Cyprus is an independent and sovereign republic with the elected president (5 year election cycle) as head of state. The legislation 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 UN, the British Commonwealth, the non-aligned movement, World Bank and IMF, and shortly to be a full member.

By law, a non-Cypriot in Cyprus is entitled to a residence permit but is not required to hold a permanent residence permit the latter being easy to obtain once certain requirements are fulfilled. You need to submit an application and provide proof that you and your family are self supporting. The following documents must accompany your application: A copy of the sale/rental agreement Copies of pension/retirement income Any other document(s) relevant to income Three photos and passport(s) The application for permanent residence may be submitted to the local immigration office in the area of residence.

Solar heating is an economic alternative and its adoption is relatively inexpensive, having a payback period of approximately 5 years.If you will have a garden, it is advisable to drill a borehole for watering as the water charges rise more than proportionately with consumption. This will cost around C1,200 for the borehole and the pump, although it will depend on the depth of the borehole. The drilling of a borehole requires a Government permit first.

On a sale of a property the current policy is to allow immediate repatriation of a sum equivalent to the amount of the original purchase value of property. Any profit can be exported at the rate of CY 10,000 per calendar year, plus any interest.There is no Capital Gains Tax where the property was acquired by the importation of foreign currency. Otherwise CGT is levied at 20% on gains in excess of CY 5,000.

Upon the issue of the covering permit or, if this is not required, an application must be made to the Appropriate Authority for the issue of a certificate of final approval.When this is issued, it will have to be deposited at the District Lands' Office so that the registration of the building on the title deed of the land is effected.