Why did we choose Cyprus for permanent residence with our family?

We tried living in Miami and even in Thailand, but ultimately we chose Cyprus. Our family actively travels and has managed to visit many countries on different continents. I first got to know Cyprus in the late nineties, and since then I have returned to this island multiple times for both business and tourism. At that time, I didn't plan to consider Cyprus as a place for permanent residence. However, over the last three to four years, my husband, daughter, and I have started to seriously think about moving and finding a country where we could live for an extended period.

Selection criteria

We have defined a number of criteria for choosing the perfect location:

• The warmth of the climate
• Proximity to the sea
• Well-developed infrastructure
• The convenience of obtaining a residence permit
• Opportunities for international education for our daughter
• Relative proximity to Moscow

We considered various regions, including Miami, which we love and where we have spent a lot of time. We also like Thailand, but these places have their drawbacks. Miami is quite far from Moscow, which creates challenges in obtaining a residence visa. We even won a green card, but unfortunately, our plans did not materialize at that time. As for Thailand, it did not meet our expectations due to its distance from Europe, both geographically and culturally. Although there are international schools there, we would prefer our child to grow up in an environment where they would feel comfortable.

Why Cyprus?

Thus,Cyprus has become the perfect option.After all, it is only a four-hour flight from Moscow. The island is famous for its crystal-clear sea and mild Mediterranean climate. The process of obtaining a residence permit here is quite simple and takes about two weeks. Additionally, Cyprus has all the conditions for our child's education and development. The prices for education are quite comparable to those in Moscow. As an Orthodox country, Cyprus is rich in churches, which is also very important to us. Everything here is familiar and understandable — both the people and the culture, as it is a European island with typical European traditions.

The choice of Paphos

We spent a whole year exploring different cities in Cyprus and studying reviews. In the end, we chose Paphos, which seemed to us a very pleasant place to live. Paphos is perfect for family vacations and has a rich cultural heritage. It is peaceful here, yet there are plenty of leisure activities available.

• Picturesque promenades
• Secluded bays
• Shopping malls
• Cinemas

Language environment

Another significant advantage is that in Paphos, I don't have to face difficulties in communication. Unfortunately, my level of English leaves much to be desired, unlike my child's level, and the absence of a language barrier is extremely important for me in this case. There are many Russian-speaking people living in Paphos, and because of this, I don't worry about not being understood — here, I have the opportunity to communicate freely in my native language.

Resettlement of Russian-speaking immigrants to Cyprus

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Russian-speaking emigrants in Cyprus. Many people decide to first explore the local market and rent a place before choosing a suitable option for purchase.

For example, we decided to start by renting an apartment to better explore the features and atmosphere of the city. Our ultimate goal is to become citizens of Cyprus and settle here permanently. Therefore, it was critically important for us not just to rent temporary housing, but to create a solid foundation for our future home in a convenient area, taking into account the developed infrastructure, proximity to educational institutions, and other important aspects.

In the future, we also plan to acquire real estate for rental, which will allow us to generate passive income.

Buying real estate

We are considering the possibility of purchasing villas with an area of about 150 square meters, staying within a budget of up to300 thousand eurosAt the same time, we are still searching for answers to the question of which type of rental will be more profitable — short-term or long-term.

Short-term rentals, especially during the summer season, seem to be extremely profitable. However, there are certain risks involved:

• Potential tenants can vary.
• Not all tenants will be decent.

Nevertheless, I am confident that the process will allow us to make an informed decision.

Overview of the city of Paphos

Paphos, located in the southwest of Cyprus, is situated between the beautiful sea and majestic mountains. The city is divided into two key areas: the upper part, which is situated at a height, and the lower part, which stretches along the coast.

During our stay, we noticed that these two parts of the city are fundamentally different from each other:

• The lower part of Paphos is known for its vibrancy — it features a promenade, numerous restaurants, and bars that fill up with tourists, creating a lively atmosphere.
• Life at a high altitude unfolds at a calm pace, where administrative institutions, markets, and commercial establishments are located.

Long-term planning

In order to make a final decision about where we plan to build a house or buy ready-made housing for rent in the future, we need to spend more time in Paphos, which is exactly what we plan to do. We have set aside a whole year to understand the differences in preferences and nuances related to each area.

However, it is worth noting that there are not many attractive offers in the housing market, while the demand for them remains high.

Searching for temporary housing

When we started looking for temporary housing, we noticed that there is a significant shortage of rental options in Paphos. Finding a villa for long-term rent at a reasonable price in a good area, with an area of 150 to 200 square meters, a pool, and beautiful views turned out to be quite a challenging task.

The main focus in Paphos is on apartments and houses for short-term rental, which are located closer to the sea and in popular tourist areas. Our goal, however, was to find a quiet and secluded place to live.

Due to the nature of our work, which requires constant interactions with people, we need to recharge in a quiet and calm atmosphere in the evenings.

Real estate in Paphos: an attractive market

Real estate in Paphos is undoubtedly an attractive segment of the market. The demand for high-quality properties has significantly increased. For example, the rental price for moderate apartments starts at 100 euros per night. At the same time, villa rental prices have a wide range – from 300 to 3000 euros per day during the high season. If we consider long-term rental options, it is possible to find offers for 2000 euros per month, which is a more economical solution. We found a suitable place to stay that fully meets our expectations.

Changed preferences

It's interesting that during the month spent on this wonderful island, our desires have changed. Initially, we planned to settle closer to the sea, but now we've concluded that it would be much more convenient to build a house in the mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts. We are planning to purchase property with the intention of renting it out later.

Reimagined comfort

Our ideas about comfort and living conditions have also changed. For example, the villa we are currently renting is located in a mountainous area and is quite far from the city lights.

Creating a comfortable living environment in Cyprus

In Cyprus, we strive to create a comfortable and affordable existence for new residents, focusing not only on the construction of residential properties but also on developing an effective business model. I am part of a cooperative that oversees housing issues, including the construction of homes with installment payment options. Interest rates range from zero to six percent for a term of up to ten years.

Our activities cover countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and recently – Switzerland. Soon, our list of countries may expand, and Cyprus could become another destination for implementing our plans. This wonderful island offers residents the opportunity to either build their own homes or purchase ready-made properties.

High standard of living in Cyprus

Cyprus is known for its high standard of living. Here, you can enjoy clear skies, warm seas, and clean air. We prefer to buy vegetables and fruits not in supermarkets, but in greenhouses, where the produce has just been harvested. This ensures freshness and high quality of goods, which is especially important for the island's residents.

The local people are very friendly and helpful – always ready to lend a hand and make your life more comfortable. As for local services and medical care, we haven't had the chance to evaluate them yet, so we don't have any specific observations on that matter.

Education for our children

One of the key aspects for us is the education system. We are diligently researching various educational institutions to find the best fit for our child. We have paid attention to the atmosphere within the school, the curriculum, the infrastructure, and the qualifications of the teachers. Ultimately, we decided to choose a private English school — the International School of Paphos.

Justification for choosing a school

Our choice has been justified since ancient times. First and foremost, we are interested in the availability of educational programs in English. Our child previously studied at the Cambridge Lyceum in Moscow, and it is extremely important for us to continue this education within the same system.

Secondly, this school offers the option of dormitory accommodation, which is a great option for parents who are often on business trips. Although we do not plan to take advantage of this option, having an alternative gives us confidence that our child will be taken care of even in our absence.

Thirdly, the international school has a good reputation and is located very close to our new home. This also confirms our choice.

The admission process and financial aspects

At the moment, our child is undergoing the testing process, and we are gathering the necessary documents and recommendation letters. This process is quite complicated and involves adhering to many bureaucratic procedures, which, unfortunately, is part of the experience of living in another country.

• The cost of tuition at this school ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 euros per year.
• It depends on the student's grade and age.
• Training with accommodation in a boarding house will be significantly more expensive – prices start from 25,000 euros.
• The demand for such services is consistently high.

Cyprus has truly become an attractive place for living and studying, and we are confident that it will be an excellent choice for our family and our future life on this island.

Introduction

In conclusion to our article about life in Cyprus and the search for the perfect place to live, I would like to summarize a few points. Choosing a country for permanent residence is not just a matter of comfort, but a thoughtful investment in the future of our family. With each passing year spent abroad, I increasingly realize that Cyprus has become not just another stop in our journey, but a home that offers all the conditions for a comfortable life.

Advantages of Cyprus

When we were considering various options, it was important to understand that Cyprus, in addition to its beautiful nature and warm climate, can offer much more:

• Proximity to Russia- convenient flights and the ability to get home quickly.
• Quality educationfor our daughter.
• Understanding local culturethanks to the Orthodox tradition.

The choice of Paphos

Paphos, as the city we have chosen, combines everything we need – from convenient infrastructure to a friendly local community. I have spent a lot of time analyzing various aspects of life in Cyprus. It demonstrates the stability and safety that are so essential for us as a family. At the same time, there is an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility, which is undoubtedly beneficial for the well-being of each member of our family.

Planning and investments

Renting a place to live in the initial stage is undoubtedly the right decision, allowing us to finally determine where we want to settle permanently. This year, which we have set aside for "getting accustomed" to Paphos, will help us compare different neighborhoods and choose the one that will become our home.

Conclusion

Thus, Cyprus has become for us not just a point on the map, but a true symbol of a new life, where we hope to realize our dreams and plans. I sincerely believe that our efforts and dedication to this decision will pay off fully, and our choice will lay the foundation for a long and fulfilling life on this beautiful island. I hope that our experience will be helpful to those who are also on the path to finding a new home, and I wish everyone good luck in their endeavors.Cyprus is waiting!