Retire in Cyprus

What is it like to retire in Cyprus?

"When we first came to Cyprus we lived in PAPHOS. A very busy City with many cafes,restaurants, night clubs and bars. A huge ex-pat community. Lots of sporting activity," remarked another retiree in Poli Chrystopiou.

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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?

"If thinking of retiring here in Cyprus. Do come on Holiday first and look around. There are lots of different areas to live. We prefer the quiet country life where others want the hustle and bustle of the City life," said a retiree who moved to Poli Chrystopiou, Cyprus.

What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Cyprus?

"We find that our income goes a lot further and the very accomadating locals-so friendly and helpful," explained one retiree living in Poli Chrystopiou.

What are healthcare services like in Cyprus?

We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Cyprus. They wrote:

"Our Medical Care is basicly FREE. The Cypriot Govt introduced as NHS type of cover for all residents who are retired over 60 years of age. I have had two total hips replace and it cost me €16.00 in total. If not over 60 years then a good medical cover will be required to cover the costs. Dr's visit approx €25-35 Consultant visit can be over €100.00++," said another retiree in living in Poli Chrystopiou, Cyprus.

How do I meet people in Cyprus?

When we asked people living in Cyprus about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"There is a selection of British and Cypriot bars, these are a good meeting place. Also, the local garden centre which offer tea & coffee at the weekend," commented one retiree living in Frenaros, Cyprus.

"Initally contact with expats living around you. I have not joined any clubs but have a lot of leisure contact both with my Greek and expat neigbours," explained one retiree living in Protaras.

"The expat population is mainly British and so there are many pubs. I know of no organizations in my area. I do volunteer at the Argos Animal Sanctuary. The is a walking group in the area. There are large Russian and eastern European poulations in Limassol and Larnaca," said another retiree in living in Frenaros, Cyprus.

"Join online forums such as BFC Trading Post Cyprus Limassol Living and also Cyprus-AngloInfo as they are full of information - before you move to Cyprus. We also have the UKCA club in the town which is frequented by UK ex-pats. If you are an animal lover, there are loads of sanctuaries that are seeking voluntary help and we also have the Samaritans who regularly need assistance," explained a retiree in Limassol.

"Anglican Church Ladies Guild (for older women 45+), Birdlife Cyprus (for environmentalists), School PTA (for parents), University groups (for younger people)," explained one retiree living in Nicosia.

"Cyprus is a free and easy place where 90 percent speak English. Most of Cyprus life reveolves around small cafes and bars," said another member in Limassol.

What is life like in Cyprus?

When we asked people living in Cyprus what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"This is a family village. Most people work in nearby Paralimni or in the shop and farms around the village. Many work in the tourist resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras, which are close by," explained one retiree living in Frenaros.

"The majority of ex pats I find are retired like myself. Of the younger families the younger children seem to go to Greek schools and very quickly adapt to the Greek language. The older children tend to go to fee paying British schools. Socialising I find is the vocal point during the winter months as Protaras is very quiet in the winter. Many of the younger couples tend to find some kind of work, for example, looking after expat properties in between rentals, house painting, hedge cutting and bar work etc but mainly during the summer months," said another retiree in living in Protaras, Cyprus.

"Lives revolve around family and socializing. Family is very important in Cypriot culture," explained a retiree in Frenaros.

"Limassol is in the centre of the island, so is ideal for access from both airports and makes it an easy place for visiting the East & West coasts within a 2 hour drive to visit Ayia Napa (if that's your cup of tea). Limassol is probably the most cosmopolitan city in Cyprus and there are many nationalities living & working here. It's the hub of numerous off-shore companies and also the main container shipping port. Cruise ships come into Cyprus via Limassol new port. It's a city that covers a multitude of things so yes, it's a living & breathing city for work or play. With a long tourist sea front covering almost 12km nobody can complain they are short of things to do," explained one retiree living in Limassol.

"Cypriot life revolves around family. Beyond that, in Nicosia, it is very materialistic. In the villages, life has a more fundamental quality, still family focused but more associated with culture and what is readily available eg good food, time, tradition," said another member in Nicosia.

"Most lives revolve around the family. The work ethic is non-existant. After an hours work they need an hours break to recompose themselves. For sun, sand and rest it is ideal. For business it is a joke," remarked another retiree in Limassol.

Get a free international health insurance quote from our partner, Allianz Care, whose plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Allianz's flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget.

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Get a free international health insurance quote from our partner, Allianz Care, whose plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Allianz's flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget.

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What do I need to know before retiring in Cyprus?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Cyprus, they said:

"This is a great place to live - quiet, safe, with all the shops you need without leaving the village," added another person in Frenaros.

"If you are retired I would recommend Protaras all year around, but if a family would advise they settle in Paphos, Limmasol or Larnica as there are more schools and job opportunities," remarked another retiree in Protaras.

"If you love peace and quiet and a safe environment, this is the place. If you want an active life full of parties and events and need a lot of cultural variety (like museums, theaters, etc.), this is not the place for you," said a retiree who moved to Frenaros, Cyprus.

"Be prepared to have sufficient funds to last for up to 2yrs without an income. The initial setting up costs can be quite expensive as white goods are not cheap because everything has to be imported. Rent a property first to find the right location in line with work. A lot of offices or shops work "split shifts" so you are expected to go home for a couple of hours at lunchtime then go back and work till possibly 8pm during Summer hours. Salries cannot be compared to UK at all and a good salary of CYP 600 or 1025pm is not so easy to come by. You may be expected to work 40hrs a week and for that on split shifts, sometimes working at weekends with a half day off mid week. Second hand cars hold their value really well in Cyprus so are not cheap to purchase and there is a lack of public transport - except along the main tourist road. A car is a necessity and Cyprus is not the place to come if you do not or are not willing to drive. Traffic can be horrendous during the weekly rush hour and we have at least 3 rush hours per day. Be prepared to sit in your car over lunchtime rush hour in temperatures of above 40 degrees! Winters are fairly short, starting in January till March but lack of insulation in the properties here mean you freeze in winter and boil in summer. Also, the humidity in July & August is VERY sweaty! Government office usually close for 2 weeks in August due to the heat when most workers escape to the mountains to cool off. Electricity costs are comparable to those in UK, but we get free hot water for about 9 months of the year from the solar systems. Telephone calls are extremely cheap, although internet or broadband service is more expensive than UK and many other European countries. Currently there is a real monopoly on the telephone service provider but slowly, things are changing and more competitors are coming in. Don't expect everything to happen overnight because it won't. There is a saying in Cyprus "siga, siga", which means "slowly, slowly" - believe me, it is very true! But that is why we chose to come to live here in the first place. We have a much more relaxed lifestyle and less worry, financially or otherwise than we ever had in UK. It isn't a place to come to if you have a get rich quick attitude. But, if you are comfortably off with some funds behind you and are prepared to work or change your worklife balance, leading a simpler lifestyle - then this is definitely the place," said another retiree in Limassol.

"Think about why you are coming here, and if you want to do it and want to contribute to Cyprus - Welcome! There's lots of positives about the place for people who are seeking a better life than suburban England or America," commented one retiree living in Nicosia, Cyprus.

"Be prepared for a very slow pace and people who are not interested in hustle and work. It is a great place to relax," explained one retiree living in Limassol.