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Any tips or advice for someone coming from America?

Last activity 16 March 2023 by Toon

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jnladventures

Hi all!  We are an American couple looking to move to Cyprus next fall.  We are visiting the island in May to get a better idea of where we want to land once we move there.  We have MANY questions!


First of all, we are wondering where to base ourselves.  We love the mountains for hiking and running, and also the sea as we have never lived close to it.  We know we will need a car for getting around.  We are looking to meet people who are as adventurous as we are.  Any ideas on good locations for easy access to the mountains and the sea?  We also would like to find a yoga community and a gym for working out.


Most of the information we find is for EU residents or Brits moving to Cyprus.  Does anyone have any tips or advice for someone coming from America?   


As we understand it, we need to show a 1 year lease when applying for residency, but we do not want to commit for a year, and then find we have moved to the wrong area.  How do people go about finding the best situation while applying for residency at the same time?


We look forward to any advice you can give.


Thanks!

Lisa & Tom

Cheryl

Hello jnladventures,


Welcome to Expat.com 1f601.svg


Thank you for the introduction. You did very well.


Please note that I have moved and created a new thread with your post for more visibility on the Cyprus forum.


You should start by reading the Living in Cyprus guide for expats.

I am sure you will be able to gather information here, just feel free to ask your questions anytime.


All the best,


Cheryl

Expat.com team

Toon

Best bet is take a short holiday let or get a deal with a hotel ..some where central so you can get to all areas ....... Or maybe house sitting as many people have a reason to require it .. you get to have cheap or free accom and in some cases use of a car whilst all you are required to do is maybe look after the house and or pet sit .... Search for trustedhousesitters.com

jnladventures

@Toon Thanks! I didn’t even know that was an option. I’ll have a look.

phildraper

There are plenty of groups on FaceBook to join and meet like minded people. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I cannot suggest any groups for hiking  as i do not hike! Take a look for things like askanythingpaphos in FB and make a post there as they will probably know someone.

If you are looking to get a visa to stay set expectations as it is a long frustrating and drawn out process. I would recommend you find a local company to help as they get all the appointments and will take some of the checking of the many and varied docs. Check the requirements and obtain any USA docs before leaving. Obtaining them when you are in Cyprus takes time and you need to FedEx them out at cost. We had to get a Police record certificate and were not told until we had arrived. Everything here needs stamps and lining up for hours so if you cannot stand take a seat with you. Just to get a bank account will take 2.5 hours in the chair on top of the 1 hour in the line. Expect anything you are told will probably change each time you make a visit to an official office! Preparation is key or your relationship will be tested lol

jnladventures

Thanks for your advice. Is there a company you recommend to help with this process? What do they charge?

Toon

People who can help you with immigration


Lawyer Esme Palas (Michael Kyprianou lawyers)



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Gwennys Red Tape Services...  https://www.facebook.com/Gwennys-Red-Ta … 449883995/


Red Tape Resolved ... https://www.facebook.com/redtaperesolved/



Elena Mala ..

https://www.facebook.com/elena.mala1


and whilst using a lawyer  comes at a cost they can arrange the immigration appointment, appointment with the bank and provided all the necessary information and advice needed together with a list of all documentation needed for immigration and bank etc. And conveyancing if required.  It can make a big difference to stress levels and anxiety .... Some will even do all of this remotely but you must attend the actual application appointment interview in person ...


Removals in order of preference in my opinion


Peter Morton removals

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