Change of https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-cyprus
Change description : 2019-09-03 17:03:00: Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating. [Brexit]
Showing diff : 2019-06-11 12:09:34 +00:00..2019-09-03 16:31:01 +00:00
Guidance
Official information for British people moving to and living in Cyprus,Cyprus need to know, including BrexitEU Exit guidance, residency, healthcare and driving.
This page tells you what to do ahead of Brexit. It will be updated if anything changes, including if a deal is agreed.
You should:
To keep up to date with information about EU Exit:
CheckYou may want to check the entry requirements for Cyprus.
You must register as a Cypriot resident if you plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months. You will get a registration certificate from the Ministry of the Interior, Civil Registry and Migration Department. Contact details are available here.
After living in Cyprus for more than 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence (MEU3).
ReadYou can also read our guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
ReadAfter the UK leaves the EU, the Cypriot government has issued guidance on BrexitEU Exit and residency in Cyprus in both a deal and no deal scenario.
If the UK leaves with a deal, travel to the EU will remain the same as now until theat endleast of31 theDecember implementation2020. period. You will not need to apply for a visa to travel or work in the EU during this time.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the rules for travelling or working in Europe will change.change after the UK leaves the EU.
IfIn there’sa no deal,deal situation, the European Commission has proposed that British citizens would not need a visa for short stays in the EU, including Cyprus. You would be able to stay in Cyprus for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Visits to Cyprus within the previous 180 days before your date of travel will count against the 90-day limit. As Cyprus is not in the Schengen area, visits to other EU countries will not count against this total.
On arrival, you may be asked to confirm that you have sufficient funds available for the duration of your stay. As non-EEA nationals, different border control checks will apply, and you may also be asked to show a return or onward ticket. UK nationals would not have an ongoing right to use the separate lanes provided for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals.
The Republic of Cyprus does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ in the north of Cyprus, nor residence permits issued by the administration there. After Brexit,the UK leaves the EU, the Republic of Cyprus intends to treat UK visitors, including those travelling to or from the north, as other non-EU nationals for visa purposes, unless they are registered as resident in the Republic.
The current practice in the Republic is for non-EU nationals who do not require a visa to be admitted for 90 days, and for passports to be stamped accordingly. If that happens, the Republic of Cyprus authorities may count time spent in the north of Cyprus towards the 90 day visa free total. If you overstay, you may potentially face difficulties at the airport on exit or re-entryre-entry. Further guidance is available here.
If you’re intending to stay for longer than 90 days, or your stay would take you over the 90 days in the 180-day limit, you may need to get a visa before you travel.
The 90-day visa-free period does not entitle you to work. You should check with the Republic of Cyprus High Commission in London what type of visa, if any, you will need.
If you are a resident in Cyprus, you are advised to carry your Republic of Cyprus-issued residency documents when entering/exiting the Republic of Cyprus. If you are not a resident in the Republic of Cyprus and cannot show that you hold a residency document, you will likely be subject to the 90-day limit rule.
If you’re planning a stay of longer than 3 months, see our Living in Cyprus guide and contact the Republic of Cyprus High Commission in London if you have further questions.
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Cyprus.
Read ourIf travelyou advicecannot forget Cyprusa andpassport signin uptime tofor emailyour alertstrip, foryou up-to-datemay travelneed informationto onget localan lawsemergency andtravel customs,document safetyor and‘emergency emergencies.passport’.
AfterYou Brexit,should thecheck rules on travel will change. Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. You’ll need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Cyprus; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this. However, if you’re travelling to the north of Cyprus, their administration advises that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry to the north.
If there’sthe UK leaves the EU with a deal, nothing will change until the end of 2020. In this time you can continue to travel freely in the Schengen area with your UK passport. What happens after 2020 will form the next part of negotiations.
If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, new travel rules will apply. You should have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
You should check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. You’ll need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, UK nationals will not need visas for short stays elsewhere in the EU. You will be able to stay up to 90 days in another EU, EEA or EFTA country, within a 180 day period. You should retain evidence of travel (e.g. train and plane tickets), in case these are requested by national authorities. If you hold a residence permit from an EU, EEA or EFTA country, you will be able to transit through other EU, EEA or EFTA countries to reach your country of residence. We will update this guidance as more information becomes available.
You can look at our travel advice for Cyprus and sign up for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
You mustshould beensure you are properly registered for healthcare as a resident in Cyprus, as well as registering, where necessary, with a health insurer.
Once you are registered as resident, you may be entitled to state healthcare. You should check with the Ministry of Health or at your local citizen service centre to see if you are covered.
You can find information about the new Cypriot state healthcare system GESY on their website. We strongly advise you to take out private medical insurance if you are not eligible for state healthcare.
ReadYou can read the NHS guidance on who is able to access healthcare in Cyprus and how to register.
If you live in Cyprus and receive an exportable UK pension, contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or another exportable benefit, you may currently be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for a certificate of entitlement known as an S1 certificate.
If you are resident in Cyprus, you should not be using a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the UK to access healthcare in Cyprus.
When
IfYou youcan are a student, read the NHS guidance on healthcare and studying abroad.
You can find English-speaking doctors in Cyprus.
You should also check your prescriptions are legal in Cyprus.
If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal, your current rights on access to healthcare in Cyprus will remain the same until the31 endDecember of2020, the implementation period, as long as you remain a resident in Cyprus.
If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, access to healthcare for British nationals travelling or living in the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland is likely to change. More information about healthcare for UK nationals living in and visiting Cyprus is available on the NHS website.
The UK has proposed maintaining current healthcare cooperation and health insurance provided by EHICs and S1 forms with EU member states, including Cyprus, until the end of December 2020. If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, and there is no arrangement with Cyprus to continue reciprocal healthcare, health insurance provided by EHICs and SI pensioner enrolment in the local health system may stop on theNo dayDeal theexit UK leaves the EU.day.
You mustshould take action now to confirm your residency status and decide howwhat steps you willneed to take to ensure access to healthcare if there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal. UK nationals will be able to return to the UK for treatment.
Whether you’re travelling before or after Brexit,the UK leaves the EU, it is important to take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes cover for emergency medical treatment and associated costs.
The existing EHIC arrangements are not an alternative to travel insurance, as some health-related costs, including for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment, are not covered. The EHIC is also not valid in north Cyprus. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.
You should read the NHS guidance on healthcare for UK nationals living in Cyprus and how it may change after Brexit.UK leaves the EU.
If you are registered as a resident in Cyprus, you have the right to work in Cyprus. Read our guidance on working in another EU country.
ToSome applyjobs for a job you may needrequire to provide a UK Police certificate.
If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal, your right to work will stay the same until the end of the implementation period.
ReadIf the guidance on providing services after Brexit if you’re planning to start a business, provide a service, or do a job in a regulated profession after Brexit.
For information on education, read guidance on studying in the European Union after Brexit.
The European Commission has published guidance on professional qualifications. If you have already been recognised by an EU country as holding valid professional qualifications, this will remain valid after Brexit. If you hold qualifications obtained in the UK before the UK leaves the EU, you should obtainread recognitionour infurther a EU27 Member State before Brexit day.guidance.
The UK has a double-taxation agreement with Cyprus to make sure that people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
You should read the guidance on:
YouWe shouldrecommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Cyprus. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Cyprus.
FindYou outmay ifbe youable can to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, it may become more expensive to use your UK bank card in the EU. Read more about using a bank card, insurance or other financial service in the EU.
BrexitThe UK leaving the EU will not change existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Cyprus. You should senddirect individual taxpayer questions about double taxation to the relevant tax authority.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
The UK government will uprate your UK state pension for the fiscal year 2019/2020 in allany Brexit scenarios.scenario.
If you retire in Cyprus, you can claim:
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service in the post, you must fill it in promptly, otherwise your payments may be suspended.
The UK government will continue to pay a State PensionPension, child benefits and disability benefits to those eligible in the EU after Brexit.the YourUK’s UKexit Statefrom Pensionthe willEU. beIf upratedthe inUK Aprilleaves 2020,the 2021EU andwithout 2022a ifdeal, you livecan inread theour EU,guidance EEAon or Switzerland.pensions.
If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal and you work and pay social security contributions in Cyprus, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Cypriot pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after the end of the implementation period.
Read our guidance on pensions if there’s no deal.
You may still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Cyprus. You should:
If you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks, many income-related benefits such as pension credit and housing benefit cannot be paid to you.
You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.
You may be able to claim some Cyprus social security benefits. When you are checking whether you are eligible for benefits in Cyprus you should make sure you declare any National Insurance contributions you made in the UK.
The UK governmentGovernment will continue to pay the UK state pension, child benefits, and disability benefits to those eligible in the EU after Brexit.the UK’s exit from the EU.
If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal and you work and pay social security contributions in Cyprus, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Cypriot contribution-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim your pension after the end of the implementation period.
If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, you can read our guidance on benefits and pensions in a no deal scenario.
If you are resident in Cyprus, you should exchange your UK licence for a Cypriot one before Brexit.the UK leaves the EU, as your licence may not be valid after the UK leaves the EU. You can still use your Cypriot licence in the UK for short visits, or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK.
For information on driving in Cyprus, read the guidance on:
You cannot import vehicles through the northern part of Cyprus. The authorities may seize your vehicle.
Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK and the Cypriot government webpage on importing a vehicle into Cyprus.Cyprus.
You should read the European Union’s guidance on car registration and taxes in Cyprus.
You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so you will need certificates of exemption.
If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal, driving licence rules will stay the same during the implementation period.
Read
Please read our guidance on driving in the EU after Brexitthe UK leaves the EU.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
If you’re resident in Cyprus, you can vote in local municipal and European Parliamentary elections.elections.
Once the UK leaves the EU, UK nationals will no longer be eligible to vote in local and European Parliament elections. We are pursuing a bilateral arrangement with Cyprus to secure the right to vote for UK nationals living in Cyprus for local administration elections.
If your child in born in Cyprus, you will need to register athe birth abroad.
If someone dies in Cyprus, you can:
Find out how you can get married abroad.abroad.
Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Cyprus.
You may also need:
When the UK leaves the EU, you will still be able to travel to and from the UK with a cat, dog or ferret,ferret but the rules will change. ReadYou can read guidance on pet travel to Europe after Brexit.
While the UK is still an EU Member State you’ll be able to travel with your pet to the EU under the current pet travel rules using your current EU pet passport.
If you’re travelling with your pet for the first time youyou’ll musthave to visit your vet to get a pet passport.
Read guidance on returning your cat, dog or ferret to the UK.UK
For moving pet horses and other equines read guidance on export horses and ponies: special rules..
You can dial the European emergency number on 112, or Cyprus also has 199.
If you’re the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact the British High Commission Nicosia.
Read guidance on buying a property abroad.
You should read our guidance on:
Tell the UK and Cypriot authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently.
To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.
Check if your tax status will change if you return to the UK.
Read our guidance on bringing your pet to the UK and importing vehicles to the UK.
If you get healthcare in Cyprus through the S1 certificate,form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Cypriot authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
2026-02-05 10:42
Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK (‘Passports and travel’ section).
2022-01-17 13:56
Guidance reviewed and updated with new information, including in the visas and residency, and driving sections.
2021-09-30 08:13
Visas and residency section updated: If you need support with your residency application, contact the relevant UK Nationals Support Fund organisation before 31 December 2021.
2021-03-03 13:13
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines
2020-09-08 10:50
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
2020-05-29 11:31
Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK National Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.
2020-01-24 10:16
Read updated guidance for Implementation Period until 31 December 2020
2019-11-04 05:35
Update on Education and professional qualifications
2019-09-23 17:38
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
2019-09-03 17:03
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
2019-06-11 13:01
EU Exit updates: Important update on Passport Validity and EU Visa-free Travel in ´passports and travel´ section
2019-04-25 06:50
Link to GESY updated.
2019-04-15 11:08
EU Exit update: important update on passport validity rules added to passport section
2019-04-10 14:25
EU Exit update: latest EU Exit information for UK nationals in the visas and residency, driving licences, healthcare and voting sections