pete21
American expat in Cyprus
Forum posts
56
About me
American
Registration: 19 April 2022
Driving licence by pete21
I rushed to change my UK licence for a ROC one prior to BREXIT as I had read that it was mandatory, but talking to other Brit Expats I seem to be in the minority! It is a pain having the ROC licence when in the UK because the took away my ...
@SimCityAT And? :) Read More
Obligations of Landlord and Tenant by Toon
The tenant is obliged to pay rent and the owner to make repairsA lease, like any other contract, contains the contractual rights and obligations for landlords and tenants.In statutory tenancies, social policy directed towards the protection of ...
Completely concur. So long as you paid for the time you occupied and didn't leave three place in crappie state he doesn't have much to complain about. Read More
Plastic ID Cards by Dee56
I have heard that from 2026 it will no longer be possible to come through the airport using your yellow slip instead you must apply for a plastic card. I have tried contacting the immigration office several times to no avail! Does anyone know if ...
@SimCityAT So basically the yellow paper was more 'valuable'. Anyway, if it has to be changed then sobeit. Read More
Driving licence
I rushed to change my UK licence for a ROC one prior to BREXIT as I had read that it was mandatory, but talking to other Brit Expats I seem to be in the minority! It is a pain having the ROC licence when in the UK because the took away my ... Read More
Revolut Account by stevebillo1
Can anyone tell me if I can keep my Revolut account that was opened in the UK if I move to Cyprus, I have seen some reports that say I can, and others say I would have to close the UK Rev account and then open a new one in Cyprus?Cheers
Most people just let sleeping dogs lie. You will need a tax ref number to open a revolut account here. Read More
Plastic ID Cards by Dee56
I have heard that from 2026 it will no longer be possible to come through the airport using your yellow slip instead you must apply for a plastic card. I have tried contacting the immigration office several times to no avail! Does anyone know if ...
@Drambuie As mentioned on another thread I believe that,unlike the yellow paper, the new card will only be valid 5 years for non EU folk, but since we had yellow papers prior to BREXIT one would hope that renewal will be automatic. We have just done ... Read More
Yellow Slip by Dee56
Does anyone know if the yellow Slip has to be exchanged for a plastic card next year? I have tried contacting the immigration office but after several attempts I still haven't got a reply! Thanks for any info
We have just done the procedure to swap yellow paper for MUKW1/2.We decided to use an agent. There was no need for paperwork to exchange the Yellow paper for the new card.We had the appointment for biometrics today.聽 No queue. All they needed ... Read More
Latest on our renewal of temporary residency by MacGeorge8035
Hi AllJust thought I would post an update on the renewal of our temporary residency. We got our temporary residency in Sept 2022 and waited 11 months before we got our Biometric ID Cards. When we renewed in 2023, it took 8 months to get our ...
@tonyjphilip59 it is no problem at all. Not an issue Read More
Latest on our renewal of temporary residency by MacGeorge8035
Hi AllJust thought I would post an update on the renewal of our temporary residency. We got our temporary residency in Sept 2022 and waited 11 months before we got our Biometric ID Cards. When we renewed in 2023, it took 8 months to get our ...
@tonyjphilip59 you could always fly from Ercan airport and back that way. You would not be seen to have left the country so long as you ask them not to stamp your passport Read More
MEU2 replacement by pete21
My wifes MEU2 runs out shortly. What documentation is required to allow her to remain longer in country? She is not British, nor an EU citizen and received the meu2 when I received an MEU1 prior to full BREXIT. My MEU1 has no end date on it, so ...
One thing i am concerned about is that i have not been keeping money in a local bank because of the terrible interest rates and the advent of Revolut. Are they requiring large sums in local banks for renewal of residency? Read More
MEU2 replacement by pete21
My wifes MEU2 runs out shortly. What documentation is required to allow her to remain longer in country? She is not British, nor an EU citizen and received the meu2 when I received an MEU1 prior to full BREXIT. My MEU1 has no end date on it, so ...
thanks all for the info. Sounds as though I need to get cracking soon then! We have always used private health insurance so I never bothered enquiring about GESY. Any idea if that will be an issue?Can anyone recommend an immigration specialist, ... Read More
MEU2 replacement
My wifes MEU2 runs out shortly. What documentation is required to allow her to remain longer in country? She is not British, nor an EU citizen and received the meu2 when I received an MEU1 prior to full BREXIT. My MEU1 has no end date on it, so ... Read More
Some TRNC Questions by vincentfostel
Hi all,I am planning to buy a property in the TRNC(Ozankoy or Lapta region) and have lived in Cyprus for two years.Some questions I woukld relly appreciate your help with:1) is the yellow slip(Cyprus not TRNC) for EU citizens valid indefinitely once ...
Do go to the other page; but quick answers to your questions:1) is the yellow slip(Cyprus not TRNC) for EU citizens valid indefinitely once aquired, or does it have to be renewed? THERE IS NO END DATE ON THE SLIP, SO PRESUMABLY INDEFINATE BUT ... Read More
Flight from the North by jaypee62
As a Cyprus resident, is it possible to fly to Turkey from the North (starting in Paphos) and then return ?
It is not an issue. Either drive to Ercan from Paphos, get bus to nicosia cross on foot and get north taxi to airport, or get a north taxi to take you from paphos (but that is about 110). The only time you would get a problem is from the Greek ... Read More
Bank charges by Kevin Thompson
Hi, I鈥檓 looking to open a bank account in Cyprus and haven鈥檛 decided between Hellenic and Bank of Cyprus yet, but they both seem to get similar reviews.looking at their websites I鈥檝e been trying to work out the ongoing bank ...
Both terrible, but for residency you have no choice but to have a local account. It sucks because their charges are ridiculous for 2024 and their service level low, plus they have no serious savings accounts. Read More
Driving Licence exchange by MacGeorge8035
Allwe have been here 16 months now and we renewed our temporary residency permit in September 23. We have now tried to exchange our UK driving licence for Cypriot ones on two occasions both without success.After our failed second attempt we ...
You talk of temp residency. You are referring to standard residency; the type all people are required to have if they are non EU and want to remain more than 90 days? If so, once you have that you are REQUIRED to have a local licence, so you ... Read More
Using a PO Box by MacGeorge8035
We will shortly be moving into our new house at the end of this month. The problem I have is that we do not yet have an official address from the municipal authority. This gives us problems with our mail, especially from the UK.Does anyone use a PO ...
There are no cons aassociated with a PO Box. It is the only safe way to get mail and ideal for mail from overseas. Read More
Visitors visa by kevinlewis2323
Good evening allGreat news I managed to get my second years visitors visa yesterday!But asked the question Do I get granted citizenship after 5 years ?( which I thought)Their replyNo you will need to keep applying for a visitors visa indefinitely Or ...
@Toon your post mentions 'every year at renewal'. I do not understand this; I understood that the meu was open ended. And even the dependant one is good for 5 years. What am I missing? Read More
Moving from Lebanon to Cyprus by SergeDa
Hello, I am Lebanese looking to move with my wife and 2 year old son to live in Cyprus. i am currently working remotely so the move won鈥檛 affect my income or my job status. can anyone help me breakdown the living cost for a family of 3, i have ...
Did you consider going to north cyprus? Euro2000 will be sufficient. Rents are a little cheaper. Health care much cheaper. Financial requirements for visa similar to the south if renting. Much less if you own property. Read More
Car registered in northern cyprus by Janknight347
Hi if I want to travel to the south in my northern Cyprus car,could you tell me what documents I need and also how long could I stay in southvisiting my brother
Hi, yes you can travel, but since Brexit it has become alot of hassle if you are a Brit. You need an authorising document (colloquially referred to as a TOM) and this can only be obtained at the Nicosia car crossing from a famously unpleasant old ... Read More
Flying Turkey to Cyprus (and getting north to south) by bus5ojp
Hi all, Currently in Turkey, and thinking of flying down to Cyprus since flights are regular and cheap. However, if I understand correctly, flight from Turkey only fly to Ercan airport in the north of Cyprus, and you have to move on from there ...
Cheapest taxi option is a North taxi. They will take you over whichever crossing is best for your destination. It will be about 拢50 I would guess.If you plan to leave via Ercan then there are no problems. If you leave via Larnaca the ... Read More
Evolution of banking services in Cyprus by Cheryl
Hello everyone, With rapid technological advancements, banking services are digitizing at lightning speed. Expats are thus propelled into a new era of options and payment methods, disrupting the traditional banking services of local ...
Is it still correct that you must have a local bank for residency, even renewing residency? Read More
Apartment Property Insurance in Cyprus by dvb123
Hi all ,聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 Do landlords have to take individual property insurance for their apartment or the property management association purchases property insurance on behalf of the entire apartment complex as well as ...
any recommendations for insurers for older flats? Read More
Evolution of banking services in Cyprus by Cheryl
Hello everyone, With rapid technological advancements, banking services are digitizing at lightning speed. Expats are thus propelled into a new era of options and payment methods, disrupting the traditional banking services of local ...
It seems to us that the Cypriot banking system is the worst in any country we have ever lived in. 0.1% bank interest in normal savings account, 1% in long term savings account, charges for current accounts, charges for all kinds of basic services. ... Read More
Finally lost it with Cyprus bureaucrats by MacGeorge8035
I have spent months trying to get an appointment to change my UK driving license to a Cypriot one. Every time I rang the phone never got answered. Finally six weeks ago I got an appointment. I arrived today with all my documents but they told me I ...
the jobs for life and early pension system in government jobs do not encourage hard work... Read More
Cash to TRNC by Femacy
How much is the maximum cash GBP can a couple each take with them when going to TRNC, please?
USD10k is the standard international limit per individual but I would be wary of both travelling with that amount each if you are married. You are travelling direct to Ercan I take it? Otherwise it is the ROC rules you need to follow. Read More
GESY HEALTH COVER by kevinlewis2323
Good morning everyone OK I am like everyone waiting for my pink slip card nearly a year now.Driving around in a uk reg car for six months because of that .....blah blah ok its Cyprus!!OK a new challenge how to apply or get or start Gesy the ...
i did a driving licence on the yellow slip but perhaps when they introduced the biometric card the required changed. Read More
Non EU citizen living with EU citizen by ricolo
I am from the US, my partner has a Dutch passport. We have lived together for10 years, 9 years in Cyprus and 1 year in Bonaire. I have asked her to marry me because I love her and so I can get a permanent residence permit instead ofa visitors permit ...
Ofcourse you do not have to have married before living here! As Toon says, they will want to see durable relationship; that is all I doubt that you actually need to be married for residency, but that is easy to check on the cyprus gov web site Read More
Filling up in TRNC ..NEW FINE by Toon
Those crossing to the north with the sole purpose of filling up their cars with petrol face a fine of 鈧�4 per litre, a customs department official said Thursday.Customs department spokesman George Constantinou said increased checks to prevent ...
If the GC authorities did police such a thing it might cut down on the terrible traffic congestion at the main crossing points! But in reality are customs folk really going to check fuel gauges of cars going north? Read More
To install a swimming pool or not by MacGeorge8035
Hii would appreciate people鈥檚 thoughts. We are having a house built and we have been quoted 鈧�22k + VAT for a 6 x 3 metre pool. We are both undecided on the benefits of having a pool installed.so what are other people鈥檚 thoughts, are ...
If you bought a house without one, then dont bother. It is really nice to have and easy to look after yourself if you want to save money on a pool company, but there is the cost of chemicals and equipment. Realistically you can enjoy it from late ... Read More
AirBNB New Laws by Toon
NEW CYPRIOT Law passed yesterday to regulate Users of Airbnb, Booking.com etc The bill, which covers both new and existing accommodation will now require owners / landlords that do not have a registered business, thus not paying VAT on ...
@glee74 Surely by registering in Cyprus you must pay all the taxes in Cyprus. It is surprising that you are even able to declare overseas rental income on your UK tax return! Read More
Looking for property in Northern Cyprus by Incognito2411
G'day allAnticipating moving to Cyprus early September subject to my house transaction completing smoothly!Initially was contemplating Famagusta following my English 'contact' out there advising that I couldn't purchase property in North ...
It you want to be in expat central then Lapta is indeed a good place to go. Anywhere within 10km of Kyrenia is excellent for hospitals, schools, chemists, supermarkets etc. Farmagusta is getting more popular; not the city itself, but the area to ... Read More
The importance of local language in Cyprus by Cheryl
Hey everyone, As an expat, language questions often arise due to the need to communicate effectively in a new country. We鈥檙e curious to read your experiences with learning and using the local language in Cyprus. Here are some questions to get ...
it is unfortunate that south Cyprus and Greece continue to use a defunct alphabet instead of the Latin alphabet used by all of Europe, Turkey and an increasing number of 'Stans'. It does make learning the Greek language additionally difficult. ... Read More
New Citizenship Income Requirement for Third Country Nationals by dvb123
I am not sure if this applies only to category F fast track or category F slow track also https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/04/21/cabinet-approves-proposal-on-criteria-for-naturalisation-of-third-country-national/Thus, he clarified that for each person ...
This is a long thread and I apologise if this has already been answered, but is the normal temporary residency financial requirement going to be increased or not? And if yes, will that mean that on TR renewal many expat pensioners will be forced to ... Read More
New Citizenship Income Requirement for Third Country Nationals by dvb123
I am not sure if this applies only to category F fast track or category F slow track also https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/04/21/cabinet-approves-proposal-on-criteria-for-naturalisation-of-third-country-national/Thus, he clarified that for each person ...
@Toon An EU passport is a big benefit! Whether it is worth the trouble is a different matter! Read More
Property rentals .. by Toon
OMG I cannot believe the rental market as it is today ... Greedflation just doesn't come close .. How are these rental.prices affordable to the ordinary hard working law abiding tax paying people of Cyprus ...It is truly scary .
North and south the Russian influx has pushed up rental and sale prices. Read More
UK driving license swap by phildraper
Still working on the car re-registration but moving on now the DoT documents have been registered on their system. So far 5 visits to see Mr George there and 5 months!Next thing is I just need is a swap of UK driving license over to Cypriot.Anyone ...
Are all Brits now using Cypriot Driving licence or is the UK still in common usage here? I know that Brits are no longer officially allowed to use the Uk licence but wondered if the authorities are policing this. Read More
Moving to Northern Cyprus and gaining employment by llewellynte
Dear Sirs,I am looking into the possibility of eventually moving to Northern Cyprus and buying a property the only thing that bothers me is that I still need to work. My current role is as Personal Assistant to a Senior Director at a firm of ...
@llewellynte Depends very much on what money you need to receive for the job. You are almost certainly better establishing an online role that you can do from home. Maybe sort out such a role before you move over.Salaries are extremely low in TRNC. ... Read More
UK state pension by Jackie53
Moving to Cyprus this year , is it better to ask the UK work and pensions department to pay my state pension gross monthly into my cyprus bank account or transfer it across my self through my currency broker, not sure what rate the UK work and ...
@MacGeorge8035 Won't a UK bank statement showing the pension monthly figures be sufficient for them? Or even a UK bank with a large amount in it? An actual oncome is not asked for; just proof of having an amount available monthly that reaches ... Read More
Snakes Sightings by Femacy
Are there any sights of snakes around Arapkoy, Girne?
@Femacy ???? Read More
My experience North Cyprus.
@Randomguy2000 Some of what you say is correct and you seem to know alot about TRNC for a randon traveller, making me think you may be a troll of some kind. You are very wrong about the passage of illegal immigrants from north to south and ... Read More
My experience North Cyprus.
The original post appears to be from someone with a real axe to grind, but the explanation by gwynj makes Random guys gripe a bit clearer. The TRNC immigration people are not stupid (some are poorly trained, but asking for a supervisor can often ... Read More
Snakes Sightings by Femacy
Are there any sights of snakes around Arapkoy, Girne?
Surely too cold at the moment? Read More
Waiting for ID cards by MacGeorge8035
Hi, it has now been over 4 months since we got our temporary residency sorted. But, we are still waiting for our ID cards. How long have people generally waited for ID cards after getting temporary residency.I have tried phoning immigration in ...
I have been here 3 years and didnt realise that there was an ID card for temp residency We just use the yellow paper when asked for proof of residency. Is it too late now to get the cards? Read More
My experience North Cyprus.
This is your experience, but it is very far from the norm.What you are saying about the prices is not true. Eating out in the north is far far cheaper than the South. Possibly prices higher than turkey due to import costs; not sure, but there is no ... Read More
Inflation in Cyprus in 2022 by Mickael
In the various media, inflation in Cyprus is becoming increasingly important. This is becoming a concern for some, with fears of an impact on day-to-day budgeting. Today, how does inflation in Cyprus impact on daily life? Which products and ...
Let me suggest practical, commonsense options for your awkward situation.Can I suggest you get rid of two hungry dogs if you, yourself are going without food but are having to keep them well fed. Priority should be for you and your health. You are ... Read More
North Cyprus to South travel by phildraper
Are there any things I need to know if I am travelling from North to South Cyprus in a UK van containing personal possessions?
As others have said; you cannot register a car in the south if it arrived on the Island via a TRNC port of entry (and visa versa).Insurance for cars based in the TRNC is lower than for cars based in the south and fully comp is very good (the ... Read More
Housing needed but need expats environment for social life by freekpieter
I am retired teacher and need advice. I need a n environment of expats for social contact, billiard etc. Since most probably i am going to stay there alone the first years. Which city to choose? Limassol, Paphos or Larnaca maybe even Nicosia? And ...
There is a thriving expat community in Kyrenia and several nearby villages. Well worth considering.聽 Rents much cheaper too. Read More
Clarification on temporary residency by MacGeorge8035
Hi allWe are Planning to retire to Cyprus at the end of this year. But, I have become confused about which Visa We need. We originally thought that We could arrive in Cyprus for 90 days and whilst there apply for a temporary residence permit which ...
Why not buy a property first and then just apply for residency?聽 I am not aware of what a Cat F visa is but we simply booked an appointment at the immigration, took the necessary documents and it was done. Took a very long time to come through ... Read More
Digital Nomad visa by g24stannard
Hi there,I am a UK passport holder and have had a property in Cyprus for 10+ years. My UK employer will allow me to work overseas for 20 days per year but only if I have the right to work somewhere.聽My question is: Do i have the right to work ...
There appears to be no benefit at all from applying for this type of residency and you do not seem to in anyway meet the criteria for the digital worker in cyprus.聽 Perhaps I am missing something, but to be able to work 20 days a year only from ... Read More
New members of the Cyprus forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Cyprus forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
We are currently deciding where best to live. We like Paralimni and Kyrenia.聽 There are pros and cons with north and south and we havent decided yet where we will be most comfortable.We see that there are some pretty high social insurance taxes ... Read More