Updated re healthcare
Living in Cyprus
Official information British people moving to and living in Cyprus need to know, including EU Exit guidance, residency, healthcare and driving.
Published 22 March 2013
Last updated 29 January 2019 — see all updates
Last updated 29 January 2019 — see all updates
EU Exit: what you need to know
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There will be no change to the rights and status of UK nationals living in Cyprus while the UK remains in the EU.
While the government continues to negotiate Brexit, you should:
- make sure you’re correctly registered as resident in Cyprus
- read UK nationals in the EU: essential information
- attend one of our citizens outreach meetings
- follow the British High Commission on Facebook and Twitter
Before you go
See our travel advice for Cyprus and sign up for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
The rules for travel to most countries in Europe will change if the UK leaves the EU with no deal. You can check a passport for travel to Europe.
Visas and residency
See entry requirements for Cyprus in our travel advice.
The Cyprus government has issued guidance on EU Exit and residency in Cyprus.
If you plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months, you must apply for a registration certificate from the Ministry of the Interior, Civil Registry and Migration Department.
After living in Cyprus for more than 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence.
The UK and EU have agreed the full legal text of the draft Withdrawal Agreement in principle. The agreement on citizens’ rights will allow UKnationals to stay in their Member State of residence after the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019.
In the event of changes to residency rules or registration processes after 29 March 2019, we will update this page as soon as information is available.
Healthcare
See our travel advice for Cyprus.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019, your access to healthcare is likely to change. The NHS has more information about healthcare for UK nationals living in and visiting Cyprus.
The UK government has or is seeking agreements with countries on healthcare arrangements for UK nationals after 29 March 2019.
Up to 29 March 2019, you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to get emergency medical treatment during temporary stays in EUcountries. You also need comprehensive travel insurance to cover anything not covered by your EHIC.
If you plan to visit on or after 29 March 2019, you should continue to buy travel insurance for the health treatment you may need, as you would for a non-EU country. If you have a UK-issued EHIC, it will still be valid until 29 March 2019.
Once you are registered as resident, you may be entitled to state healthcare. You should check with the Ministry of Health or at your local citizen service centre to see if you are covered. We strongly advise you to take out private medical insurance if you are not eligible for state healthcare.
You can find English-speaking doctors in Cyprus. You should also check your prescriptions are legal in Cyprus.
S1 form – healthcare paid for by the UK
You may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK if you live in Cyprus and get an exportable UK pension, contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or another exportable benefit.
You need to apply for a S1 form – contact the Department for Work and Pensions’ International Pensions Centre.
You should register the S1 form with your local state hospital or health facility through your local citizen service centre before you obtain your medical card.
Working in Cyprus
Some jobs may require a UK criminal records check (known as a DBS check).
Money and tax
If you intend to use a bank card, or other financial service from a UK-based firm in the EU after exit, this may be affected. Read more about using a bank card, insurance or other financial service in the EU..
The UK has a double-taxation agreement with Cyprus to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
See the Cyprus Ministry of Finance, Tax Department.
You may be able to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Pensions
The UK Government will continue to pay state pension, child benefits, and disability benefits to eligible UK nationals in the EU after the UK’s exit from the EU. Find guidance on benefits and pensions in a no deal scenario.
If you have worked in Cyprus, you should apply for your UK state pension through your local citizen service centre.
If you haven’t worked in Cyprus, you should claim your UK state pension by contacting the International Pension Centre.
If you’ve worked in several EU countries, see state pensions abroad.
You may be entitled to a Cyprus state pension, depending on your work history. You should contact your citizen service centre for advice.
Life certificates for UK state pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you don’t.
Benefits
Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit can’t be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
You may be eligible to claim some Cyprus social security benefits – see Cyprus social security benefits. When you are checking whether you are eligible for benefits in Cyprus you should make sure you declare any National Insurance contributions you made in the UK.
You can request proof of National Insurance contributions from HM Revenue and Customs, if you are asked for this information.
Driving in Cyprus
See driving abroad and road travel in Cyprus.
Holders of UK driving licences who are resident in an EU country should exchange their UK licences for a driving licence from the EU country you are living in before 29 March 2019. For more information see driving abroad.
See information on importing a vehicle into Cyprus. You cannot import vehicles through the northern part of Cyprus – the authorities may seize your vehicle.
The Road Transport Department has information about driving in Cyprus.
Voting
British citizens living abroad can vote in some UK elections – you’ll need to register as an overseas voter.
If you’re resident in Cyprus, you can vote in local municipal and European Parliamentary elections.
Births
Deaths
See also bereavement information for Cyprus.
Getting married
Renewing passports
See overseas British passports applications and get an emergency travel document (sometimes called an emergency passport).
Pets
See travelling with pets.
UK nationals will still be able to travel to and from the UK with a pet (cat, dog or ferret) when the UK leaves the EU, but the rules will change. See pet travel to Europe after Brexit for more information.
Emergencies
As well as the European emergency number 112, Cyprus also has 199.
If you need urgent help, contact the British High Commission Nicosia.
Accommodation and buying property
Other useful information
- English-speaking lawyers and translators in Cyprus
- notarial and documentary services for Cyprus
- citizen service centres
Returning to the UK
To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.
Disclaimer
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Cypriot authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Published 22 March 2013
Last updated 29 January 2019
Last updated 29 January 2019
