1. Why Cyprus: As the
third largest island in the Mediterranean, covering
a land area of 9,251 km, it offers an appealing
combination of modern infrastructure whilst
maintaining its abundance of cultural wealth.
2.
Local people: The Cypriot people are very hospitable
and friendly, the British are especially welcome
since there is a strong British influence - most
Cypriots speak English
3.
Driving: Driving on the left Road signs are always
in Greek and English
4.
Language: Though Greek is the official language
English spoken to a high standard
5.
Safety: In comparison to similar Mediterranean
countries, the crime levels of Cyprus are very low.
The European Union have reported that statistically,
Cyprus is one of the safest countries to live with a
crime rate of around 1/10th of the average rate of
other European countries and only 6% of that
experienced in the UK.
6.
Cost of living: The cost of living is considerably
lower than similar European countries but the
standard of living is actually higher.
A recent EU survey conducted across all EU member
states confirmed this.
The results ranked Cyprus as 5th highest nation for
its standard of living.
Low cost of living and inflation rate (3.5%) and
virtually no unemployment (3%)
According to European Union Data, the cost of living
in Cyprus is only 65% of the European average.
7.
Tax: Cyprus has significant tax benefits compared to
other EU countries.
Cyprus has a double taxation treaty with the UK and
many other countries.
Council Tax: As a guide, the Cypriot equivalent to
'Council Tax' in the average village ranges from CYP£80.00
(€136.688)
to CYP£170.00
(€290.462)
per year,
8.
Working: With Cyprus joining the EU all nationals of
EU member states now have an unconditional right to
live and work there without the need for any visas
or permits, although anyone seeking permanent
employment must apply for a residence permit (within
three months).
9.
Education: Cyprus has a first class system of
primary and secondary education for both public and
private education.
The Cypriot Government has made it a policy to
ensure that the children of European citizens can
continue with their secondary education while they
live in Cyprus.
10.
Health: Hospitals and private clinics are equipped
with the latest medical technologies and manned with
qualified doctors being educated in UK and USA,
using the updated operating techniques.
Now that southern Cyprus has joined the European
Union, pensioners from other EU countries are
entitled to use the public health system.
11.
Retirement & Pensions: Cyprus is popular destination
for British Citizens to enjoy retirement as they can
take advantage of the double taxation treaties in
place between the UK and Cyprus.
UK state pension can be paid to retirees in Cyprus
by virtue of the Reciprocal Social Services
Agreement between UK and Cyprus and is of course
index linked meaning that each time the UK state
pension is increased, so too is the pension in
Cyprus!
Retired residents from overseas are taxed on their
pensions at the rate of 5% above about €3,417
(£2,588) a year, whether it is a state, company or
personal pension.
Justin
Rix, international tax director at Grant
Thornton, says: "An expatriate pensioner can
elect to pay tax at 5 per cent on any pension
income above a threshold of
€3,417 (£2,588). But if
they wish, they can choose to be taxed under
the normal tiered rules, in which case the
first €19,500
is untaxed - a generous
sum - rising to a rate of 30 per cent on
pension income above €36,301.
"So, if an expat pensioner has
a low income of, for example, €8,000,
they would not make
the election to pay 5 per cent, as they could pay no
tax at all under the normal system.
12.
Climate: A reliable climate, with more than 300 days
of beautiful sunshine, guaranteed clear skies, dry
and warm weather in the summer months and a mild
climate during the winter months.
The swimming season practically starts from April
and does not end until November with water
temperatures reaching of approx 28°C in summer and
16°C in winter.
13.
Outdoor activities: The island offers ideal
conditions for many activities like, hiking &
walking, biking & cycling, horse riding, swimming,
water sports, sunbathing etc as well as being the
home to four golf courses - three near Paphos (all
of which are championship standard) and one near
Limassol.
14.
Human rights: And private property are safeguarded
by the constitution, and Cyprus is a member of the
UN, the commonwealth, The Council of Europe and now
the EU.
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