This isn't necessary, as your solicitor would still have to use a local Cypriot lawyer, and therefore you could be liable for two legal bills! All communication from your Cypriot lawyer will be in English , so don\\\'t worry about understanding legal documents. Philippou Properties can recommend an Independent Lawyer who has an exceptional track record of taking care of our clients.

No, you can instruct you solicitor to act on your behalf, even for the final completion. Lawyers in Cyprus are responsible for chasing up all information required by their clients. Any information you require can be requested direct from the developer or from your appointed legal representative.

Yes. Southern Cyprus was welcomed as a full member of the EU on 1 May 2004.

Greek is the population's mother tongue, but with the strong influences Britain has played in the island's history, English is widely spoken and understood. Knowledge of French, Russian and German is increasing in line with the island's tourist trade.

The banking system in Cyprus closely follows the European pattern. The banks have many branches throughout the island which are efficient, modern and well equipped with the latest technology. Non-Cypriot citizens may open foreign currency and local deposit accounts without difficulty, although you will also find branches of many international banks at your disposal.

Major credit cards, such as those within the Visa and Mastercard networks, are widely accepted in Cyprus. Transactions and payments are simply made through your foreign deposit account.

Yes... the Cyprus currency system is the Euro. This was adopted at the beginning of  2008.

The relatively low cost of living in Cyprus is definitely one of the advantages that appeals to the potential buyer. The island offers a full but comparatively inexpensive lifestyle. The local markets flaunt a wealth of colorful fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish …locally grown and produced … whilst the modern supermarkets are fully stocked with a large range of local and imported goods.

Non-Cypriot individuals residing in Cyprus pay income tax at a flat rate of just 5%. This applies to the amounts remitted to Cyprus from pensions or income from overseas investments.

Personal effects, household goods and furniture may be imported duty free by immigrant retirees, provided that they are for personal use and have been in use for some time (approximately one year). There is no duty on one car and retired couples benefit from the additional concession of two duty free cars.

Compared with other international financial centres, Cyprus offers a distinct benefit in the form of double taxation treaties. Agreements with an increasing number of countries eliminate the double taxation of income earned in any one of these countries. In practice, the tax levied by one country is credited against the tax levied in the taxpayer's country of residence.

Where different tax rates apply, the tax payer will ultimately not pay more than the higher of the two rates of the respective countries. Such treaties combined with very favorable tax rates for international business entities in Cyprus open the doors to significant tax planning opportunities. The fact that Cyprus is not considered a tax haven but rather a country offering tempting tax incentives expels the distrust that international tax havens often arouse.

To date, double taxation treaties exist between Cyprus and the following countries: Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Kyrgyztan, Malta, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia/Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States.

There is none.

The transfer of the title can be effective once the Council of Ministers' permission is obtained along with confirmation of receipt of the foreign funds. Upon transfer and registration in the purchaser's name, the district Land Registry Office will charge transfer fees which are based on the market value of the property at the time of purchase.

It is highly recommended that once you have purchased a property in Cyprus, in your own name, you have a will for your Cypriot assets only.

Transfer of ownership from vendor to purchaser is accomplished by a simple procedure through the land registry office. The contract of sale must be in writing, and it is advisable that such contracts be registered at the District Land Registry Office within 40 days from the contract date. When issued, the title deed will be registered in the name of the buyer and will be recorded in the government archives –these are confidential and will not be published or made accessible under any circumstances.

As part of our total service you will be assigned your own after-sales consultant who will ensure all your services have been connected. All utility bills can be paid directly from your local Cypriot bank account. Normally a direct debit will be set up, so it's quite straightforward.

Naturally. With a new property you will be asked to inspect the property with your dedicated after-sales consultant. Then you can confirm everything is to your satisfaction and outline anything that may need to be attended to by the builder, just as you would back home.

The short answer is 'yes'. Should you be moving on a permanent basis, you may well want to take some or all of your existing furniture, as well as your prized possessions. After all, you may have spent a long time accumulating what you have and it will make the transition easier. The best option is to use a property removal expert who will ensure all items are packed safely, fully insured whilst in their possession and transported to your new home with a minimum of fuss.

Philippou Properties offer in-house property maintenance service... from gardening to pool maintenance, regular cleaning to ad hoc visits.

Cyprus is a popular island for holiday makers virtually all year round, so you can expect a reasonable income from renting out your home, we can arrange rentals on your behalf through the Philippou Properties Management and Rental team.

Cyprus is an independent and sovereign republic with the elected president (5 year election cycle) as head of state. The legislative power lies with the elected House of Representatives and appointed council of ministers. The legal system is based on the British/European system with independent power exercised by judiciary. Cyprus is a member of the EU, the UN, the British Commonwealth, the non-aligned movement, World Bank and IMF.

Cyprus enjoys a remarkably low crime rate … 1/6 of the European average … another reason for its popularity with foreign buyers for whom security has become a key element in the property world. Visitors are invariably surprised and reassured by this relaxed aspect of life on the island, where crime is virtually unheard of and theft not commonplace.

Under the Aliens and Immigration Law, non-Cypriots wishing to take up employment in Cyprus are required to have a work permit as a formality, and these are easy to obtain. Your employer will be able to help you with this.

There are several options open to you...

In the press:
Obtain copies of the following newspapers and specialist publications all of which are published in English and contain situations vacant and situations wanted:
Cyprus Weekly
Cyprus Daily Mail
You can place an advertisement in these and other expatriate and Cypriot publications.

Through the Job Centre:
The local Job Centre can also help you to find work.

On the Internet:
The Internet has hundreds of sites for jobs seekers including corporate websites, recruitment companies and newspaper job advertisements (you can use a search engine to find them).

Your UK/ROI retirement pension or other benefits can be paid directly into your bank account at home or abroad. For further information, visit the following websites:
• UK - www.dss.gov.uk
• ROI - www.welfare.ie

In addition to the public schools, private elementary and secondary schools for English, French, Russian and Italian speaking pupils are available. Tertiary education is provided at the University of Cyprus, as well as at a number of private English language colleges that offer accredited undergraduate courses in various fields including business studies, marketing, economics, computer studies … and a whole host of other disciplines.

The healthcare in Cyprus is extremely efficient and available to all EU residents. As a British or Irish resident, you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union(EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there. Until now, you needed an E form - such as the E111 or the E128 - to get such treatment. Now, these paper forms are being replaced by the European Health Insurance Card. One card is needed for each individual or member of the family. For more information, go to:

• UK - www.dh.gov.uk
• ROI - www.ehic.ie

Although there is no national health service as such in Cyprus, the cost of medical treatment in governmental hospitals is very low. Those wishing to consult medical experts privately will find a wide choice of competent doctors, specialists and surgeons practicing on the island.

The standard of medical treatment provided to citizens is high and continuously improving. Additionally, a number of companies offer medical insurance schemes that cover excellent and immediate healthcare. Diverse schemes are tailored to individual needs and budgets, and can cover hospitalisation at the hospital or clinic of your choice, outpatient consultations and drugs, and even nursing care at home.

You will undoubtedly find your local hosts to be very tolerant, family orientated and friendly. Foreign arrivals are seen to be contributing to the financial growth of the island.

Your pet should be micro chipped
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies
You should obtain an EU pet passport (The passport will not become valid for travel from the UK to other EU countries for 21 days from the date of the animal\'s rabies vaccination).
You should allow plenty of time prior to relocating to speak to your vet for advice.
You can also contact the Cyprus Embassy or visit www.defra.gov.uk for more assistance.