Moving to Cyprus

Cyprus is a small Mediterranean country that has slowly become an attractive option for expats. It has a favourable tax system, affordable healthcare, and one of the lowest housing cost burdens in the EU. Income tax starts at 0% and remains low compared to many EU countries, and visits to a doctor through the public system cost only a few euros.

The country has a growing startup scene, ranked 40th globally by StartupBlink in 2025, with four Cypriot cities included in the index. This growth shows Cyprus’s efforts to move beyond its old reputation as a “tax haven” and position itself as a hub for international business and innovation. English is widely spoken in the workplace, particularly in finance, tech, and tourism. Cyprus is also a top destination for expats who want to relocate, since The Global Move reported it was one of the countries with the most relocation-friendly job ads for 2025.

You can get different types of visas for Cyprus based on your purpose and length of stay. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can live, work, and study in Cyprus without a visa, but non-EU nationals usually need a short-stay visa (up to 90 days) or a long-stay (Category D) visa for stays over 90 days, which covers work, study, self-employment, or family reunification.

Most submissions are made in person at the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia or through a Cypriot consulate abroad. Because official information on Cyprus visas can be limited and sometimes hard to navigate, we’ve carefully compiled the most accurate details to help you understand the application process.

Cyprus has one of the most attractive tax systems in Europe. Personal income tax is progressive, and starts at 0% for annual income up to €19,500 and reaches 35% for earnings above €60,000. Pensioners can also choose a flat rate of 5% on the excess of €3,420 (this sum being exempt). Expats often qualify for additional exemptions, such as reduced tax on their first employment.

While Cyprus was once known as a “tax haven,” the country now meets high international standards for tax transparency, on par with Germany or the United Kingdom. Residents are generally taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents pay tax only on Cyprus-source earnings.

Alongside income tax, workers and employers contribute to social insurance and the General Healthcare System (GeSY). Corporate income tax is 12.5%, among the lowest in the EU, and Cyprus does not levy inheritance or gift taxes.

Living in Cyprus is generally affordable compared with many Western European countries. A single person can expect to spend around €1,780 per month (including rent), while a family of four will spend roughly €4,800 if they choose public childcare and education. Limassol, the country’s business and financial hub with many international companies, banks, and fintech firms, is considerably the most expensive city, while cities like Larnaca and Paphos come with more reasonable prices for rent and daily expenses.

Overall, Cyprus is cheaper than the United Kingdom or major US cities, yet it offers a high quality of life and good purchasing power. Rent, groceries, utilities, and public transport are all manageable, and many expats find that a modest income makes way for a comfortable lifestyle.

Cyprus has seen strong growth in its ICT sector. In 2023, the country recorded a 9.2% increase in ICT specialist employment, above the EU average. Much of this activity is in Limassol, which is considered a leading startup city in Southern Europe. The city focuses on fintech, blockchain, and software development, and coworking spaces and accelerators support both local and international startups.

Cyprus’s startup ecosystem has also been growing. It climbed five spots in the global startup rankings, with an annual growth rate of 28.2% (April 2025), and now ranks 18th in Western Europe.

Several international companies have offices in Cyprus, mainly in tech and finance. They hire for roles in software development, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. Universities like the Cyprus University of Technology in Limassol and the University of Cyprus in Nicosia supply many graduates, who go on to work in the local tech sector.

Cyprus has a growing job market with opportunities in tech, finance, healthcare, and tourism. The government is investing €1.55 billion in 2025 to support economic growth and digital projects, and create more demand for skilled workers. Tech roles, like software developers, cloud specialists, and cybersecurity experts, are among the highest paying, while finance and healthcare also have steady openings. Cities such as Limassol and Nicosia see the most activity, and since English is widely used in workplaces, it’s easier for expats to find jobs in those cities.

Salaries in Cyprus are slightly below the EU average, but lower taxes mean take-home pay is pretty good. The average gross monthly salary is around €2,509, with net income close to €2,100. Nicosia, the capital, has an average salary of about €29,000 per year, while Limassol averages closer to €33,000 (though living expenses are higher). In Cyprus, the 13th-month salary isn't legally required, but is very common in private contracts. A comfortable (and realistic) gross salary for a single person typically ranges from €24,000 to €31,000 annually, enough to cover living costs and have some left for savings or leisure.

Moving to Cyprus involves several steps that can be confusing for newcomers. Completing visa applications, arranging housing, or understanding rental contracts in Greek can take time, especially if you are not familiar with the local system.

Relocation companies in Cyprus can assist with many of these tasks. They often handle visa paperwork, property searches, and lease agreements. Some also help with practical matters such as setting up utilities, opening a bank account, or registering for social insurance and healthcare. A few offer support with school enrolment or childcare.

These services are usually available for individuals and employers. If you are relocating for work, your company may already cooperate with a relocation provider to assist international hires.

Top relocation companies in Cyprus:

• Pegasus Relocation Services
• Three Movers
• Europa Delivery
• Relocate.world
• Movehome.eu

Cyprus has a mixed public-private healthcare system. Universal coverage is provided through the General Healthcare System (GeSY), a public system introduced in 2019 and funded by contributions from employees, employers, the self-employed, pensioners, and the state. Employee contributions are low, only 2.65% of salary, while employers pay 2.9%, which is much more modest than in countries like Germany (7.3%) or Portugal (11%).

The system is not entirely free, but very affordable, with modest co-payments—for example, €6 to see a specialist with a referral, €25 without, and €10 for an A&E visit—while some visits are, indeed, free. Dental and optical coverage under GeSY is limited, so many residents and expats also rely on private plans for broader coverage (actually, Cyprus is a known destination for dental medical tourism.) English-speaking doctors are widely available in major cities.

Where you choose to live in Cyprus will influence daily life and expenses. Limassol is the most expensive city, with a busy seafront, cultural sites, and many international companies. Nicosia, the divided capital, offers administrative and cultural hubs at a slightly lower cost. Larnaca is more affordable, with good services and transport connections. Smaller cities like Paphos and Famagusta are quieter and generally cheaper, but have fewer job opportunities and amenities. According to expats, cities in Northern Cyprus, like Famagusta, are cheaper than Nicosia, but keep in mind they’re part of a different government and different administration, so this guide won’t cover them. Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish lira as legal tender rather than the euro, and this makes their prices more competitive if you have savings in a strong currency.