Top 5 cities in Cyprus to move to

It's clear that every city has its own particular features, and this needs to be taken into account when choosing your future place of residence. It's also essential to plan ahead for a financial safety net, especially if you're hoping to relocate first and only look for work afterward. See the link below for the terms of obtaining Cyprus residency.

Life in Cyprus: pros and cons

Life in Cyprus has its advantages and disadvantages. It's important to have at least a general sense not only of the pluses but also of the minuses and the problems you might run into.

The main advantages of life on the island are:

• a favorable climate, with mild winters where the thermometer doesn't drop below 15-18°C, and no sharp temperature swings;
• good environmental conditions - at the very least, better than in Russia;
• a low crime rate, which is especially important for those who want to live and relax here with their family;
• a friendly local population that shows no hostility toward tourists or those relocating to Cyprus long-term;
• groceries and everyday goods sold in shops at reasonable prices - especially if you shop outside the traditional resort areas;
• fresh vegetables and fruit available year-round, at more than affordable prices;
• not very high housing costs - a modest house can be bought for as little as 50,000 EUR;
• no restriction on holding second citizenship;
• simple business registration and a low level of taxes;
• the ability to obtain a permanent residence permit after 5 years of living on the island, and citizenship after 7 years;
• the ability to obtain a residence permit through real estate investment.

It's also worth noting that Cyprus's cities are diverse, each with its own particular character. This makes it possible to choose a place to live that best fits your preferences.

Life in Cyprus has its downsides too. These include, in particular:

• an economy largely based on tourism: a sharp drop in the number of tourists could become a serious problem;
• not very high salaries, and sometimes a long search is needed to find good work;
• the official language is Greek, which is difficult for Russian speakers;
• road quality often leaves something to be desired, though this varies a great deal by specific region;
• at the height of summer, some regions experience a shortage of clean water;
• utility costs are quite high;
• most homes have no central heating, and it can be cool in winter;
• expensive healthcare, requiring you to pay for health insurance, which is not cheap.

On healthcare, it's worth adding that calling an ambulance here has to be paid for. The average cost of a doctor's visit is around 20 EUR. Most local residents buy the most basic health insurance, with an annual premium of 150 EUR. But this won't be enough if a person has chronic conditions.

Which city should a Russian speaker choose in Cyprus?

Where do Russians live in Cyprus? They can be found across the entire island - there isn't one or two clearly defined districts where people from Russia concentrate. But a few cities can be named where Russian-speaking newcomers particularly tend to settle.

Limassol

Historically, Russians preferred to settle in Limassol. According to statistics, around 30,000-40,000 Russians currently live there. This city in Cyprus, located on the southern coast and the second-largest on the island, has a rich history. Tourists love it because life here is vibrant, there are many attractions, sandy beaches stretch along the Amathus Bay coastline (also known locally as the Riviera), and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars.

Limassol is the most popular resort in Cyprus. Unsurprisingly, housing prices here are high. For example, you're unlikely to buy a one-bedroom apartment here for less than 60,000 EUR. Renting a three-bedroom apartment costs around 2,500 EUR a month. Grocery prices are also on average higher than in other locations. It's advisable to arrive here already having secured a job. Many Russians living in Limassol take on side work to make their income match the local cost of living.

At the same time:

• Limassol is a large city with developed infrastructure;
• there are kindergartens, schools and hospitals here catering to Russian-speaking residents;
• there are good conditions for starting your own business;
• there are numerous representative offices of international companies;
• there is vibrant business and entertainment life.

Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus. Its advantage is well-developed infrastructure and it isn't too hard to find work. Its main drawback is expensive housing. Grocery and utility prices are also fairly high.

In Nicosia, as in Limassol, you can find a school where instruction is in Russian. There is also a wide choice of schools offering English-language education following European or British standards.

This city won't suit people relocating to Cyprus for the sea. That's because Nicosia is located away from the coast, in the heart of the island.

Ayia Napa

This city in Cyprus has a well-established reputation as a popular resort for young people. As a result, it's unlikely to suit those who prefer a calm, measured lifestyle in a quiet place.

Ayia Napa can be recommended for those who enjoy spending a lot of time in clubs, bars and at discos. The local beaches are also worth attention. It can also work well for those who want to work in the tourism or hospitality industry.

Keep in mind that life in the city "freezes" over the winter, once the tourist season ends.

Paphos

This was once home to the island's ancient capital. The city is attractive because it has both quiet and more lively corners, so it's possible to find a suitable place to live for both young people and older residents who value peace and quiet.

Paphos differs from Limassol in that you won't find high-rise developments here - they are simply not permitted. The city administration and the Cyprus government try to preserve the city's Greek character as much as possible.

Paphos has many historical attractions. It is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Unsurprisingly, it always draws a lot of tourists. Paphos can be a good fit for those who would like to try their hand as a guide.

Another feature of Paphos is that many English people have historically settled here. Good English proficiency is advisable to feel comfortable in this city.

Larnaca

This is a large port city on the island's southern coast. There aren't many Russians here - for the most part, Larnaca is home to Greeks. You can feel comfortable here with English proficiency. The city attracts tourists thanks to its two most famous beaches with a promenade and a beautiful historic center. It's also home to one of Cyprus's largest airports, which handles most international flights.

The employment situation in Larnaca is roughly the same as in Cyprus as a whole. New jobs are largely seasonal in nature, with a significant part of the economy serving tourists. It's better to move here if you already have a job offer or plans to start your own business.