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Ozzy and Carol Kelsey have been living in Cyprus for eight years and describe it as being ‘like heaven’. The couple grew up in South Africa and raised their children here before leaving in 2010. They lived in Abu Dhabi for six years where Carol worked as a teacher.
After holidaying in Cyprus with their son-in-law and daughter, Dave and Candi Jackson, they all fell in love with the country and the people and so Dave and Candi purchased a holiday home for themselves and an apartment in which their parents could retire. In 2016, after retiring, Ozzy and Carol made the move to Cyprus. Estate Living chatted to them about the pros and cons of being an expat on this Mediterranean island.
How did you relocate to Cyprus?
We arrived in Cyprus in 2016 on a holiday visa which was only valid for two weeks. In those two weeks, with the help of an attorney, we opened a bank account so that we could apply for a residence visa. As part of the application, we had to prove that we were able to look after ourselves. We offered proof of our pension and had to pay a substantial amount into the new bank account and take out medical insurance.
The residence visa entitles us to live here for a period of a year and we must renew it each year. As part of our renewal each year we must produce a medical report stating we are fit and well and have no health problems, as well as six months’ bank statements proving our income and stating that we have no dependents. We also have to have an insurance policy, which is renewable yearly. In the seven years we have been living here we do this religiously. It’s always a worry they may change their rules. We have tried numerous times to apply for a three-year visa, with no luck.
Where did you choose to settle in Cyprus?
We live in a village called Pegeia, which is located between Coral Bay and Paphos, all of which are popular holiday destinations. Pegeia and Paphos are full of retired people. Besides the awesome pubs, beautiful beaches, and plenty of entertainment options, we also have access to supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and a very good government hospital. The cost of living is very good and manageable. Although prices have increased of late, it is still affordable. Our village has everything we need and more.
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How easy is it to enter the property market in Cyprus?
We have been very fortunate in that our daughter and son-in-law bought us a property. However, for those buying to gain permanent residence, I understand it is no guarantee that you will get permanent residency status.
Applying for permanent residency or a Cypriot passport requires you to have a very healthy bank account as well as a property ownership requirement. Some of the South Africans in our circle who have applied for permanent residency have been waiting for between five to eight years.
How would you describe the safety and security in Cyprus? Is there crime?
Cyprus is one of the safest countries to live in. Even though we cannot say that there isn’t crime, especially with the influx of refugees, it is not a patch on South Africa. When we lived in South Africa, we were hijacked and our home was broken into. There is no comparison. Living here is like heaven for us.
What is your favourite thing about the lifestyle in Cyprus?
The climate here is amazing. In summer we often walk at night or sit on the beach watching the moon while enjoying a glass of wine. We also have no fear here of being attacked or robbed. Nicosia, the capital city, is a busy hub and Limassol is a holiday city; they are both very beautiful and we enjoy them both. We love where we live, we love Cyprus and we love the people.
Where to start if you are looking at buying property in Cyprus
For more information on buying property in Cyprus as a foreigner, you can watch several webinars on the Estate Living site with Cypriot Realty or visit cypriotrealty.com The site has several informative articles on the processes involved.
Ways to obtain permanent residency
According to Buysellcyprus.com, there are two ways to gain permanent residency in Cyprus. The first way is to invest in a new property with a minimum value of 300 000 euros (R6 million). This will allow for permanent residency for life for you and your children as well as your parents and parents-in-law.
Alternatively, if you buy any property, either new or for resale, at whatever price you will gain permanent residency, but you will have to prove that you can support yourself. When your children reach 18 years of age, they will lose their permanent residency status. This permit does not extend to the parents of the applicant.
