Life in Cyprus

Online platforms

In Cyprus, people mainly look for rentals through online resources. The most popular websites are:

• Bazaraki.com – the main portal for private ads, offering both long-term rentals and property sales;
• Facebook – widely used for renting and finding rooms;
• Airbnb – for short-term contracts (after 1–2 months, you can negotiate a longer term and a lower price directly with the owner);
• PropertyCyprus.com and other agency websites (for those looking for new apartments and willing to work with agents).

Important: in Cyprus, personal inspection of the apartment is often preferred, so a short stay in the country makes the search easier.

Ukrainian and international communities

Many relevant ads are posted on Facebook groups:

• Ukrainians in Cyprus
• Expats in Limassol/Larnaca/Nicosia – English-speaking groups for foreigners.

Through these groups, you can find accommodation without commission and directly from the owner.

Required documents

To sign a lease agreement, you will usually need:

• passport or ID;
• sometimes proof of income or a local bank account (especially for long-term agreements);
• for students – a certificate from the university.

💡 If you are unsure about the wording in the contract or are asked to pay a “reservation fee” in advance without official guarantees, this is a red flag.

➡️ Legal assistance with checking the contract and rental terms is available at Visit Ukraine.

Types of shops

In Cyprus, most shopping is done in large supermarkets and local shops:

• Carrefour Cyprus, AlphaMega, Lidl, Papantoniou, Sklavenitis — supermarkets with a wide range of products.
• Farmers' markets (especially on weekends) offer fresh fruit and vegetables at lower prices than in shops.
• Periptero mini-markets are small shops open 24 hours a day, but prices are higher there.

Cost of food

Average monthly food expenses:

• 250–350 EUR/month for one person;
• 450–600 EUR/month for a couple;
• 700–900 EUR/month for a family with a child.

Examples of current prices:

• Bread – 1.5–2 EUR
• Milk (1 liter) – 1.5–1.8 EUR
• Chicken (1 kg) – 8–10 EUR
• Eggs (12 pcs.) – 4–4.5 EUR
• Apples (1 kg) – 2.5–3 EUR
• Seasonal vegetables (1 kg) – 1.5–2.5 EUR at the market

It should be noted that imported goods in Cyprus are more expensive than in mainland Europe due to logistics.

We tell you more about food and restaurants in Cyprus  here.

How to save

• Buy fruit and vegetables at local markets — prices are lower and the produce is always fresh.
• Choose Lidl and AlphaMega — prices are significantly lower than in small shops.
• Use loyalty programs (discount cards).

Public transport

In Cyprus, the main form of public transport is buses. Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, and Paphos have their own operators (EMEL, OSEL, ZENON, OSYPA).

• A single ticket costs 2–2.5 EUR within the city.
• A day pass costs 5 EUR.
• A monthly pass costs €40–50 depending on the region.

Tickets can be purchased from the driver or via a mobile app. Buses run less frequently than in Europe, so many foreigners prefer to drive.

There are no subways or railways on the island, only bus routes between cities.

Car

A car is very convenient for living in Cyprus:

• Gasoline costs 1.6–1.7 EUR/liter.
• The roads are good, but traffic is left-hand, which takes some getting used to.
• There are no toll roads, but fines for speeding and parking are severe.

Green Card:

If you are coming to Cyprus by car with Ukrainian registration, you will need an international Green Card insurance policy. You can get one in a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine website.

Intercity transport

• Intercity buses connect major cities. A ticket from Larnaca to Limassol costs around 5–7 EUR.

There are no trains on the island, and long-distance travel is only possible by plane or bus.

Major banks in Cyprus

The most well-known banks in Cyprus that accept Ukrainians:

• Bank of Cyprus — the largest network with over 58 branches, English-speaking staff, and a wide range of services
• Hellenic Bank — actively works with foreigners and offers e-banking
• Alpha Bank, Eurobank Cyprus, Central Cooperative Bank — provide multi-currency accounts for residents and non-residents

Can Ukrainians open a bank account in Cyprus?

Yes. Ukrainian citizens can open personal or business accounts as residents (after obtaining local registration) or as non-residents. Most banks require identity verification, proof of address, and the purpose of the account.

Required documents

• Passport or ID card
• Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or rental agreement)
• Proof of income or status (for opening a long-term account)
• Additional documents may be required for business clients or non-residents (company registration, business plan)

Online account opening

Some banks (Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank) allow you to open a personal account via a mobile app or web service. You will need a scan of your passport/ID, a selfie, and proof of address — a physical visit may not be required

Commissions and fees

• Personal account maintenance: €2.5 to €5/month at Bank of Cyprus or Hellenic Bank
• International transfers: €4–8 depending on convenience and destination
• VIP or business accounts may have higher fees (for large transfers, multi-currency functions)

Alternative: online banks

Wise, Revolut, and N26 are popular among Ukrainians: they can be opened remotely, are convenient for international payments, but do not replace a local bank account in cases where a Meldezettel or local salary account is required.

Why is this important for Ukrainians

• A local bank account is required to receive a salary, pay rent, and utilities
• Makes it easier to use local services (children, insurance, etc.)
• Without an account, it is difficult to rent accommodation and access local services

Legal support

Not sure which bank is best to open an account with or what documents you need? Visit Ukraine lawyers can help with advice, document preparation, and support throughout the process.

Major mobile operators

There are three major mobile operators in Cyprus:

• Cytamobile-Vodafone (Cyta) – the largest operator with the widest coverage, especially in remote areas.
• Epic – high-speed mobile internet, affordable packages for calls within the EU.
• Primetel – a price competitor, often offering attractive combo packages.

Mobile communication costs

• Prepaid SIM card (10–15 GB) — from 20–25 EUR/month.
• Additional minutes and SMS are often included in the package.
• Contract tariffs are available with a local address and long-term stay.

Home internet

• Average cost — 30–50 EUR/month for speeds of 50–100 Mbit/s.
• Providers: Cyta, Epic, Primetel.
• They often offer combo packages (internet + mobile + TV), which are cheaper than buying them separately.

Tips for newcomers

• For the first few months, a prepaid SIM card is convenient.
• If you plan to stay for a long time, it is worth switching to a contract and connecting an internet + mobile package.
• Coverage is good in cities, but Cyta works best in rural areas.

Kindergartens

The main language spoken in kindergartens is Greek, but there are programs for learning English.

• State kindergartens (νηπιαγωγείο) accept children from 3 years old. The cost depends on family income: €70–150/month, and many municipal kindergartens are free for children aged 4 and older.
• Private kindergartens cost €200–400/month, with higher prices in large cities.

Schools

Many schools have additional language programs for foreigners.

• Public schools are free and teach in Greek.
• Private and international schools offer education in English (sometimes French or Russian). The cost ranges from €5,000 to €10,000 per year, depending on the level of the school.

Documents required for enrolling a child

To enroll in a kindergarten or school in Cyprus, you will usually need:

• Passport of the child and one of the parents.
• Residence permit or temporary protection status certificate (if applicable).
• Medical certificate and vaccination record.
• Proof of address (rental agreement or utility bill).
• For private schools, a short interview or English test is sometimes required.

Adaptation of children

Ukrainian children are helped to adapt through preparatory language courses. There are extracurricular activities: sports, music, dancing. The cost of clubs is from 30–50 EUR/month.

Healthcare system in Cyprus

Cyprus has a public healthcare system called GESY (General Healthcare System). It covers most basic medical services for citizens, residents, and those with legal status on the island.

Ukrainians who have temporary protection or resident status can register with GESY and use public clinics on an equal footing with local residents.

If you are in Cyprus as a tourist, student, or have just moved and have not yet obtained status, you will need to take out private health insurance.

Private insurance

Private insurance policies in Cyprus provide:

• treatment in private clinics;
• quick access to specialists;
• the ability to choose your doctor.

How to apply

The most convenient way to do this is online — before your trip or immediately after arrival. Through Visit Ukraine, you can take out international insurance in just a few minutes.

Fines and rules of conduct

Cyprus has strict rules and regulations.

• Traffic violations: speeding or using a mobile phone while driving is punishable by fines of 100 EUR or more.
• Parking: in unauthorized places — a fine of 50–85 EUR.
• Garbage and ecology: littering or smoking in prohibited places — from 50 EUR.

These rules are designed to maintain cleanliness and safety, so it is important to quickly get used to local norms.

Language courses and integration

For newcomers, there are free or partially subsidized Greek language courses offered by municipalities. There are also volunteer groups and community centers where you can learn English.

These courses help you adapt more quickly, understand documents, and work with government agencies.

Cultural life and leisure

An active Ukrainian community has formed in Cyprus, especially in Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Cultural events, themed meetings, workshops, and consultations for newcomers are held regularly. In addition, open concerts, festivals, and fairs are often organized on the island, and you can spend your free time in parks, on the waterfront, or on the beaches.

Tips for your first months in Cyprus

1. Get a SIM card and open a bank account immediately after arrival — this will simplify renting accommodation and accessing services.
2. Register with the GESY system if you have a residence permit — this will allow you to receive medical care without significant expenses.
3. Keep an eye on your electricity and water bills: payments are made every two months, but in the summer months, air conditioning can double your bills.
4. Use buses between cities if you don't plan to rent a car right away: tickets are affordable, and the main routes connect coastal cities.
5. Research the areas of the city where you plan to live in advance. For example, in Limassol, housing closer to the sea is more expensive, but there are areas 15 minutes away where prices are 30% lower.

✅ Visit Ukraine services for Ukrainians in Cyprus

Moving to Cyprus means new opportunities, but also a whole list of tasks: finding accommodation, getting documents in order, choosing a school for your children, and ensuring their safety. Visit Ukraine will help you navigate this process more easily and quickly.

On the platform, you can:

• Get medical insurance online to be sure you have access to clinics even before you get local status.
• Order a Green Card for your car — a mandatory document for Ukrainian cars in Cyprus.
• Get legal advice on renting a home, opening a bank account, or getting documents for long-term residence.
• Buy plane or bus tickets in just a few clicks.

We are here to support you at every stage of your move and life abroad. Visit Ukraine — support when you need it most 💙