The island of Cyprus has become a kind of bridge between the CIS countries and Europe. There is almost no crime here. No one will ever show excessive interest in the nationality of the guest.
Immigrants will encounter the thousand-year history of the island, the fantastic beauty of nature and the hospitality of native Cypriots. An equally important point is the European standard of living and wages. It is quite possible and realistic to go to live in Cyprus.
Tens of thousands of our fellow citizens who decided to emigrate chose this country, although the process of obtaining Cyprus resident status itself is considered difficult. But if you study the whole process well in theory, it will save time, effort and money. Immigration begins with obtaining a residence permit, and then you can obtain permanent residence in Cyprus.
The attitude of the authorities and the population of Cyprus towards immigrants is quite loyal. Therefore, there are many opportunities to legally live in Southern Cyprus:
- Investments in the Cyprus economy. This method is the fastest and most common when moving. At the same time, investing in Cyprus is the best solution for obtaining a European passport.
- Marriage with a Cypriot. This action is not a sufficient basis for granting a residence permit. Legally, this right is given only after three years of cohabitation. In this case, the foreign spouse must constantly be in the country on the basis of a temporary pink slip permit.
- Education in colleges and universities of the sunny island. This immigration method can be used by young people who receive an amount of at least 30 thousand euros annually by bank transfer.
- Family reunification. This method is often used by migrant workers. To implement it, it is enough to have a residence permit and live continuously in Cyprus for at least 2 years. The condition for applying is to have a minimum annual family income of 20 thousand euros.
- Immigration for financially independent persons (FNI). This category of migrants enters Cyprus on an F visa, which does not give the right to work here. In this case, the applicant must have a legal source of income within the country or abroad. In addition, the applicant must have at least 20 thousand euros in his account.
It should be noted that the above methods are valid for immigration to the Southern part of the island.
Advantages and disadvantages of permanent residence
Russians who visited Cyprus for tourism purposes noticed that many of our compatriots live there on a permanent basis. What attracts people to the southern island, so that they stay there forever?
- Mild climate. Cyprus is famous for its favorable climatic conditions, and the tourist season in the Mediterranean lasts from April to November. In addition, Cyprus has an excellent ecological atmosphere.
- There is almost no crime. In Cyprus, the security problem has been almost completely resolved. Therefore, residents travel throughout the island without fear.
- Reasonable cost of living. Despite the status of a VIP resort, living in the Republic of Cyprus is not as expensive as, say, in France or Germany;
- A relatively easy procedure for obtaining a residence permit and permanent residence, and then a Cypriot passport.
- Comfortable environment. There are many Russians living on the island, so finding friends and interlocutors is not much of a problem. In addition, local Cypriots profess Orthodoxy, which removes cultural barriers.
- Quality education for your children. Russian-language and international educational institutions operate on the island.
- Low taxes. The fiscal policy of Cyprus is very liberal. The country's authorities are doing everything to attract foreign investment. The income tax for companies here is set at 12.5%, and the property tax has been completely abolished since last year.
- Available real estate. Housing in Cyprus is built to a high level of comfort, and its cost is quite affordable, even in such tourist centers as Limassol and Paphos.
One of the disadvantages of living on the island is the huge utility bills. This becomes especially noticeable during the Cypriot summer, when split systems operate practically without stopping. However, for many, this is not a reason to refuse a comfortable stay in the cities of Cyprus.
Requirements for a permanent residence applicant
It is possible to obtain permanent residence in Cyprus through both the regular and accelerated procedures. Foreign buyers of Cypriot real estate can quickly obtain a residence permit. To do this they must do the following:
- Buy real estate on the primary market worth at least 300 thousand euros excluding VAT, using the services of a developer.
- Immediately pay 200 thousand euros as payment.
- Show that the acquisition is made from funds received from sources outside the territory of Cyprus.
- Provide evidence that the applicant’s annual income is at least 30 thousand euros. In addition, the applicant must show additional income of at least 5 thousand euros for the spouse and each child, as well as 8 thousand euros for each parent of the applicant and spouse.
- Deposit at least 30 thousand euros into an account in a Cypriot bank for a 3-year period.
- Attach a certificate of no criminal record and no current problems with the law, certified by law enforcement agencies of your state.
Persons who cannot apply for permanent residence under the simplified procedure should use the regular procedure. To do this, you must provide documents for real estate, sources of income outside Cyprus and an open account in a Cypriot bank to the immigration department. The law does not provide specific amounts; it only states that they are sufficient for normal living.
Procedure for obtaining permanent residence
Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Cyprus, provided the right steps are taken, should not present any particular problems. It is not surprising that the fabulous island has become one of the most popular places for immigration of compatriots. In order to legally live in the Republic of Cyprus, you must go through the following stages of moving:
- obtain a residence permit;
- purchase real estate;
- permanently reside in the territory of the state for 5 years.
An official permit for permanent residence is issued for 5 years, but can be extended in the future without any problems, unless, of course, the citizen has problems with the law.
List of documents and which institutions to submit them to?
Once in Cyprus, a foreign citizen is required to submit an application to the office of the Cyprus Immigration Department. In addition, an applicant for permanent residence must prepare the following basic package of documents to obtain a temporary residence permit:
- a valid original passport and photocopies of its pages;
- four correct color passport size photographs on a white background, without corners;
- documentary evidence of ownership of Cypriot real estate or a long-term rental agreement;
- statement of financial transactions on bank accounts. Credit organizations can be under either Cypriot or foreign jurisdiction. The law does not define when the bill should be. It should place at least 15 thousand euros per person;
- provide two-year bank guarantees. The time is kept from the time the application is submitted;
- Availability of health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros.
You will also need documents that serve as the basis for obtaining a residence permit.
All documents issued outside the territory of EU member states must be translated into English or Greek, and then the documents must be notarized.
If the applicant intends to grant a residence permit to his family members as well, he will need to complete the following additional documents:
- Marriage certificate for spouses;
- Birth certificate for children;
- Four recent passport size color photographs for each family member;
- Proof of the family's financial security. The amount required is 10 thousand euros for a spouse and adult children and 5 thousand for minor household members;
- Medical insurance for all family members.
Moving to Cyprus for permanent residence from Russia: methods and conditions of immigration, necessary documents
Cyprus is one of the ten countries most popular for immigration among Russians. There may not be as many opportunities here as in the USA or, for example, Germany, but there is a mild climate, just a two-hour flight from Moscow and quite affordable requirements for obtaining a residence permit and permanent residence.
Where to begin
Before leaving for Cyprus for good, it is advisable to come several times and live at different times of the year for a month or a month and a half.
You can live in Cyprus for up to 90 days using provisions, which can be obtained on the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Moscow in one day (website):
- On the main page, you must select the window with the Cypriot consulate in the nearest city (Moscow, Krasnodar, Samara, Yekaterinburg or St. Petersburg);
- Next, you should download the form and fill it out either in English or with a Latin transliteration of Russian words.
Important! The application form for provisions must be filled out in capital letters.
The application form, completed in Microsoft Word , must be sent by email specified in the application form. If everything is in order, a visa will be sent by email, which must be printed and presented at the airport along with your passport.
Cyprus visa application forms Attention! Provisions allow entry into the Republic of Cyprus only from the territory of the Russian Federation, so it is better to choose direct flights from Russia to Cyprus - not through the territory of third countries. The visa gives the right to stay in the Republic of Cyprus for no more than 90 days; it is allowed to issue a visa no more than once every six months. Before your trip, it is better to check whether there is a ban on entry to Cyprus or even travel abroad. For example:
- If during your last trip you overstayed your time in Cyprus;
- Violations of the laws of Cyprus have been committed;
- Exit or entry was made through the territory of Northern Cyprus, etc.
To check whether a person is on the “black list”, you can call the Paphos Migration Department on tel. + 357 26 007496 and provide your last name and passport details.
Emigration or travel outside the Russian Federation is temporarily prohibited for citizens:
- Those undergoing military service and conscripts;
- Employees in law enforcement agencies;
- Having access to state secrets;
- Those who have debts on loans, taxes, alimony from 30,000 rubles;
- Suspected or convicted of committing an offence.
Immigration methods
Immigration to Cyprus for a period of more than 90 days or for permanent residence is possible in several ways:
- Apparatus employed;
- Opening your own business;
- Education;
- Marriage or family reunification;
- Purchase of real estate.
Employment
According to Cypriot law, a work visa for an employee is issued by the employer, and he must prove that he has not found a suitable employee among Cypriots or EU citizens.
So not all companies are ready to deal with the bureaucratic red tape associated with the registration of foreigners.
And, of course, they are interested in highly qualified specialists with knowledge of English and preferably Greek or Turkish.
The most popular recently:
- Accountant;
- Programmers;
- IT people;
- Air conditioning engineers, etc.
If the employer gives consent to the applicant, he will request a package of documents:
- Copies of passport and foreign passport;
- Copies of police clearance certificates;
- If necessary, copies of documents confirming the employee’s qualifications.
After this, he will send an employment contract, which must be submitted to the Cyprus Embassy in Moscow.
Benefits of resident status
The Republic of Cyprus is a full member of the European Union, but is not one of the states that have signed the Schengen Agreement. Possession of resident status of the Republic of Cyprus will give you the right to freely travel throughout the EU countries and obtain a Schengen visa within one to two days. The possibility of legalization in the EU through Cyprus is easier and cheaper than in Western European countries.
Cyprus is divided into the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The latter occupies about a third of the island's territory and is economically much less developed.
Emigration from Russia to Cyprus - how to move for permanent residence, reviews from Russians
The Republic of Cyprus is a very popular destination both in terms of recreation and immigration for residents of the former USSR.
Sometimes this state is called the 16th republic of the Soviet Union - so many Russians live there. Let's figure out what Cyprus is like in relation to moving here for permanent residence.
This article may help you decide whether or not it is worth making the effort to obtain a residence permit here.
Cyprus - what a place
Exotic
First, let’s start with some general information about Cyprus without trying to outdo Wikipedia. Simply, this data will help to better understand further information directly related to emigration.
- Cyprus is a small island state, de facto divided into 2 parts (de jure - single).
- The northern part of the island is under the actual jurisdiction of Turkey and is considered by the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan itself to be temporarily occupied territory.
- We are interested in the southern part, the most developed.
The main advantage of Cyprus is the climate - The country is in the European Union, but is not part of the Schengen zone (and will not be part of it, most likely, for a couple of years).
- The main source of income for the population is tourism; a very significant part of tourists are our compatriots due to simply gaining access to the territory for recreation.
Features of emigration and permanent residence
And now - about the specific features of the move. Firstly, we should note the many advantages of Cyprus:
- High transport accessibility. You can fly from Moscow in a few hours, so there will be no problems with visits home.
- The language barrier is not a problem: many people speak Russian (former emigrants) or English, and not some exotic dialect.
- Favorable climate, rare (in a good way) ecological condition.
- A completely realistic procedure for obtaining a residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship.
The authorities are more than interested in the influx of wealthy people, especially those with income from abroad.
Many Russian businessmen live here, whose company operates in the Russian Federation, and their family basks on the Mediterranean beaches all year round.
Separately, a decent standard of living and security should be mentioned - despite some tension in relations with the northern territories, Cyprus is a more than prosperous place.
Who wouldn't want to live in such a state?
One of the guarantors of stability here are British military bases. There is little crime - its size and island position make it very difficult to hide from the police.
Disadvantages of moving
Now about the disadvantages (where would we be without them!):
- Life here is much more expensive than, for example, in the Czech Republic or Slovakia and in Eastern Europe in general. It's a tourist state, nothing can be done.
- A good climate is also not suitable for everyone - northerners are not used to warmth.
- Some areas experience drought and water shortages in spring and summer.
- A residence permit does not give the right to work. This is not really a minus, it’s just less common in relation to other countries.
Overall, however, the picture is quite rosy. Of course, it’s better to see for yourself: go to the island on vacation and figure out the situation on the spot.
How Russians are treated in Cyprus
Cypriots are friendly to tourists and expats. We should not forget the great contribution of visiting investors and travelers to the island's economy.
The favorable attitude of local residents towards foreigners changes in conflict situations. It is difficult for a Russian to confirm his innocence after an accident.
Even if there are witnesses, it is easier for a Cypriot to prove his case. Similar problems arise if an employee does a poor job finishing a room or damages a machine during repairs. Taking into account the noted factors, you should choose performers based on the recommendations of your friends.
