 444 03 75
Fax: +90 392 815 7140
Email: [email protected]
Website: englishschoolkyrenia.org
Intercollege
Intercollege is an independent, co-educational, equal opportunity institution of higher education, which offers a wide range of programs to students from around the world.
Curriculum:
Address (Nicosia): 8 Markou Drakou Str., Engomi, 2409 Nicosia, Cyprus
Address (Limassol): 92 Ayias Phylaxeos Str., 3507 Limassol, Cyprus
Address (Larnaca): 52 Famagusta Avenue, 6019 Larnaca – Dhekelia Road
Tel (Nicosia): +357 22 842500
Tel (Limassol): +357 25 381180
Tel (Larnaca): +357 25 381180
Fax (Nicosa): +357 22 842555
Fax: (Limassol): +357 25 386982
Fax (Larnaca): +357 24 652213
Website: www.intercollege.ac.cy
The American International School of Cyprus
AISC is proud to provide a first-class American and international university preparatory education. AISC serves a unique function in the Cyprus community, offering the only American system program in Cyprus while providing our students with the option of the International Baccalaureate program for the last two years of secondary school.
Curriculum: American
Address: PO Box 23847, 11 Kassos Street 1086, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 22316345
Fax: +357 22316549
FB: www.facebook.com/AISCyprus
Website: www.aisc.ac.cy
Local News in English
Cyprus Mail Internet Edition
This is an English-language news site that delivers local and international news, including business, sports and lifestyle.
www.cyprus-mail.com/news
Incyprus
This is an English-language news site that delivers local and international news, including business, sports and lifestyle.
incyprus.philenews.com
Country Information
Location: Europe
Capital City: Nicosia
Other Important Cities:
Currency: Euro €
Language: Greek
Calling Code: +357
Internet TLD: .cy
Electricity: 240V 50Hz.
Emergency Numbers:
- Ambulance: 199, 112
- Fire: 199, 112
- Police: 199, 112
The Electricity Authority in Cyprus is the main provider of electricity.
Address: 15, Foti Pitta Str., P.O.Box 21413, 1508 Lefkosia, Cyprus
Tel: +35722 20 22 20
Fax: +357 22 20 22 22
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eac.com.cy
Embassy Information
www.embassypages.com/cyprus
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Visitors from certain countries may enter Cyprus visa-free. Other nationals must secure a visa from the Cypriot embassy or consulate in their home or host country. There are different types of visas available to expatriates: short-stay or travel visas, long stay visas or residence/work/student visa, transit and group visas. Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlines visa regulations for each country and also application process here.
Documents Required (but not limited to)
- Applications pdf must be submitted in person. However, for those who reside more than 200 miles (300 kms) from the Consulate, the applications may be submitted by recorded delivery enclosing a registered self-addressed special delivery envelope for the safe return of the passport and the documents.
- One completed application form signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian in the case of minors) with 2 passport sized photographs attached.
- A full national passport valid for at least three months longer than the validity of the visa being applied for. Visitors wishing to obtain a visa are advised to be in possession of a passport valid at least for 6 months beyond the period of intended stay.
- The visa for the return country must be valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay.
- Provisional Books or Itinerary of travel arrangements (Round trip ticket with fixed dates) is a must. Ticket should not be purchased before the visa is issued.
- Prior Hotel Reservation faxed by the Hotel Manager.
- If visiting on business, an official letter of invitation from a Cyprus company must be presented.
- If visiting friends or family, a letter of invitation from them with their full address, phone number and occupation in Cyprus (and often, along with a certified Assumption of Responsibility pdf form, duly completed and signed by the host).
- Solid evidence that there are sufficient funds to cover the cost of the intended stay in Cyprus, e.g. a bank statement or travelers' cheques (credit cards can be accepted only in addition to bank statements and only with recent statement confirming credit limit. Please note that cash is not an acceptable proof).
- A recent (less than one month old) official letter from the employer addressed to the Cyprus Consulate with proof of the applicants wages / salary. If self-employed, a letter from the solicitor, the accountant or the bank manager of the applicant. If a student in the country of the Consulate, an original letter from the school or University addressed to the Cyprus Consulate confirming the status / attendance and the duration of the course.
- The Consulate may also ask for a copy of a Bank Guarantee Letter from the host, throughout a visitor's stay in Cyprus, so as to cover the possible cost of repatriation.
For more information please visit Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.
Accommodation
Short-term rentals are plentiful in Cyprus due to the influx tourists almost all year long. However these can be quite expensive. Some rentals have long-term holiday packages that charges at a cheaper rate. Long-term rentals mostly located in the main areas such as Paphos.
Property guides, newspapers and classifieds list rentals regularly. Real estate agents are also a good way to start. Properties can either be unfurnished or furnished.
Driving License
Cypriot residents from the EU can keep on driving using their EU driving license provided that the license is valid and the driver meets the minimum Cypriot driving age – 21. Once the EU driving license has expired it can be renewed and exchanged for a Cypriot driving license.
Only certain members of non-EU countries are able to exchange their driving license – so long as it is valid and the driver meets the age requirement. The countries that can exchange their driving license are:
Australia, Canada, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and Zimbabwe
- The following documents are required:
- A completed TOM 7B application form available at the DoRT (in Greek)
- Two recent passport photographs
- Residence permit
- Proof of at least six months of residence (such as utility bills)
- Passport (original and a photocopy of the personal details page)
- The original licence and two photocopies of all pages (the licence will have to be surrendered)
- If the licence is in a language other than Greek or English it must translated by the Press and Information Office (PIO) or the issuing country's Cyprus Embassy
If you do not hold a driving license from one of these countries, you will have to pass the driving exam in Cyprus in order to be able to drive there. More information here.
Healthcare
Private and public healthcare facilities are high standard and are available mostly in the urban areas. A handful of health centers are in the rural parts of the country. Citizens and foreigners who are enrolled to the social security system are able to avail low cost to free public healthcare. The Cyprus Ministry of Health has further information.
It is highly recommended to secure a comprehensive health insurance that will cover or reimburse any medical cost as these can be high in Cyprus unaided by any form financial cover.
Insurance Companies
Universal Life – Multicare International Health Plan
Multicare International Health Plan, the best selling health scheme in Cyprus, was developed in association with AXA PPP healthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies of the UK with more than 60 years of experience and more than 2 million insured people all over the world.
Address: Universal Tower, Dhigeni Akrita Avenue 85, P.O.Box. 21270, 1505 Nicosia
Tel: +357 22882222, +357 22882200
Website: www.universallife.com.cy
Atlantic Insurance
Atlantic Insurance Company is a leading general insurance company enjoying the reputation as a pioneer insurer, responsible in its approach and fair in its business dealings. Established in 1983 by a group of local business people, Atlantic commands a profound knowledge of the local market.
Address: 15 Esperidon Str., 2001 STROVOLOS, Cyprus
Tel: +357 22 886000
Fax: +357 22 886111
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.atlantic.com.cy
Hospitals
Apollonion Private Hospital
The Apollonion Private Hospital is situated in Lefkotheon Ave at Makedonitissa, near Makarion Stadium and at a 200 meters distance from the Archangelos traffic lights. It is built on an area of 8 acres. The Apollonion consists of 80 beds single and double rooms. All rooms are equipped with central heating, central air conditioning, bath, radio, television, telephone, internet, central oxygen supply. The patients can communicate with the nurses on duty
Address: 20 Lefkotheou Avenue, PO Box 2559, Nicosia, 1660, Cyprus
Tel: +357 22 350 022
Fax: +357 22 354 271
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.apollonion.com
Evangelistria Medical Centre
Address: 1 Michail Georgalla Street, Nicosia, 1095, Cyprus
Tel: +357 22 671 580
Fax: +357 22 670 363
Makario General Hospital
Address: Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 22 405 000
Nicosia General Hospital
Address: Nechrou Avenue, Nicosia, 1450, Cyprus
Tel: +357 22 801 400
Fax: +357 22 303 471
