Is emigrating to Cyprus still interesting?
Is emigrating to Cyprus still interesting?
Emigrating to Cyprus – A conversation about opportunities, challenges and quality of life with Thomas Weyermann.
Thomas emigrated to Cyprus with his wife and 3 children almost 4 years ago. For 3.5 years he has been CEO of Mission Freedom Ltd. and co-founder of MFRadio.de, MFCyprus.de. He helps families and entrepreneurs from Germany, Austria and Switzerland immigrate to Cyprus and set up companies. From YelloSlip, setting up a company and finding the right property are part of his daily business and he has already accompanied countless people.
Here we publish the interview with Thomas for you verbatim:
Thomas emigrated to Cyprus with his wife and 3 children almost 4 years ago. For 3.5 years he has been CEO of Mission Freedom Ltd. and co-founder of MFRadio.de, MFCyprus.de. He helps families and entrepreneurs from Germany, Austria and Switzerland immigrate to Cyprus and set up companies. From YelloSlip, setting up a company and finding the right property are part of his daily business and he has already accompanied countless people.
Here we publish the interview with Thomas for you verbatim:
Moderator Steffi: Today we are talking to Thomas, an experienced entrepreneur who emigrated to Cyprus with his family. Thomas, what made you and your family choose Cyprus as your new home?
Thomas: (laughs) Well, it was a combination of sun, sea and of course the attractive living conditions. But seriously: Cyprus not only offers a pleasant climate, but also tax advantages for entrepreneurs. The island has a stable economy, is an EU member and is perfectly connected. That and the current situation that was already taking place in Germany at the time due to the pandemic and politics, convinced us personally of this beautiful island.
We had a family council at the time and Cyprus was at the top of the list.
Steffi: Sounds like an exciting decision. Family council, that means your children also had a say in the decision and what challenges did you face when emigrating?
Thomas: Yes, it is very important that all family members agree with the decision. If someone is not happy with it, it often leads to discussions and differences and opinions differ. However, we have overcome this challenge very well together - my children, my wife and I are still happy here in Cyprus.
The biggest hurdle at the beginning was the bureaucracy in Greek. But with the right partners on site, this was no problem. We were lucky enough to find a lawyer we trusted, with whom we are still working happily today.
Establishing a Cyprus Ltd. was less complicated than expected. Everything could be organized remotely in advance. We only had to send our original signatures by courier. Everything was done within two weeks. We then opened the business account locally with the support of our lawyer.
Steffi: What is life like in Cyprus? What surprised you the most?
Thomas: The quality of life! Life is more relaxed here. We have found a great mix of Mediterranean lifestyle and European standards. The costs are manageable, but you have to be aware that the cost of living, rents, etc. have increased here too. Nevertheless: sun, beach and great people easily make up for it.
Steffi: Many people dream of owning a property by the sea. Is that easy to achieve?
Thomas: It's possible with the right equity, but it's not easy if you want to get this dream financed by a bank. Mortgage loans are difficult or almost impossible for foreigners to get here. We therefore decided to finance everything without a loan. It's important to plan for the additional costs - electricity, water and pool maintenance add up. But it's absolutely worth it.
Steffi: What about everyday life – school, doctors, care?
Thomas: We were pleasantly surprised. There are great international schools here. Our children go to an English-speaking private school - perfect for being globally connected. There are also German-speaking doctors in Limassol, Paphos and Polis and you can usually get an appointment straight away. You can buy groceries in large and small supermarkets, and Lidl is just as cheap or expensive here as it is in Germany.
Steffi: What advice would you give to someone who is considering emigrating to Cyprus?
Thomas: Planning is everything! You should do your research beforehand. For example, the actual length of stay is now more strictly controlled - the authorities take the 60-day rule and the 90-day rule after which you have to register seriously. I also recommend looking for long-term accommodation, as the authorities and banks only accept rental contracts of at least 12 months.
Steffi: Finally, what is the best thing about living in Cyprus for you?
Thomas: The freedom! Here you can get your business off the ground and enjoy life at the same time. Whether it's a beer on the beach for 3 euros or a family trip to the Troodos Mountains or a BUGGY/quad ride to the Akamas National Park - everything just feels right and free. For us it was the best decision of our lives.
The official languages in Cyprus are Greek and English, making it perfect for expats, entrepreneurs and digital nomads. Almost all of the island's 900,000 inhabitants speak English. You won't find such an advantage on Greek or Spanish islands. The wonderful weather, the turquoise and very clean sea, the wide range of culinary delights of all kinds and, above all, the warmth of the Cypriots convinced us. Cyprus is worth every trip and, above all, emigration!
Then I would like to mention that anyone who emigrates to Cyprus and establishes a limited company will receive many benefits with NONDOM status for 17 years:
- Tax-free income per person up to 19,500 euros per year
- No taxes on free withdrawals from the company (dividends)
- No taxes on stock profits
- only 60 days minimum stay on the island per year to receive these benefits
- Only 12.5% on annual company profits (corporate tax)
Steffi: Thank you, Thomas, for this insight. I hope our listeners were able to take away many valuable tips. For everyone who wants to take the step to Cyprus: It's worth it - with the right preparation and with a good partner who takes you by the hand. MFradio.de and Thomas with his company Mission Freedom Ltd work with several licensed cooperation partners on the island.
As Thomas adds, our service for expats and company founders of Mission Freedom Ltd. is still free of charge, as Mission Freedom Ltd receives a consulting and marketing fee from its business and cooperation partners with no prospect of success.
Afterwards, Thomas provided us with an excerpt from the FAQ from Mission Freedom Ltd, the most important and frequently asked questions, for anyone interested to read:
Process of establishing a Cyprus Ltd
- Contact: Your contact details will be forwarded to a partner law firm in Paphos or Limassol. There you will receive all relevant information about the company formation.
- Documents & Costs: Depending on the scope, the start-up package costs between €1,700 and €3,800 (plus 19% VAT + government fees).
You will receive all the necessary documents by email, which you must sign and send back to the law firm by courier if you are not already there. Otherwise, you must send them directly to the lawyer in the law firm. - Processing: The law firm takes care of the registration with the authorities. This takes about 2 weeks.
- Important points:
- A business account does not necessarily have to be opened at a Cypriot bank. Option: REVOLUT or as desired
- If you do not live in Cyprus, a nominee director is required. Can be provided by the law firm!
- Since 2023, managing directors must receive a monthly salary of at least €940 (20.3% social security contributions).
- Annual levy: €350.
Required documents:
- Three name suggestions for the company.
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors.
- Proof of residence (e.g. electricity bill).
- Information on planned business activities.
Special features:
- A trust director can be provided by the firm.
- Personal presence in Cyprus is not mandatory but is recommended.
1.a) How much does the service from Mission Freedom Ltd. cost?
Our service is still FREE of charge, as our costs are billed by the service providers/cooperation partners, lawyers, etc. through advertising and marketing agreements.
2. Real estate and mortgages
Our service is still FREE of charge, as our costs are billed by the service providers/cooperation partners, lawyers, etc. through advertising and marketing agreements.
2. Real estate and mortgages
- Mortgages: It is very difficult for foreigners to obtain a mortgage from Cypriot banks. If successful, the interest rates are usually unattractively high.
- Purchase preparation: Buyers should have the full purchase price available. You can find out about additional purchase costs in our PDF property brochure.
- Renting properties: We can help you with this and provide you with our large broker network
- Extra costs:
- Electricity costs villa: 75–150 €/month.
- Pool operation: 25–30 €/month.
- Water: 15–25 €/month.
- Annual fees: 120–260 €.
- Pool maintenance: approx. 100 €/month.
- Important information:
- A Cyprus Ltd is not mandatory for a residence permit.
- Proof of income or assets is necessary, or an employer.
- NonDom Status: Our partners offer NonDom immigration packages.
- Residence controls: The authorities are increasingly monitoring the actual length of stay.
4. Transport and moving
- Household goods transport: Shipping by container or DHL (up to 31.5 kg per package) possible.
- Deliveries from Germany: Can be easily implemented via the service provider EshopWedrop.
- Vehicle registration: The vehicle must be physically located in Cyprus. Anyone bringing their vehicle with them must have all vehicle documents and tax certificates available. A TÜV (MOT) inspection must also be carried out here on site. Ideally, the policyholder also has a certificate (SFK) from the insurance company in English.
- Pets: Dogs and cats can easily enter the country if you follow the entry regulations, but rental properties are then limited.
5. Living in Cyprus
Education:
- International schools: TLC Cyprus, Aspire School (cost: €600–800/child/month).
- Language courses: Greek and English through private providers and public state schools.
Living costs:
- Singles: from 1,000 €/month.
- Families (4 people): €3,000–4,000/month.
- Restaurant prices: Beer (0.5 l) 2.80–3.50 €.
- Supermarkets: Wide range, including Lidl with German prices.
Communication:
- DSL is widespread (partly fiber optic).
- Mobile phone providers: Cyta, GoMo (EPIC) and many more.
Leisure & everyday life:
- large selection of German groups and communities
- Restaurants, cafes,
- Nature, hiking, biking, water sports, golf and much more.
Health
- German-speaking doctors in Paphos and Polis.
- German Eye Clinic: Eye & Laser Center.
- Very good specialist doctors and clinics without long waiting times
6. Transport and Mobility
- Larnaca–Paphos:
- Car: 1–2 hours (taxi: 100–130 €).
- Bus: 7 € (approx. 2.5 hours travel time).
- Buying a car: Right-hand drive recommended. Importing left-hand drive vehicles is not advisable due to high import duties and insurance premiums.
It is advisable to buy or rent a vehicle locally for the long term.
7. Other questions
- TV reception: German channels can be received via VPN or TV box. Optional WAIPU TV
- Job opportunities: Difficult job market situation for Germans unless you have good knowledge in the IT or health sector, Greek language skills advantageous, English required.
- Rental features: Long-term rentals (at least 12 months) are common, with limited availability for pets.
- Internet coverage: 5G, DSL and fiber optic available in urban areas. Very good reception in the coastal region.
- Additional costs when registering as a deposit:
- Electricity: 300 €
- Water: 200 €
- Telephone: 150 €
8. Services offered by our cooperation partners (lawyers/tax consultants)
- Service areas: Focus on Paphos, Polis and Limassol. For Larnaka and Nicosia, personal appointments in Paphos at one of our cooperation partners' offices are usually necessary, or we refer our customers directly to qualified lawyers there.
- service portfolio:
- Non-Dom immigration packages including company formation and YelloSlip from approx. €1,400 (plus VAT and government fees)
- Support with company formation, real estate purchases and tax issues.
- construction and development services
- trust fund
- tax planning, international tax planning and corporate structuring
- litigation and dispute resolution
- Financial Services & Regulation
- property
- structuring of companies
- Intellectual Property (IP) and Trademarks
- auditing and tax consulting
- Immigration Law in Cyprus
- labor law
- GDPR, data protection and cybersecurity
- corporate and commercial law
- Contract law and drafting of contracts
- banking and finance
- Fintechs, cryptocurrencies, blockchains
- accounting services
- Compliance, KYC and Due Diligence
>>>> Contact Company formation and immigration in Cyprus<<<<
Thomas Weyermann
WhatsApp: +357 999 45 749
Thomas Weyermann
WhatsApp: +357 999 45 749