Moved: How life works in Northern Cyprus

Cyprus visa regime

The Republic of Cyprus is not part of the Schengen area. To enter the country, citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and a number of other countries need a Cyprus visa. You can also enter Cyprus with a multiple-entry Schengen visa of categories C and D or with a residence permit in the countries of the European Union.

Entry visa

For short-term entry into the country you will need a Cypriot national visa. Russians can apply for an electronic visa instead. This specific type of visa is very popular as it can be issued within one or several days via the Internet, but it does impose a number of restrictions. The main one is a direct flight to Cyprus from your country of citizenship.

An entry visa gives the right to stay in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period.

All visas for Russian citizens are issued free of charge at the embassy and consulates.

Where to apply for a visa Russian citizens can do this at the embassy in Moscow and regional consulates. Citizens of Belarus - through the consulate in Minsk. There is an honorary consulate of Cyprus in Kazakhstan, but at the moment you will have to apply for visas to Moscow.

Special conditions for property owners: owning property in Cyprus for any amount provides grounds for obtaining a multiple-entry national visa.

Long-term visa

Foreigners who plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days in a six-month period can apply for a long-stay visa category D. To obtain it, you will need to justify the need to live on the island. As a rule, such reasons are work, study or family circumstances.

Diplomatic missions of the Republic of Cyprus abroad can only issue short-term visas. To obtain a long-stay visa, a foreigner must enter Cyprus as a tourist and submit an application to the Cyprus Immigration Service. Here are her contacts.

Northern Cyprus

In the northern part of the island of Cyprus is the partially recognized state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It was formed in 1974 as a result of a split between the two communities inhabiting the island - Greek and Turkish. The two states are separated by a buffer zone with checkpoints. Local residents and tourists can easily move from one side to the other, but it is considered legal to enter Northern Cyprus only from the territory of the southern one. If you travel to Northern Cyprus from Turkey and a note about this appears in your passport, problems may arise with a visa to Cyprus in the future.

Regions of Cyprus: Greek and Turkish resorts

Immigration process, permanent residence

Moving to Northern Cyprus for permanent residence. Immigration to Turkish Cyprus . Residence permit in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Most of our readers are often interested in: “What needs to be done to become a resident of Northern Cyprus?” For many, the procedure for obtaining a residence permit seems incredibly complicated, but in fact, it is a fairly quick and easy process. Since the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus does not yet have EU laws and regulations in place, residents of EU countries follow the same procedure for obtaining a residence permit as citizens of other countries. Similar requirements exist for citizens of countries of the former USSR or CIS. In the Republic of Northern Cyprus there is no automatic right of residence and employment for residents of the European Union or other countries.

On the topic: The main misconceptions of an immigrant moving for permanent residence to Northern Cyprus. Work in Northern Cyprus. Immigration to Northern Cyprus, passport.

Every time a subject enters the territory of Northern Cyprus, a stamp is placed at the border in his passport or on a separate insert sheet indicating his stay in the country as a tourist for a period of three months. This means that you can stay in the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for a maximum of three months without the right to work. After three months, you must leave the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or pay a heavy fine for exceeding the visa period. You can leave the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and return the very next day, for example, by flying to Turkey, thus obtaining a tourist visa for another three months (it is worth noting that moving to Southern Cyprus, in general, is not regarded as leaving the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Cyprus for the purpose of obtaining a tourist visa). For many people, this is a convenient way to “live” in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Since the overwhelming number of tourists do not stay in the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for more than three months, there is no need to obtain a residence permit as such. However, those wishing to stay in Northern Cyprus for longer than three months must obtain a residence permit. To do this, first of all, you need to contact the local immigration office in Kyrenia or Lefkosa.

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit (without the right to employment) takes on average 1 - 1.5 months and includes the completion of a number of formalities.

You need to provide the service with the following documents:

— Original and photocopy of passport;

— Original and photocopy of the deed (contract or agreement) on the right of ownership in your name (if any); the purchase and sale agreement and its photocopy, if you purchased the property under the purchase and sale agreement, but have not yet received the title deed.

- A letter from your local mayor (“Muhtar” as he is called in Turkey) to attest that you are living in his town. In Turkish this letter is called "Ikametgah Belgesi". You can find the measure in the center of the town where you live, near the local municipality (belediye).

— Bank documents confirming the presence of regularly replenished funds in a bank account in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, sufficient for you to support yourself without resorting to employment in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

— Two passport photos.

— Stamps at Six YTL (they change constantly, so we recommend taking a few with you).

After this you will be referred to the Lefkosa State Hospital. In addition, some private clinics are licensed to conduct medical examinations. You will be tested for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis. When the results of the medical examination are ready, they should be sent unopened to the immigration office in Lefkosa in order to obtain a stamp in the passport, which gives the right of residence. The Immigration Office is called "Muhaceret Dairesi" in Turkish.

It is important to note that the residence permit gives you the right to reside in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without the right to work or do business. In order to be able to work or start your own business, you need to obtain a work or business permit.

The residence permit (residence permit) is valid for a year. It must be renewed every year, following the same procedure (except for medical examination). Your lawyer will be able to handle all formalities on your behalf. Children under eighteen years of age do not require a residence permit. Therefore, families moving to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus only need to obtain permission for adult family members. Foreign citizens who have a child born in the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus must notify the embassy or consulate of their country about the birth of the child. Once the embassy or consulate has issued the appropriate document, you should contact the district office (Kaymakamlik) in your area of ​​residence to register the birth of the child.

In some cases, the Foreign Citizens Registration Department may require additional documents from the applicant. Based on current practice, obtaining a residence permit for foreigners who own real estate does not cause difficulties. A residence permit is issued in the usual manner after compliance with the necessary formalities stipulated by current legislation.

How to become a citizen of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus?

Citizenship is granted to all persons whose mother or father is Turkish Cypriot or who is married to a citizen of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. At the moment, there is a new parliament law in force, according to which foreigners can become citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus after obtaining a residence permit.

As you understand, this law is temporary in nature, because... depends on the population of the northern part of the island. According to lawyers, as soon as the number of foreigners exceeds the normative figure, the criteria for obtaining citizenship will be complicated.

In other words, we advise you not to put off this issue for a long time, because... The growth of foreigners has recently been rapidly increasing, including due to immigrants from the countries of the former USSR.

Residence permit in Cyprus

A residence permit in Cyprus is issued in accordance with the Aliens and Immigration Law. Basic information can be found on the website of the Department of Civil Registration and Migration.

The Cypriot residence permit is officially called , but the name , or “pink card” is often used. Its main types are work, student (educational) and guest.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit

With the first options, everything is clear: these permits are issued to those who come to the island to work or study, respectively. A guest residence permit can be obtained for a wide range of reasons, but it is not that simple.

Basic conditions for issuing a guest residence permit

1. Having a permanent place of residence and actual residence on the island (you cannot be absent for more than three months in a row).
2. Confirmation of income of at least €10 thousand per applicant per year. For each dependent relative, a confirmed income of €5 thousand per year will be required.

Please note: it is prohibited to work with a guest residence permit!

That is, this option is suitable for wealthy people who come to Cyprus to relax, enjoy life, perhaps accompany their relatives, and receive their living expenses from abroad.

• The document is issued for a year and can be renewed on an annual basis.
• Together with the applicant, his immediate relatives can receive a residence permit.

Immigration programs to Cyprus

Cyprus Citizenship of Cyprus upon purchase of real estate Deadlines for obtaining: 6 months. Expenses from 2,150,000 €

Cyprus Permanent residence permit in Cyprus for financially independent persons Receipt period: 12 months. Expenses from 9,500 €

Cyprus Cypriot citizenship by investment Duration of obtaining: 6 months. Expenses from 2,650,000 €

Cyprus Permanent residence permit in Cyprus for the purchase of real estate Duration of receipt: 2 months. Expenses from 300,000 €

Residence permit based on real estate

The owner or even the tenant of real estate for any amount in Cyprus can obtain a guest residence permit.

At the same time, the Republic has a special program for home buyers. Thus, when purchasing objects worth €300 thousand or more, you can immediately apply for permanent residence, not only for the buyer himself, but also for his family.

Read more about the program “Permanent residence in Cyprus for the purchase of real estate”

Permanent residence permit for financially independent persons

Cyprus is waiting for wealthy foreigners. Those who can confirm their income and afford not to work are given category permanent residence on this basis. It will be necessary to confirm income of €10 thousand for yourself and €5 thousand for each family member. In this case, adult children will be considered separate applicants.

Read more about the program “Permanent residence in Cyprus for financially independent persons”

Residence permit based on business

Registration of a company in Cyprus also gives the right to a residence permit. But companies on the island are opened not only for the sake of a residence permit: the Cypriot tax regime is one of the best in Europe.

On the downside, there are a number of areas in which foreign business is not welcome. These include higher education, electricity supply, and postal services.

Residence permit for pensioners

In Cyprus there is no separate program for pensioners, but the very principle of issuing a guest residence permit or permanent residence permit category is ideal for non-working people, especially for those who move to the island with their family.

Moved: How life works in Northern Cyprus

04/13/2018 RUBRIC: Moved

Author: Anna Avlas

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At the age of 17, Anna Avlas left Belarus to study at a university in Lithuania, from there she went on an exchange to Turkey, and then to the shores of Northern Cyprus, where she received a master's degree in social sciences and remained to work in the international marketing of her university. At the same time, she teaches street dance styles and shares her travel experiences on the website.

Preparation for moving and documents

My boyfriend and I are representatives of different nationalities. We met in Ankara while I was there as an exchange student. After a few wonderful months together in Turkey, I had to return to Lithuania for my final year of university, and he selflessly followed me. After graduation, a logical question arose: what to do next? After a couple of my unsuccessful attempts during the summer to move to Turkey in order to be together again, fate had mercy on us and threw a tempting solution: my basketball player boyfriend was offered a contract in Northern Cyprus, in the seaside town of Kyrenia, and I immediately applied for a master's degree in the university, which sponsors that same basketball club, received a 100 percent grant. Everything was decided in just a couple of days and after just two weeks I find myself on a sunny island next to my beloved.

I submitted documents to the university online, after which a notification about successful enrollment was sent to my email. I simply printed it out and presented it at passport control at the airport upon arrival.

It would be useful to clarify something here. Due to political differences, since 1974 the island of Cyprus has been divided into two parts: Southern (Greek Cyprus), which is part of the European Union, and Northern (Turkish Cyprus), an autonomous, unrecognized state. So, unlike the European part of the island, no one simply needs a visa to enter Northern Cyprus, only this entry must be at Ercan Airport (Northern Nicosia). And here is the following nuance: flights there are carried out exclusively from Turkey - the only state that recognizes the sovereignty of Northern Cyprus. Accordingly, the flight from home will include a mandatory transfer at one of the Turkish airports.

At passport control they put a stamp and enter the number of days of stay as a tourist. Only then, “on the spot”, does the fuss with the student residence permit begin, that is, no special documents need to be prepared before the actual move.

By the way, the stamp of the unrecognized republic of Northern Cyprus is completely harmless; there will be no problems with the subsequent receipt of any visas. The only obstacle arises when planning to visit the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes in the future. I once encountered this personally when purchasing a ticket for the Bodrum-Kos ferry during the summer holidays on the Turkish coast. Well, if the “mark” in the document really confuses you, you have every right to ask at passport control at the airport in Northern Cyprus to put an entry stamp on a separate migration form, which will need to be filled out right there, “without leaving the ticket office.” In this case, the ID will remain blank, just don’t lose the receipt.

I also advise you not to talk too much at passport control if you are arriving at an airport in one part of Cyprus, but the purpose of your trip is another. Although this is not an official reason, they can still be deported. The word came out - the border guards immediately became deaf to your reversals. Although, of course, everything here depends more on the principled personal views of the employee than on the prescribed rules.

To get a temporary residence permit, I needed to take a receipt from the tax office, provide a rental contract and pay a tax of about $ 30 at the police station, take an extract of entries/exits into/from the country; donate blood at a medical center for reference (once, only when submitted in the first year); order a student letter from the university; buy two stamps at the post office. All this is given directly at the university. That's all, in two weeks the document is ready. "Welcome home!" – the Mediterranean Sea shouts to you. You can relax and enjoy sunny everyday life.

“We were given a nice apartment, with a view of the sea on the north side and the mountains on the south. Fortunately, there were no windows looking out onto the cemetery from the east.”

Housing

Renting housing in Kyrenia is an expensive business. A standard 2+1 apartment (“plus one” means a large living room connected to the kitchen, the rest is the number of bedrooms) in the city center will cost about 400-450 GBP per month, and in other areas about 300-350 GBP. Prices are indicated in British pounds sterling, as all official financial transactions, such as rental/purchase of housing and transport, are carried out in this currency. This is due to the fact that in the recent past Cyprus was a British colony and in many ways the way of life retained its English style (apart from financial traditions, there is also left-hand traffic on the roads). The main currency in the northern part of the island is the Turkish lira.

In addition to the monthly rent, and many owners require payment 4 months in advance, when renting housing you will need to pay a deposit and absolutely useless, in my opinion, one or even two commissions, each of which is equal to the rental rate. This is an absurd amount of money down the drain, so it makes sense to move in with someone right away.

In the first two years of living in Cyprus, we were lucky - my boyfriend’s contract included free housing, so we didn’t have to bother with contracts and paying rent. We were given a nice apartment, with a view of the sea on the north side and the mountains on the south. Fortunately, there were no windows looking out onto the cemetery from the east.

Transport

And yet, I advise you to rent an apartment until you get your own transport in the center, since there is a problem with public transport in Kyrenia. To move around the city, except for your legs, you only have at your disposal a “dolmuş”, or minibus in our opinion. Dolmus has a rather expensive tariff for a small town (on average $1) and a very simple route: in a straight line, crossing the city from west to east. Walk up or down from the main road on your own. Accordingly, living in remote areas without your own wheels is inconvenient, and taking a taxi is an expensive pleasure. By the way, in Northern Cyprus, in the literal sense, absolutely all taxis are Mercedes of high class.

Health care

Medicine in Cyprus is also expensive. An appointment that does not involve direct medical intervention, but only a consultation, with any doctor in one of the many private clinics here costs from $30. A regular operation like an appendectomy will cost $1,500. In the center of Kyrenia, however, there is a city clinic that is not inferior in price domestic factors of irritation: the same nervous crowd of grandmothers, hours of waiting in queues, a limited choice of appointment days and other “attractive” goodies of state medical institutions. Coupons are issued at the crack of dawn strictly on the day of the doctor’s visit, and the appointments themselves begin at 10 am. That is, from 7.30 to 8.00 in the morning you personally receive a coupon with the queue number at the registration window, pay for it on the spot (yes, clinics are not free for migrants, but simply several times cheaper than private ones, something like $ 4-5), then return to 10 am and wait your turn in an extremely uncomfortable environment, followed by a lightning-fast conversation with the doctor (he has a kilometer-long line waiting), and, perhaps, that’s all.

Food

The cuisine in Northern Cyprus is predominantly Turkish, although there are plenty of European establishments. The bill for dinner in a cozy cafe will be about $10, and in a restaurant about $15. However, in supermarkets, food prices will not seem like a compromise; it is often easier to “go out” instead of cooking at home, because, in fact, financially the same thing it comes out. I personally eat this way, almost always outside the home: as a big fan of cooking, I consider the waste of time and effort unequal to a delicious dinner in the city, which will be served to me for an equivalent amount.

There are no more than ten large supermarkets in Kyrenia, but there are quite a lot of small shops, and many of them are open 24 hours a day, so there will be no problems with quelling the night gluttons.

Surprisingly, local establishments and supermarkets do not offer seafood. There are fish restaurants, but not at every turn, as expected when moving to the island, and they are very expensive. The choice of seafood in stores is also small and they are only available in frozen form.

People

Cypriots are a sun-spoiled, lazy nation. At first I was annoyed by how slow things were going with them. Everything happened slowly, while I was “burning.” I didn’t realize that the word “deadline” here is an empty phrase. At first, I panicked when I noticed that the days allotted for my stay in the country on the stamp were ending, and the process of obtaining a residence permit had not even begun. But they reassured me, they say, the main thing is that you are physically here, and you’ll get a residence permit later, don’t worry. There was even a case where one of my friends was mistakenly given a backdated entry stamp and she contacted the police, excitedly indicating in her passport that her 30 days of stay on the island had allegedly expired. The policeman's actions were very Cypriot style: he crossed out the number "30" on the stamp and wrote in "90". Like, it’s ready, go in peace, they also invented a problem for me.

Inevitably, I soon took a dose of Cypriot indifference and became completely infected with it: from year to year, my residence permit expires much earlier than I have time to renew it. Last year, I returned from a vacation at home on the very last day of the document’s validity - I just needed to officially enter Cyprus on time - and only a week later I started updating it. Over the past 4 years, I have completely immersed myself in the leisurely rhythm of the island and now it is difficult for me to catch the speed of life while in big cities outside the country.

It is also worth noting that Northern Cypriots are very kind and hospitable. They adopted the warmth and cordiality towards the guest from their Turkish ancestors. I have never noticed any malicious intent behind them, which is why crime in the country is practically zero.

Weather

How else can a resident of a country where the sun shines 9 months a year feel other than amazing? During the summer months, however, Cyprus becomes unbearably hot. But winter is sometimes mild, and sometimes disgustingly damp with torrential rains non-stop. The most disgusting thing about this is that the houses do not have any heating system, and you won’t be able to warm up your apartment with an air conditioner 24 hours a day, so you wrap yourself in all sorts of sweaters and warm socks, although this doesn’t help much. When it's colder at home than outside, that's the most annoying thing. Then everyone smiles when, during the winter holidays in Belarus, I seriously say that I came from Cyprus to warm up.

The most wonderful time on the island is undoubtedly spring. Comfortable mild climate, warm but not yet scorching sun, gentle breeze and clear sky. It is in the spring that all kinds of city and university festivals and events are organized - this is how the city comes to life after winter stupor and apathy, switching to the summer season and active mode.

“Then everyone smiles when, during the winter holidays in Belarus, I seriously say that I came from Cyprus to warm up”

Things to do?

The nature in the north of the island is truly close to paradise. Hiking will fit harmoniously into the scenario of an ideal weekend: the Kyrenia Mountains, stretching for tens of kilometers, are quite impressive and high, but just enough to be easily conquered by an active person.

On some of the peaks are the ruins of medieval castles such as Saint Hilarion, Buffavento and Cantara. Once upon a time, these fortresses served as observation posts, from where it was possible to notice an enemy attack from afar and notify the main city citadel, which to this day is located in the center of Kyrenia (and is called Kyrenia), about it. Today you can walk to it through a picturesque old pier lined with cozy restaurants.

Within the city limits of Kyrenia there are good, but tiny beaches. To get to the wide and golden ones, you need to get further out of the city. The closest one, Alagadi Turtle Beach, is located 10 kilometers east of Kyrenia. In its wild expanses during the summer season you can find dozens of turtle clutches, which are carefully monitored and cared for by volunteer biologists. If you have at least a whole day in hand, then you should definitely go to Karpas - one of the places in the “see and die” category.

There, on the sharp tip of the land (if you can imagine the shape of the island), the divine Golden Sands beach stretches for a full three kilometers in length. The sea water here is crystal clear, and the sand, of course, is golden. You can spend the night in a cozy bungalow, and besides lying on the shore, you should also stop by the protected area next door, occupied by arrogant beggar donkeys who impudently block your path, then leisurely approach and unceremoniously poke their muzzles into the car windows. These faces are still usually decorated with almost every second souvenir from Northern Cyprus, like local celebrities.

I would also like to note the loud nightlife of Kyrenia, which awakens with the onset of the summer season. Noisy parties in open-air coastal clubs will leave only the most categorical non-fan indifferent, for whom, by the way, there is also a good alternative for the evening in the form of a dozen huge and bright casinos that have already become local attractions.

Country status

I have an ambivalent attitude towards the unofficial status of the state of Northern Cyprus. On the one hand, these are complete disadvantages: the absence of embassies, as well as shops and restaurants of the world brands we are familiar with (although I personally am quite content with local ones), inconvenience with mail and flights - both parcels and flights are carried out through Turkey.

However, there are also advantages. In addition to the fact that life is significantly cheaper on the north side, complete safety and tranquility reign here. In the modern world, cobbled together from global problems, these two things are an almost unaffordable luxury. But Northern Cyprus gives this luxury in full: the absence of poverty, one of the lowest crime rates in the world, when people without a second thought leave things outside the door of an apartment or on the street, and the windows of houses and cars are open, because the stuffiness here is a greater threat than the thieves.

Thus, Northern Cyprus for me is an antidote to the bustle, an abode of harmony and peace. He taught me to stop, contemplate, look and slowly enjoy the moment. I like the calm atmosphere of the island, its certain isolation. I like its nature, the ease of existence, where no one and nothing puts pressure on you, except perhaps the unbearable heat in August. Nobody stops you from simply living, not even the state, which is such a rarity these days.

Text – Anna Avlas. Photo – Anna Avlas, depositphotos.com, karinkaabroad.com

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Documents for obtaining a residence permit in Cyprus

You will need the following documents:

• statement;
• passport and its copy;
• four photographs;
• documents confirming the rental or purchase of housing;
• proof of financial security (this could be pension certificates, bank interest, rental income or other sources of income);
• bank guarantee for two years;
• medical insurance.

For those moving with their family, you will also need (if relevant):

• Marriage certificate;
• spouse's passport;
• children's birth certificates;
• personal accounts of each family member;
• proof of sufficient income for each of them;
• medical insurance for everyone moving;
• a certificate from an educational institution if the child is studying in Cyprus.

Documents issued abroad must be officially translated and certified with an apostille.

The procedure for obtaining residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship

How to get a residence permit

1. You can come to the island on a regular visa at the very beginning of the process or at a later stage.
2. Decide on housing. You need to rent or buy a residential property that will become your main residence on the island. The lease agreement is concluded for a minimum of one year. Services and real estate specialists will help with this. Start your selection with the properties on our website.
3. To obtain a guest residence permit, you need to obtain a certificate confirming the sufficiency of income.
4. Issue a bank guarantee. The processing time is one to two days.
5. Get health insurance (on average €200 per person, registration period is one day).
6. All documents must be translated into English or Greek and certified by a notary.
7. Submit documents to the office of the Cyprus Migration Department in the city where you are located. You can deliver the documents in person, send them by mail, or submit them through a lawyer by proxy. You will receive an answer within three months. Submitting or renewing an application costs €70 for each family member, registration costs €70 for the first application.

Misconceptions about Northern Cyprus!

The main misconception is that a residence permit obtained by purchasing real estate allows you to find a job. This is not true; in Northern Cyprus, only the employer can issue a work permit.

The second misconception is that everyone is welcome here. Cypriots are friendly people, but if you come to this country with nothing and have nothing to offer, then the joy will noticeably diminish - local residents love those who benefit their state, care about prosperity and maintaining order!

How to move to Northern Cyprus correctly - 3 valuable tips

Let's now take a closer look at how to move to this country correctly so as not to be disappointed in it. On the Internet you can find a lot of tips and stories related to moving. Russian people actively blog, talking about everyday life. We have highlighted the main points and tips that will help you move here comfortably, avoiding a sad experience.

• Live here for a while before moving. Northern Cyprus is a wonderful place, but people's tastes can vary greatly. And maybe you won’t like this place. Give your family a long vacation, live for at least a month or two to understand whether you like it here or not. During this time, you will be able to solve many important issues for yourself.
• Figure out your means of subsistence. A business that will remain in your home country is an ideal option, however, it is not available to everyone. Be sure to resolve this issue before moving. Agree on further employment in Cyprus, think over a business idea that you can implement, and ultimately buy a ready-made company. But under no circumstances come to the unknown. If we talk about business, the most popular are beauty salons, catering establishments and rentals.
• Learn the language. Even if you plan to communicate only with your fellow countrymen, without knowledge of English it will be very difficult. And if you want to get a job, then you need to know English at a very high level, and even better, take care of learning the Turkish language, at least its basics.

How to extend a residence permit

An application for extension is submitted to the Migration Department at least one month before the document expires.

Permanent residence and citizenship

The standard way is this.

• After five years of residence on the island, a foreigner has the right to obtain permanent residence.
• After seven years of residence, you can apply for citizenship.

However, for buyers of real estate for a certain amount, an accelerated procedure applies.

• After spending €300 thousand or more, you will receive permanent residence immediately.
• If you purchase real estate worth €2 million or more as part of an investment program, you will have a Cypriot passport within a few months.

How much do services for obtaining a residence permit cost?

There is no need to go through all the steps and deal with the documents yourself. Professional consultants will help you do this quickly and without errors. Their contacts can be found on our website.

The cost of services varies significantly depending on what type of document and on what basis you need it. For example, support for a residence permit for work or study can cost €1 thousand, assistance in obtaining permanent residence – €5–10 thousand, and legal support for investment citizenship – €20–70 thousand. In the latter case, some real estate agencies or developers may take over these services, and they will be free for the buyer.

note

Companies provide consulting services and help you go through the procedure. They, and no one else, can give a guarantee of obtaining a residence permit or permanent residence.

Standard of living in Cyprus

Almost all of the main income in the republic's economy comes from widely developed tourism. Moreover, there are more and more people wishing to move to the resort island every year.

Cyprus is considered one of the best places for relocation and recreation. Depending on your holiday wishes, you can get different sensations by choosing a suitable resort. And permanent residents of Cyprus who have gone through the process of emigration, and native residents, can enjoy resort life almost all year round.

Medical support

Services provided to citizens in medical institutions are divided into public and private. Before you move, you need to mentally prepare for the differences.

There are no records of patients in local clinics. State institutions can only serve:

• large (4 or more children) families;
• pensioners;
• civil servants;
• low-income families.

There is no practice of calling a doctor to your home free of charge. Ambulances only respond to emergencies, such as road accidents or fires. For this reason, private practice is common. Doctors involved in treatment may not always be distinguished by the high quality of their services.

An appointment with a doctor costs 50 euros, appointments, tests, MRI, etc. are paid separately. And the place of their activity is converted apartments in a residential building, which has a corresponding extract with the apartment number. In his office, the doctor does not wear a robe over his clothes, but walks around the streets like ordinary people.

To save money, there is medical insurance on the island. Upon arrival on a work visa, health insurance is partially paid by the employer. Before moving, you should agree on this point with your employer and find out what exactly insurance covers for this type of emigration. In most cases, insurance will cover not only the working person, but also his family.

Education

Kindergarten

For a migrant family planning to move to Cyprus permanently, it is best to send their child to a Greek kindergarten for speedy adaptation. And then to the Greek school. Keeping a child in a preschool institution will cost 90-100 euros per month. Each family chooses the preschool institution that it considers most suitable.

School

The schools are not large, from 150 to 400 students. Teaching is conducted in Russian, English and Greek. 90 percent of students from the class go on to universities and colleges on the island or abroad. The student makes the choice of profession in secondary school (grades 7-9). Every summer a children's camp is organized for schoolchildren. Even for those children who have just moved and have not completed the necessary documents.

All schools, be it British, Russian or Greek, try to “keep up the brand” and keep up with each other in terms of education. There is a wide choice of schools, and every immigrant will definitely be able to choose a decent institution for their child.

Higher education

It's not just the indigenous people who want to get an education on the island. Many foreign applicants decide to move to enter universities in Cyprus. In recent years, many higher education institutions in Britain have opened their branches.

Training is offered by public and private higher education institutions. The student can organize the curriculum independently. Depending on the subjects chosen for study.