Brit High Commission replies to UK expats on Cyprus

Expats on Cyprus finally get a reply to their FAQs from the British High Commission.

Provided nothing changes in the meantime, British expats on Cyprus now have clarity on some of their most relevant post-Brexit questions. The most important issue for many was the time limit on residency applications, with the deadline now the end of this year. The good news is that UK citizens with official residency papers will be able to travel out of and into Cyprus as can EU nationals. In addition, the island’s new state healthcare provision can be accessed on a lifetime basis for British expats who retain their Cypriot residency.

The not so good news for those wanting to move to Cyprus after the end of this year is that they’ll be bound by the island’s immigration rules, meaning they can only enter on a 90-day basis. However, for those already owning property on the island, residency should be applied for as it gives the right to live, work and use services in Cyprus for as long as you’re actually resident. In addition, residency applications by the 5,000 incapacitated British expats at present living in Cyprus are being supported by the Ministry of the Interior in order that their rights will be maintained after the end of this year.

At present, healthcare rights given by the EU’s EHIC are being honoured, again until the end of December. Those who move permanently before that date with have lifelong healthcare in Cyprus, provided they stay registered. One important issue concerns Britons who’re living in the Turkish-held northern part of the island. The rules will not change until December 31, with those wishing to travel able to purchase a TOM89 certificate. The British authorities are aware that UK citizens living across the border are keen to have this continue, but no decisions have as yet been made.