Moving to Cyprus

• Choose your route: EU citizens register for the Yellow Slip (MEU1/MEU3); non-EU nationals apply for a Pink Slip (temporary residence), Category F (financially independent), Permanent Residence by Investment, or Digital Nomad Visa.
• Apply for your TIC (Tax Identification Code) and register with Social Insurance Services — both gate banking, leases and GHS (national health) enrolment.
• Understand the non-dom regime: tax residency via the 60-day rule (vs the usual 183-day rule) plus the 17-year exemption on foreign dividends, interest and rental income for qualifying non-doms.
• Plan school enrolment: English-medium schools (The English School Nicosia, The Heritage Private School, Pascal, Foley's) have demand-driven intakes.

• Sea freight arrives via the Port of Limassol (primary) or Larnaca; transit from North America is roughly 4–6 weeks port-to-door, from Northern Europe 2–3 weeks.
• EU relocations move under free-movement of goods — no duty, but a full inventory is still required for the carrier and any onward insurance claim.
• Third-country nationals applying for first-time residency can claim Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief to import used personal effects duty- and VAT-free — goods must have been owned and used 6+ months abroad and imported within 12 months of arrival.
• Cyprus drives on the LEFT — UK-spec furniture, white goods (UK plugs / 240V) and right-hand-drive cars are an advantage. US 110V appliances will need transformers.
• Air freight (5–10 days) via Larnaca or Paphos airports is well-suited for the first 30 days of essentials.

• Passport plus Yellow Slip (MEU1) for EU nationals or Pink Slip / residence permit for non-EU.
• TIC (Tax Identification Code) and Social Insurance registration confirmation.
• Detailed itemised inventory in English with purchase dates and estimated values (Greek translation optional but speeds clearance).
• Apostilled civil-status, education and police-clearance certificates.
• Proof of address in Cyprus (registered lease or title deed).
• Cypriot bank account confirmation — opening accounts has tightened post-2013, allow 2–4 weeks.

The Cyprus Department of Customs and Excise processes household-goods imports at Limassol and Larnaca. Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief requires the goods to have been owned and used abroad for 6+ months and imported within 12 months of taking up residence. Vehicles require Type Approval or Single Vehicle Approval and right-hand-drive conformity. Pets need an EU pet passport (or third-country health certificate), microchip and rabies vaccination via the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture. Note: the Republic of Cyprus controls the southern two-thirds of the island; the northern area is a separate de-facto administration not recognised by the EU — shipping must clear via Limassol or Larnaca for the legal regime.

• Shipping before your TIC and residence permit are issued — ToR relief cannot be granted without proof of residence.
• Bringing left-hand-drive vehicles without confirming Single Vehicle Approval feasibility — Cyprus drives on the left, and re-registration is restrictive.
• Assuming non-dom status applies automatically — you must register, meet the 60-day rule, and not be tax-resident elsewhere in the same year.
• Opening bank accounts too late — post-2013 KYC means 2–4 weeks, and utilities/leases want a Cypriot IBAN.
• Booking a long-term lease in Limassol without budgeting for the rapid rent inflation around the Limassol Marina, Neapolis and Germasogeia districts.