Retirement in Cyprus

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 June 2015 - 13:25

Just saw this, don't come on the forum very much! GE is right, the North and South are very different, though both lovely! We chose the South for several reasons, firstly as an EU citizen it was relatively straightforward to get residency. and secondly because it was easier for us to import the zoo, there was no quarantine as long as the paperwork is in place. Lastly I had fallen in love with the house, and would have moved there no matter where it was! But, that was an emotional decision and we are very lucky that it did work out so well. As a EU citizen the main requirement is that you have a regular income, ie pension of over 1400eu per month for a couple and you must have health insurance, either privately or through your own country's reciprocal agreement with Cyprus. We have the latter, but self pay for private treatment since the state hospitals leave something to be desired (although good in an emergency) We live in a fairly isolated village in the hills, although there are other expats here it is not for everyone, it's a different world and only barely in the 20th century. If you have holidayed here then you will have an idea of what you want, the majority of British expats live near Paphos, there are many villages which have large expat communities, mostly the housing is relatively new build, ranging from holiday apartments to grand villas so there is a huge choice but not to my taste, some communities are really a little too much of a British ghetto. Pissouri is halfway between Limassol and Paphos, it has a nice village square with many bars and tavernas, Kouklia is another pleasant mix of old and new, and both have modern amenities. To the East of Limassol there are a few other villages with many expats, Pryrgos is nice (and close to the tourist area with a nice beach.) On the subject of property, two pieces of advice, rent before you buy, rentals are plentiful and reasonably priced, get to know exactly where you enjoy living before you commit. And when you do, only buy a property with ready title deeds, can't stress that enough. The people i know who are happiest here are those who have not come straight from UK or indeed anywhere in Western Europe, Cyprus may well be in the EU bit it is NOT European. If you have coped with the frustrations of everyday life in the Gulf, then Cyprus is easy, but many expats think it will be Bournemouth only with more sun. We have a phrase "This is Cyprus"...........saves a lot of hair tearing! We've been here for six years, and we love it and wouldn't live anywhere else!

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