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A guide to moving to Cyprus

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Important information you need to know when moving to Cyprus

Want to move to Limassol? Considering moving to Nicosia? Many people find themselves drawn to moving to Cyprus, thanks to the beautiful scenery, incredible climate and laidback way of life. Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Cyprus…

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Backstreet houses in Cyprus
panoramic view of the village in Cyprus
Beach with crashing Waves Paphos, Cyprus

Introduction to Cyprus

Population: 1.2 million

Capital city: Nicosia

Official languages: Greek & Turkish

Currency: Euro

Council homes in Nicosia, Cyprus

Can I Travel to Cyprus from the UK?

With a valid passport, UK citizens can travel to Cyprus, now with no COVID-19 restrictions to be seen either. After Britain’s exit from the European Union, visas are a new stipulation. If you wish to stay for less than 90 days, there will be no visa requirements.

Moving to Cyprus From the UK After Brexit

With fantastic weather and a desirable lifestyle, Cyprus has become a popular location for Brits looking to seek a warmer life. The Mediterranean island nation is also home to many English speakers, which makes it an even better location for Brits who may not speak the local languages; Greek and Turkish.

Prior to Brexit, there were no requirements for British Citizens looking to relocate, as both countries belonged to the EU at the time. Now that the United Kingdom has left the European Union, Brits looking to move to Cyprus will have to jump through some hoops to make it work.

If you already lived in Cyprus prior to 1st January 2021, you do not have to do anything as you can legally stay since you were there prior to Brexit. However, if you did not live in Cyprus before Brexit, you will need to explore your options. Currently, a British Citizen can stay in Cyprus without a visa for 90 days within a 180-day period on a short-stay visa. For those British citizens who want to settle and live permanently in Cyprus, you will need to obtain a long-term visa. You can find out more about how to obtain a visa for living in Cyprus after Brexit on the government website.

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Cyprus

Please note that many of these things will not apply to you if you are moving from another EU (European Union) State and/or you are a citizen of the EU (European Union) due to the free movement of goods throughout the EU.

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Cyprus:

  • Original Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
  • Original T2L (page 4) signed by customs at origin (shipments from European Union (EU) countries, including diplomats)
  • Removal packing list – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / express waybill / air waybill (AWB) (must show C status for EU countries) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Cyprus for you.
  • Sale agreement / termination of rental agreement in origin country (non-EU countries)
  • Exemption form from the local Embassy (diplomats from non-EU countries)
  • Form 1002 signed and stamped by the local Embassy
  • Letter of employment (non-EU countries) (diplomats from non-EU countries)
  • Bank statement confirming you have enough funds in Cyprus (non-EU countries)
  • Copy of ticket / boarding pass of flight to Cyprus (non-EU countries)
  • Utility bills (non-EU countries)

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Cyprus. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Cypriot Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

Additional Cyprus Removal Advice

  • All shipments arriving from non-EU member countries are inspected.
  • Less-than-container load (LCL) shipments and air shipments are inspected at the port/airport.
  • Full container load (FCL) shipments are inspected at the residence by Customs officers.
  • New items arriving from non-EU member countries are dutiable.
  • All items owned and used for less than 6 months are considered new.
  • This period excludes the shipping time to Cyprus.
  • Customers must declare new items to Customs; otherwise, penalties, duties and taxes will be charged.
  • The pre-alert must be sent at least 48 hours before the arrival of shipment at Larnaca (air shipments from EU member countries).
  • A wharfage charge is a Port Authority charge based on the weight of the shipment on all import and export shipments and is even charged on diplomatic shipments.
  • Wharfage charges are approximately EUR 110-150 for a 20′ container and approximately EUR 130-200 for a 40′ container with household goods and personal effects.
  • For LCL shipments it can vary from EUR 50-100.
  • All customers pay a wharfage charge regardless of their status.
  • All solid wood packing materials used as overcasing, bracing or blocking must conform to EU Commission Directive 2004/102/EC (ISPM15) and be appropriately and clearly marked with IPPC symbol, registration and treatment codes.

Useful Links for moving to Cyprus

We always recommend speaking directly to the relevant embassy for the most accurate and up to date moving advice:

Popular Destinations in Cyprus

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their Our long history and detailed knowledge of different countries make them us the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Cyprus:

Famagusta, Kyrenia, Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia, and Paphos.

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Additional Services for your move to Cyprus

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Cyprus, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

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Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to Cyprus

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Download Liability Cover Form

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle to Cyprus

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Cyprus:

  • Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
  • OBL / express waybill / C status AWB (C Status for air shipments from EU countries)
  • Removal packing list
  • Exemption certificate from the local Embassy (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Original registration (client must attend LIMASSOL Customs if shipping a car, bike, or boat) (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Sale agreement / termination of rental agreement in origin country (non-EU countries)
  • Registration of your children at local schools
  • Bank statement confirming the owner of the goods has an account in Cyprus
  • Proof of insurance for the 6 months prior to entry
  • Letter of employment
  • Form 1002 stamped and signed by the local Embassy (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
motorbike-crating for shipment

Additional Import Advice

  • An owner of the goods from a non-EU country can import one car duty free under the following conditions:
  • It is already registered in his/her name and used for more than 6 months.
  • The mileage is more than 6,000 kms.
  • The owner of the goods lived abroad for a continuous period of 12 months prior to the transfer of normal residence.
  • The car must be imported within 6 months from the owner of the goods’ transfer of primary residence to Cyprus.
  • The owner of the goods must prove relocation to Cyprus permanently.
  • The owner of the goods must pay value-added tax (VAT), which is approximately 18% of the current value assessed by the Customs.
  • Upon arrival, the owner of the goods must apply to the Immigration office for permanent residency.
  • The car will first be released to the owner of the goods as a “visitor” and will receive a temporary importation licence (Form C104); extensions may be granted if the application is made prior to the expiration date.
  • For an owner of goods from an EU country, VAT and excise duties are not payable provided the owner of the goods meets the criteria required for the import of a motor vehicle from a non-EU country.
  • If the owner of the goods does not meet the criteria, the payment of excise duties is required.
  • VAT will only be waived if the car is more than 6 months old and the mileage is more than 6000 km.
  • Documents should not be left inside the car (motorbikes).
  • An owner of the goods from an EU country can import:
  • If less than 599 cc, then no duties or taxes are paid provided the age of motorbike is more than 6 months and the mileage is more than 6000 kms (non-EU origin).
  • If over 599 cc, the same rules and regulations for motor vehicles apply (non-EU origin).
  • An owner of the goods can only import motor vehicles/bikes free of duties and taxes if registered in their own name.
  • An owner of the goods from a non-EU country can import a motorbike if less than 599 cc duty-free:
  • However, if the owner does not meet all of the criteria (see regulations for motor vehicles, then the duties of approximately 6-8% plus VAT (approximately 15%) must be paid on the total amount (duty and VAT).
  • If the motorbike is more than 499 cc, then the regulations for other motor vehicles apply.
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Relocating Your Pets to Cyprus

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to Cyprus:

  • Veterinary Health Certificate
  • Vaccination Record

Additional Import Advice

  • Pets must be identifiable through tattoo or an electronic identification system.
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Dogs traveling by airplane. Boxes with live animals at the airport

Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Cyprus. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Cyprus:  
  • Leather and fur coats/shoes (authorization is required)
  • Medication (for personal use only)
  • Alcoholic beverages may be included in FCL containers as follows:
  • Up to 12 sealed bottles are acceptable
  • Up to 20 open bottles are acceptable

Prohibited / Banned Items

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Do not move any of these items to Cyprus:

  • Pornographic materials
  • Drugs and narcotics

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

  • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
  • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
  • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
  • Biological Samples
  • Car Batteries
  • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
  • Chainsaws
  • Cheques (Bank)
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Counterfeit Currency
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Driving Licence
  • Drugs (Including Prescription)
  • Engines
  • Excrement / Filth
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fish (Dead or Live)
  • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
  • Hazardous Goods
  • Human Remains (including ashes)
  • Infectious Substances
  • Knives
  • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
  • Lighters
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Passports
  • Perishable Goods (All)
  • Plants / Seeds etc
  • Printer Toner
  • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
  • Stamps
  • Tobacco
  • Water
  • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
  • Windscreens

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