Why choose Cyprus?

Cyprus is a land of infinite possibility. It’s romantic and beautiful and ancient and dignified. Offering stunning mountain scenery, hundreds of miles of immaculate beaches, lapped by crystal clear waters and cooled by fresh sea breezes, plus bright and friendly towns interspersed with picturesque villages.

• Although Greek is the natural language in Cyprus, most of the islanders also speak good English.
• Driving is on the left hand side and shop and street signs are all in Greek and English, making getting around and being understood really very simple.
• Cyprus follows a European system of government, administration and everyday business practices that make most foreigners feel at home.
• The whole of Southern Cyprus has an excellent low cost internal and International telecommunications system.
• The Taxation system, the lowest in Europe, with it’s numerous attractions for foreigners who invest and or make their home in Cyprus has made the Island one of the most popular tax havens in Europe.
• A high standard of living at relatively low cost (Cyprus has the 3rd highest standard of living among Mediterranean countries).
• The past strong and stable exchange value of the Cypriot pound offered an advantage to long term investors. The fact that Cyprus has now adopted the Euro is an added plus.
• A simple and efficient land registration system. The holder of a property title in Cyprus is protected by both the Government and also by the Cypriot Courts.
• The low cost of Cypriot property is favourably comparable with other Mediterranean countries.
• The acquisition of property provides the right to apply for a residents permit after 5 years citizenship.

Residential Permit

A Residential Permit is easily obtained for persons living in Cyprus, who have purchased a property.

Temporary Permit

The granting of this permit requires the existence of a bank account in Cyprus and a sales agreement of the property purchased. Temporary residence status can be from one to four years.

Permanent Permit

In addition to the above requirements, the applicant must establish evidence of a secured annual income of not less than CYP 5.600/ EURO 9567 per person plus CYP2.700/ EURO 4613 for each dependant person. (Because of the entry of Cyprus to the EU, it is possible that for Europeans the law in respect of permits will change.)

The Climate

Like most Mediterranean countries Cyprus has a wonderful climate.

The island has over 300 days of sunshine a year. On the west coast, cool breezes from the Troodos Mountains offer relief from the summer temperatures of 32 degrees.

Winter temperatures rarely fall below 15 degrees.

The Cuisine

Cyprus is like a stepping-stone linking the three continents of Europe, Africa and Asia. Over the centuries it has been ruled by several different Countries, each leaving it’s own mark. Consequently, Cypriot cuisine has evolved into a colourful combination of dishes. A stroll through the local market will reveal the wide choice of locally grown produce. There is an abundance of figs, beans, chickpeas, bitter herbs, olives, dates, almonds and nuts, as well as unusual cheeses, and the tastiest smoked hams and sausages you will ever encounter. Of course the sea produces fresh fish, which the Cypriots have become expert at cooking.

Diving

The beaches in Cyprus are among the best in the Mediterranean. Beneath the waves it just gets better. Cyprus is rated as one of the world’s top 10 scuba diving sites. The warm clear water makes it an ideal place to dive, for novices and more experienced divers. Some diving schools are open all year round, because conditions are so good. Many offer courses for beginners. The millennia of seafaring mean that the oceans here are all littered with submarine treasures to explore. Marine fauna is also colourful and diverse.

Golf

Already, the west coast of Cyprus with its outstanding landscaping can boast three world class golfing complexes. The superb facilities and excellent year round climate have quickly turned the island in to a favourite with golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Tsada Golf Club is set in the foothills of the Troodos mountains some 15km north east of Paphos and has breathtaking panoramic view across rolling countryside. This par 72 course is perched 600 metres above sea level

Cyprus’s Secret Valley Golf Club lives up to its name. Dramatic rock formations and dense undergrowth conceal it from the surrounding countryside. Located 18km east of Paphos, it lies in a scenic valley, offering the golfer panoramic views. It’s a par 72 course and has a formidable 600 yard par 5 hole.

The par 71 Aphrodite Hills course is located a few minutes east of ‘Secret Valley’, towards Limassol. Being 200 metres above sea level, means there are stunning sea views almost the entire length of the circuit. The course is built on two plateaus separated by a ravine.

Skiing

In myth, Mount Olympus may be the heavenly home of Zeus, the King of the Greek Gods, but more recently and in reality it has become the location of Cyprus’s most surprising attraction - its skiing industry. Skiing has actually been popular on the mountain for over 70 years. Mount Olympus is now served by four ski lifts that serve eight alpine ski lifts that serve eight alpine ski runs. These runs cater for everyone from beginners to the most advanced Skiers. The ski season is between January and April. Mount Olympus has earned an enviable, and perhaps unique reputation as a place to hit the slopes in the morning, the beach in the afternoon and the clubs in the evening.

What makes Cyprus the perfect location for a home in the sun? Clean air, the best climate in the Mediterranean, beautiful landscapes, a healthy diet and a pace of life that can only be described as unhurried.

Shopping

Major UK stores exist in each of the main cities. These include Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, Next, The Body Shop, Mothercare, Early Learning Centre and lots more.

Water Parks

There are four Water Parks in Cyprus. Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and boasts the biggest family rafting in Europe.

Wine

Over recent years the production of Wine has improved and now Cypriot wines are winning accolades on the International stage. Visitors are encouraged to stop and taste the local wines. One of the most popular is Commandaria St John Keo, a dessert wine with an intensely rich and intricate bouquet. Drink it either to accompany dessert or as a substitute. Production on this wine is limited to 14 small villages located on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains.