Moving to Cyprus

Relocation services

Relocation and destination companies are not the same as removal services. You should think of them more like companies that offer 360-degree assistance, practically taking care of your whole expatriation project. Relocation companies, apart from helping with the moving of all your belongings to your new home, can also help you:

• manage formalities in Cyprus (such as residence permits)
• find your new place
• find a school for your kids
• set up your healthcare
• open your bank account
• learn the language

It has to be said that relocation services are not the most economical option, but since the services they offer are so comprehensive, many expats prefer them. In any case, you should get quotes from several companies before deciding on the relocation company that's right for you and your needs. You will find a directory with relocation companies in Cyprus here.

Removal services

In contrast to relocation companies, removal companies offer more straightforward services: they are just here to help you move your belongings from your old home in your country of origin to your new home in Cyprus. For that reason, they are also much more economical.

That being said, fees can vary drastically between companies. So it's recommended to take quotes from several moving companies before making your decision. Set up appointments with the ones you've shortlisted to do an in-house estimate where you will present them with an exhaustive list of all the objects that require special care (glass, mirror, a piece of art, special packaging etc.). You should also make sure to clarify what are the things you should take care of yourself (dismantling furniture, packing dishes etc.) and what things should the company handle. When appreciating the cost, the following will be taken into account:

• your original address, where removers will pack and load your belongings
• the destination address in Cyprus, where removers will unload your belongings
• the volume or weight of your belongings
• any extra cost for objects that require special care
• how everything will be transported (by air, train, truck, ship)
• the terms and conditions
• insurance damage
• carrier's benefits (like insurance coverage and premium)
• the type of packaging (some companies offer recycled packaging materials, for instance)
• any payment plans

Good to know:

Most removal companies will bring and unload your belongings directly to your new Cyprus address. However, some companies may unload your belongings in warehouses instead, leaving you to pick everything up yourself afterwards. To avoid inconvenience, you should check your moving contract carefully.

Regardless of whether you choose a relocation or a removal company, an essential part of your expatriation project is to make an exhaustive inventory of your belongings. This will help establish something called 'value statement', an important document that sets the compensation amount you will receive in case of loss or damage. Complete the declaration of value yourself: state the overall value of your property and the value of certain particular precious items. The carrier then will propose damage insurance which automatically covers non-predictable damage associated with the transportation of your belongings up to the value indicated in the declaration of value.

Finally, you must sign the waybill before loading and after delivery of your belongings. The waybill is a document that specifies the terms and conditions of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume or weight carried by the removal company, the name and address of both the customer and the carrier. By signing the waybill, you agree to these terms and conditions and give permission to the removal company to go ahead. Since you are basically giving the company the right to handle custom paperwork for you (customs clearance etc.), it is better to opt for a company affiliated with the FIDI (International Federation of International Movers), for extra security.

Useful links:

FEDEMAC ' Federation of European Movers
FIDI ' International Federation of International Removers