Residence in Cyprus

As a resident in Cyprus there are certain actions you really should do. You should register with the local authority for your taxation and council taxes, register with the General hospital for medical treatment.

You should ensure that water, electricity and any relevant complex service charges are in your own name (we can help with these if you wish). You should open the relevant bank accounts to help manage your money and pensions.

Cyprus is divided into six administrative districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Kyrenia. Each district is headed by a District Officer, who is a senior civil servant appointed by Government. A District Office is responsible for the coordination of all Ministries in its district and is accountable to the Ministry of Interior.

Municipalities are a form of local government for urban and larger tourist areas. Local policy is devised by the Municipal council (a body elected by the citizens to a term of five years) led by a Mayor who is the legal representative (also elected by the citizens to a five year term).

The municipality is responsible for the condition of the municipal zone which includes construction and maintenance of buildings, parks and public gardens, street lighting, the protection of public health with rubbish (trash) collection, sanitation and waste disposal and treatment, and the protection of the environment. Where budget permits, municipalities are also responsible for promoting their area through the development of tourism, arts and sports.

Municipal Law means than the municipality has jurisdiction over Streets and Buildings Regulation Law, the Town Planning Law, the Civil Marriages Law and the Sewerage Systems Law.

Communities (or Village Authorities) are broadly equivalent to municipalities, providing the local structure in rural areas. Any community may become a municipality by local referendum (subject to approval) provided it has a population of over 5,000, or has the economic resources to function as a municipality. A community is led by a President (elected by the community to a five year term) and may receive financial, administrative and technical support from the District Office or from Central Government.

Markets are a major part of traditional Mediterranean life. It is the time when all the local produce is bought into the town to be sold. Regular markets take place in the larger towns in Cyprus.

They begin early in the morning with some running all day where as others will finish around lunchtime. The markets have a wide variety of local Cypriot produce on sale, from fresh fruit and spices to the typical Cypriot lace and ceramic jugs and bowls. Also available: costume jewellery, bags and clothing.

Wickerwork, woven rugs, tourist souvenirs, and home made jams and canned fruits are also common at the markets.

Fresh meat, fish, cheese and sausages are widely available at the markets. Haggling is accepted when it comes to paying for goods.

In Paphos the new Kings Avenue Mall offering a cosmopolitan selection of shopping and socialising is open and very successful.

Municipal markets