Why Cyprus
Life in Cyprus
Life on this European island is synonymous with peace of mind without taking away the things that make living exciting and adventurous. With over 300 sunny days per year and proximity to mountains and Mediterranean beaches, residents can enjoy a high quality of life without compromising on modern conveniences.
English is widely spoken with high levels of literacy among the local population. As a commonwealth country, the private education system is consistent with that of the UK and offers IB and A-level curriculums and diplomas. Cyprus spends around 8% of its GDP on education. The GESY public healthcare system gives residents access to GP visits, specialists, hospital care, diagnostics, and prescription medicines with low co-payments, making quality healthcare both accessible and affordable.
As a popular expat hub and investment destination, foreigners account for around 30% of total real estate transactions. In addition, foreign ownership of legal entities is allowed and programmes like the permanent residency by real estate investment make it easy for third-country nationals to form a permanent base in Cyprus.
Facts
Mediterranean Climate
Long summers with 300+ sunny days per year.
Quality Education
Private international schools offering secondary education certificates like IB and A levels.
EU Member
Cyprus is an EU member since 2004 and is committed to join Schengen by 2027.
Low Crime
Low Taxes
English Literacy
Over 70% of the population is fluent in English.
Geographical Proximity to Major Business & Leisure Hubs
Tel Aviv
1h
Beirut
1h
Athens
1.5h
Dubai
3.5h
London
4.5h
Real Estate in Cyprus
Average Price Appreciation
7-8% per year.
Average Rental Yield
5-6% per year.
VAT
as low as 5% on new property purchases and 0% on resales.
Average Price Appreciation
4-5% per year.
Average Rental Yield
5-6% per year.
Real Estate Taxes
VAT on new properties is as low as 5% while re-sales are exempt from VAT.
The first €20,000 of rental income is tax-free, with remaining being taxed at progressive rates.
Cyprus History
According to legend, the island is the birthplace of Aphrodite at Petra tou Romiou, and ancient Greek influence is still visible in impressive ruins like Kourion’s seaside theatre. Roman villas, mosaics, and the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings in Paphos reveal Cyprus’s importance in classical times.
Medieval history adds another layer: Richard the Lionheart captured the island during the Crusades, and later the Venetians built dramatic city walls that still encircle parts of Nicosia. Ottoman rule left mosques and caravanserais, while British colonial buildings reflect the island’s more recent past.
For visitors and residents, Cyprus offers beaches alongside 2,000-year-old ruins, mountain monasteries in the Troodos mountain range, and cities where ancient, medieval, and modern life exist side by side.
Mediterranean Culture
Life in Cyprus moves at a relaxed Mediterranean pace, shaped by sunshine, family, and outdoor living. With over 300 sunny days a year, daily life often centers around the sea, village squares, and evening strolls along coastal promenades.
Food plays a central role — long meals of meze (bites) shared with friends and family are common, reflecting a culture that values connection and hospitality. Social life stretches late into the evening, especially in summer, and communities remain close-knit, blending tradition with modern European living. The Mediterranean mindset in Cyprus emphasizes balance.
Education & Healthcare
Cyprus has a strong network of private English-language schools offering internationally recognized qualifications such as A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB), making the island attractive for expatriate families and students aiming for UK, European, or global universities.
In healthcare, Cyprus operates the General Healthcare System (GESY), a universal system launched in 2019 that provides residents with access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, and prescriptions at regulated, affordable costs. Both public and private medical providers participate in GESY, combining broad coverage with the option of private care, which contributes to Cyprus’s reputation for accessible, modern healthcare within an EU framework.
