Change of https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-cyprus
Change description : 2020-09-08 10:50:00: Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021 [Brexit]
Showing diff : 2020-05-29 10:48:46 +00:00..2020-09-08 09:52:27 +00:00
Official information for UK nationals moving to and living in Cyprus, including guidance on residency, healthcare, driving and the Withdrawal Agreement.
You should:
You should follow the advice of the Cyprus Government and your local authority. You can also read our Cyprus travel advice for our latest guidance.
You should:
You can also:
The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020.
If you are resident in Cyprus at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Cyprus.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations. Read this guidance page for more information.
In the meantime, make sure you are registered as a resident in Cyprus. We will update this guidance as soon as more information becomes available.
You should also read our guidance on living in Europe.
Check the entry requirements for Cyprus.
If you are resident in Cyprus before the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, you will be able to continue to live, work and access services as you do now.
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).
Read the Cypriot government guidance residency in Cyprus.
If there are changes to residency registration processes, we will update this guidance as soon as information is available.
Read our guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
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In Cyprus, twothis organisationssupport areis providingbeing thisprovided practicalby support:two organisations: SSAFA (specifically for armed forces veterans) and Cyprus Residency Planning Group (CRPG). If you or someone you know may findhave itdifficulty hardercompleting to complete the paperwork, you can contact them using the details below to discuss how they may be able to help you.
Visit the SSAFA website
Hotline: 800 77058 (freephone)
(freephone), available Mon - Fri 09.00-17.30
ukvie.support@ssafa.org.uk09.00 - 17.30
Email: ukvie.support@ssafa.org.uk
Mon – Fri 09.00-13.00
The rules on travel will stay the same until the transition period ends on 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to travel to countries in the Schengen area or elsewhere in the EU with your UK passport.
Check your passport is valid before you book your trip. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Cyprus. 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.
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Cyprus.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.
From You’ll1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to Cyprus, and you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.
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 will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
As a non-EEA national, different border checks will apply when travelling to other EU or Schengen area countries. You may need to show a return or onward ticket and that you have enough money for your stay. You may also have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport shouldmay be validstamped for thevisits proposedto durationthese ofcountries.
From stay1 January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in Cyprus.any However,180-day ifperiod you’rewithout travellinga visa for purposes such as tourism. This is a rolling 180-day period.
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If you are living in Cyprus or move there permanently before 31 December 2020, you’ll have life-long healthcare rights in Cyprus as you do now, provided you remain legally resident.
You must be 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.
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.
YouRead canour applyguidance foron anhow S1to certificateget throughan theS1 Business Services Authority.form.
If you are resident in Cyprus, you must not use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the UK to access healthcare in Cyprus.
When you travel from Cyprus for a temporary stay in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you can use an EHIC to access state- provided healthcare in that country. During that short stay:
There will be no changes to your healthcare access before 31 December 2020. You can also continue to use your EHIC, as you did before, during this time.
If you are travelling, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance. 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.
You should also read guidance on:
Read our guidance on working in an EU country.
To apply for a job you may need to provide a UK police certificate.
If you are resident in Cyprus on or before 31 December 2020, your right to work will stay the same, as long as you remain resident in Cyprus.
If you are legally resident in Cyprus on or before 31 December 2020, your right to study in Cyprus will stay the same, as long as you remain a resident in Cyprus.
Read the guidance on continuing your studies in EU countries.
If you have already been recognised by an EU country as holding valid professional qualifications, this will remain valid after 31 January 2020.
If you have not had your professional qualifications recognised, you can submit an application under the current rules until 31 December 2020.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Cyprus to ensure you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Cyprus have not changed.
You should read the guidance on:
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Cyprus. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Cyprus.
Find out if you can pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
If you are employed or self-employed in the EU or EEA and you have a UK-issued A1/E101 form, you will remain subject to UK legislation until the end date on the form.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
If you retire in Cyprus, you can claim:
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must fill it in promptly, otherwise your payments may be suspended.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
You can continue to receive your UK State Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.
If you are living in Cyprus by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.
If 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 31 December 2020.
ReadIf you are considering moving to Cyprus on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.
You can continue to receive your UK State Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
You may still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Cyprus.
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.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you live there and meet all other eligibility requirements.
If 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 31 December 2020.
ReadIf you are considering moving to Cyprus on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.
Driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If you are resident in Cyprus, you should exchange your UK licence for a Cypriot one. 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.
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.
After 31 January 2020, UK nationals are no longer eligible to vote in local and European Parliament elections.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
If your child is born in Cyprus, you will need to register a birth abroad.
If someone dies in Cyprus, you can:
Find out how you can get married abroad.
Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Cyprus.
You may also need:
Current pet travel rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If you’re travelling with your pet for the first time you must visit your vet to get a pet passport.
Read guidance on bringing your pet to the UK.
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.
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.
If you get healthcare in Cyprus through the S1 certificate, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, access to services and bringing family members.
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Cypriot authorities. The ForeignForeign, and Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO)(FCDO) will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
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.
Read updated guidance for Implementation Period until 31 December 2020
Update on Education and professional qualifications
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
EU Exit updates: Important update on Passport Validity and EU Visa-free Travel in ´passports and travel´ section
Link to GESY updated.
EU Exit update: important update on passport validity rules added to passport section
EU Exit update: latest EU Exit information for UK nationals in the visas and residency, driving licences, healthcare and voting sections
EU Exit update: added new information on residency rights in a No Deal scenario in the EU Exit section
We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare
EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving
EU exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section
Added information about the citizens outreach events in Cyprus
EU exit - added link to guidance from the Cyprus government on residency
Added link to information on new double taxation agreement.
Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
Information added on changes to EHIC rules and health cover for early retirees.
Update information on life certificates for UK state pensions and added link to Living in Cyprus leaflet.
First published.
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