Emigrating to Cyprus with Children: The Complete Family Guide 2025

Why Cyprus is Attractive for Families with Children

In recent years, Cyprus has become a top choice for German families considering emigration. The Mediterranean island offers a unique combination of European standards, Mediterranean lifestyle, and family-friendly infrastructure, making it especially appealing to families with children.

Climate and Quality of Life

Cyprus’s subtropical Mediterranean climate means your children can enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year. Temperatures rarely dip below 10°C in winter and stay around a pleasant 25-30°C in the summer. This consistently warm weather ensures your family can enjoy outdoor activities all year round – from beach days to hikes in the Troodos Mountains.

Air quality in Cyprus is significantly better than in major German cities. According to the European Environment Agency Air Quality Index (2024), Cyprus has on average 15-20% lower particulate matter levels than German urban areas. For children with respiratory illnesses or allergies, this can mean a substantial improvement in quality of life.

Safety and Infrastructure

Cyprus is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. The Global Peace Index 2024 ranks Cyprus 32nd out of 163 countries, well ahead of many other EU states. Crime rates are exceptionally low, and violent crime is rare. Children can safely move around even at night, and it’s perfectly normal for teenagers to use public transport on their own.

Infrastructure is modern and up to European standards. The road network has been significantly expanded in recent years, and internet speeds averaging 50-100 Mbit/s are notably above the EU average. This is especially relevant if you work remotely or if your children require access to digital learning platforms.

International Community

Cyprus is home to a large international expat community. It’s estimated that over 170,000 EU citizens permanently reside on the island, including about 15,000 Germans (Source: Cyprus Statistical Service, 2024). This established German-speaking network greatly eases integration for your children. There are German playgroups, sports clubs, and cultural events to make the transition smoother.

English is widely spoken as a second official language, simplifying everyday communications. Around 80% of Cypriots speak fluent English, and in tourist regions such as Limassol or Paphos, German is also often understood and spoken.

Legal Requirements for Families Moving to Cyprus

The legal framework for moving to Cyprus is straightforward for EU citizens, yet there are important details to consider, especially relevant for families with children.

EU Citizens: Freedom of Movement and Registration Requirement

As a German citizen, you and your family benefit from the EU right of free movement. You don’t need a residence permit and can live in Cyprus without time limits. However, after three months, you must register with the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

To register your family, you’ll need the following documents:

• Valid passports or ID cards for all family members
• Children’s birth certificates (certified translation into English)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable, also translated)
• Proof of health insurance for all family members
• Proof of sufficient financial means (approx. €10,000 per year for a family of four)
• Rental agreement or proof of home ownership

Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks. We recommend translating and certifying all documents before your arrival to avoid delays.

Residence Permit for Non-EU Citizens

If a parent is not an EU citizen, the process is more complex. In this case, a residence permit is required, which can be issued under various categories:

Required Documents and Official Procedures

Families with children have additional administrative steps: children must be registered with the Ministry of Education, even if initially attending private schools. This registration is necessary for later recognition of school-leaving certificates.

A crucial step is getting German documents apostilled. All certificates must be stamped with an apostille before translation. This is done by the relevant authorities in the German states. Allow an extra 2-3 weeks for this.

Special care is required with custody arrangements. If you are relocating with your children as a single parent, you need a notarized declaration of consent from the other parent, stating specific consent for permanent relocation to Cyprus.

The Cypriot School System for German Children

Choosing the right educational institution is crucial for your children. Cyprus offers several options, each with its own pros and cons.

Public vs. Private International Schools

Cyprus’s public school system is free and open to EU citizens. Classes are taught in Greek, with English as a mandatory subject from the first grade. For German children who don’t speak Greek, this can be a significant challenge. Integration typically takes 1-2 years, during which your children will need intensive language support.

Private international schools, on the other hand, offer lessons in English and typically follow British or international curricula. Costs vary significantly:

German School Nikosia and Other German-Language Options

The German School Nicosia is the only officially recognized German international school in Cyprus, offering classes from pre-school to Abitur, following German curricula. The school is recognized by the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs in Germany, so qualifications are fully accepted back home.

A significant benefit is the seamless continuation of the German educational path for your children. They can return to Germany at any time without recognition issues. Classes are bilingual (German-Greek), further aiding integration into local society.

However, waiting lists can be long, especially for secondary levels. We recommend registering at least 12 months ahead of your planned start date. Admission criteria are strict: your children should have age-appropriate German skills and fully documented school histories.

Alternatively, there are several German kindergartens and preschools in Limassol and Nicosia, which provide good preparation for the German School. These private facilities cost €400-€800 per month and offer a familiar environment for younger children.

Overcoming Language Barriers

The language situation in Cyprus is complex. While Greek is the main language, most Cypriots speak a distinctive Cypriot-Greek dialect, which differs from standard Greek. However, English is widely used and rapidly acquired by children.

For successful integration, we recommend a multi-stage language plan:

1. Before moving: Lay the foundations in Greek and English (start 6 months prior)
2. First 6 months: Intensive language courses for children in both languages
3. Long-term: Participation in local sports clubs and activities to naturally develop language skills

Private language schools offer special programs for expat children, costing about €40-60 per hour for individual lessons, or €200-300 per month for group classes. This investment pays off in the long run with better integration and improved career prospects for your children.

Healthcare and Health Insurance for Families

Cyprus’s healthcare system has improved significantly in recent years and now provides comprehensive medical care for families with children. The quality matches European standards, and waiting times are much shorter than in Germany.

The Cypriot Health System (GESY)

Since 2019, Cyprus has had a national healthcare system (General Healthcare System – GESY) that covers all residents. As EU citizens, you and your family are automatically entitled to its benefits once you’re officially registered.

Funding is based on income-related contributions:

• Employees: 2.65% of gross income
• Employers: 2.90% of salary total
• Self-employed: 4% of taxable income
• Pensioners: 2.65% of pension

Children are insured free of charge until age 18. GESY covers virtually all medical services, including check-ups, vaccinations, and dental treatments for children under 18.

A major advantage of GESY is free choice of doctor. You can see any approved physician without referrals or long waits. Especially for families, this is ideal for prompt treatment of acute illnesses.

Private Health Insurance for Expat Families

Many international families also take out private health insurance to receive even higher quality services and comfort. Family policies range from €2,000-€4,000 per year, depending on age and coverage.

Private insurance offers the following benefits:

• Treatment in private clinics with more comfort
• Shorter waiting times for non-urgent procedures
• Comprehensive dental care (including for adults)
• Medical repatriation to Germany in serious cases
• Alternative treatments (physiotherapy, osteopathy)

For families with chronically ill children, a combination of GESY and private supplemental insurance is often optimal: basic services are covered by GESY, while private insurance ensures specialist treatments and greater comfort.

Pediatricians and Specialists

Pediatric care in Cyprus is excellent. All major cities have specialist children’s clinics and practices. Many doctors have studied in Germany, the UK, or the USA and speak fluent English, sometimes German.

In Nicosia and Limassol, there are German or German-speaking pediatricians experienced in supporting expat families. Dr. Maria Konstantinou in Limassol, for example, studied in Munich and has cared for German families for over 10 years.

Vaccination recommendations follow EU standards. Your German vaccination card is accepted, and ongoing adherence to the German immunization schedule is possible. Conveniently, most routine vaccinations are free of charge via GESY.

For children with special medical needs, check in advance if the necessary specialists are available. While basic care is excellent, highly specialized treatments may only be available in Nicosia or even abroad.

Living in Cyprus with Children

Choosing the right place to live is vital for families, as it significantly impacts your children’s quality of life. Cyprus offers several regions with different pros and cons for families.

Best Regions for Families

Limassol is considered Cyprus’s most cosmopolitan city and is very popular among international families. The city offers superb infrastructure with international schools, a modern hospital, and plenty of leisure opportunities for children. The Marina area and the Amathus hotel district are especially family-friendly, with clean beaches and playgrounds.

Nicosia, the capital, is the cultural and administrative heart of the island. The German School is located here—a decisive advantage for German families. The old town offers rich cultural life, while the modern suburbs such as Engomi or Strovolos are quiet and well-connected residential areas.

Paphos in the west is calmer and more relaxed, focusing strongly on tourism. It’s especially attractive for families seeking a slower pace. Archaeological sites and the harbor provide rewarding outings for children of any age.

Real Estate Market: Renting vs. Buying

The Cypriot property market holds interesting opportunities for families. Rental prices have risen in recent years but still remain below major German city levels. For a suitable family apartment or house with 3-4 rooms, budget as follows:

Renting generally requires 2-3 months’ rent as a security deposit. Most lease contracts run for at least a year, and early termination is often possible only with a penalty. Many landlords favor international tenants, whom they consider more reliable.

Buying property can be cheaper in the long term, especially if you plan to stay in Cyprus. EU citizens can buy property without restrictions. Family homes cost €200,000-€500,000 depending on location and amenities.

A key advantage to buying: under the Cyprus Investment Programme, you may be eligible for fast-track citizenship if you invest more than €300,000. This can be important for your family’s future plans.

Cost of Living for Families

The cost of living in Cyprus is generally lower than in Germany for families, with some key exceptions. A family of four should expect the following monthly expenses:

• Groceries: €400-€600 (local products are cheaper, imported goods are more expensive)
• Utilities: €100-€150 (electricity is higher in summer due to A/C)
• Transport: €200-€300 (a car is recommended for families)
• Childcare: €300-€800 (depends on public/private)
• Leisure activities: €200-€400 (sports, culture, outings)

Local services such as hairdressers, tradespeople, and restaurants are particularly affordable. A family meal at a traditional taverna costs about €40-60, whereas the same outing in Germany would be twice as much.

Imported German brands can be significantly more expensive. Many families adapt to local alternatives or regularly order packages from Germany. Online shopping from German retailers is possible, but shipping is often €15-30 per package.

A car is virtually essential for families. Public transport is limited outside major cities, and for school runs or children’s activities, you’ll often need a car. A used family car costs about €8,000-€15,000, with petrol at roughly €1.20 per liter.

Tax Aspects of Moving to Cyprus for Families

Favorable taxation is one of the main reasons many German families move to Cyprus. The Cypriot tax system offers substantial savings potential—especially for higher-income families.

Tax Residence and Registration Requirements

To benefit from Cyprus’s tax advantages, you and your family need to obtain Cyprus tax residence. This happens automatically if you spend more than 183 days per calendar year in Cyprus. For families, this means all members need to reside on the island for the required period.

Cypriot income tax is significantly lower than in Germany:

It’s crucial to de-register in Germany. You must give up your German tax residency, substantiated by documents such as a Cyprus rental agreement, proof of address registration, children’s school enrollment, and, if applicable, your employment contract.

Child Benefit and Family Allowances

Losing German child benefit is a major factor for many families considering the move. In Germany, you currently receive €250 per month for the first two children, €256 for the third, and €282 for each additional child.

Cyprus also provides family allowances, but these are much lower:

• Child Benefit: €25.63 per month per child (up to age 18)
• Single Parent Allowance: €180 per month for single parents
• Large Family Allowance: €42.69 per month from the third child onwards

For a German family with two children, this means a loss of around €450 per month in family benefits. This difference must be factored into your tax planning. In most cases, however, the tax savings make up for this loss.

There is an exception for cross-border commuters: if one parent continues to work in Germany, German child benefit may still be paid in some cases. However, strict requirements apply—seek legal advice before making plans.

Tax Planning for International Families

Families with more complex income streams can take advantage of further Cypriot tax benefits. The so-called non-dom regime should be of particular interest if you have income from multiple countries.

As a non-dom resident (someone not born in Cyprus and whose father was not a Cypriot citizen), you benefit from:

• No tax on foreign dividends
• No tax on foreign interest income
• No inheritance tax on overseas assets
• No annual wealth tax

This rule applies for 17 years and can be extremely beneficial for affluent families. However, all income must be properly declared with the necessary documentation.

For business-owning families, Cyprus offers one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates—just 12.5%. If you move your company to Cyprus, you can realize considerable tax advantages but must also meet substance requirements.

Given the complexity of international tax planning, professional advice is essential. Mistakes regarding tax residency or reporting can result in large back payments. We recommend seeking advice 6-12 months before your planned move.

Practical Tips for Moving to Cyprus with Children

An international move with children requires thorough planning. The following tips will help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Pre-Move Checklist

Being systematic is essential to a successful family relocation to Cyprus. Ideally, start your preparations 6-12 months before your desired move.

6-12 months before:

• Research and apply for school places (especially German School)
• Seek tax advice
• Cancel German child benefit (3 months’ advance notice)
• Take out international health insurance
• Arrange language courses for children

3-6 months before:

• Find and rent an apartment/house in Cyprus
• Book moving company (international moves require notice)
• Have documents certified and translated
• Register pets (vaccinations, EU pet passport)
• Cancel German contracts (utilities, internet, mobile, etc.)

1-3 months before:

• De-register from German authorities
• Cancel health insurance (only after arrival in Cyprus)
• Open a bank account in Cyprus
• Establish first contacts with other German families
• Prepare children emotionally for the move

An international move for a family of four typically costs between €5,000-€12,000, depending on the volume and method of shipment. Sea containers are cheaper but take 2-3 weeks longer than air freight.

Interested in moving to Cyprus? DW&P is happy to support you—contact us at: https://www.drwerner.com/de/kontakt/ 

The First Weeks in Cyprus

The first months in Cyprus are crucial for successful integration. A structured approach will make the transition much easier.

First week:

1. Register with the police (EU citizens have 3 months, but earlier registration simplifies other steps)
2. Open a local bank account (needed for rent payments and local transactions)
3. Set up cell phone contracts (local providers are cheaper than roaming)
4. Buy essentials (IKEA is available in Nicosia and Limassol)
5. Identify general practitioners and pediatricians

First two weeks:

1. Enroll children in school (even if the school year has started)
2. Buy or lease a car (public transport options are limited for families)
3. Get local SIM cards for the family
4. Set up internet and TV
5. Make initial local contacts (neighbors, other expat families)

A helpful tip: Join Facebook groups like “Germans in Cyprus” or “Expats in Limassol.” These communities are very supportive and can offer practical day-to-day advice. Many organize regular meetups, which are especially helpful for your children to make new friends.

Integrating Your Children

Helping your children integrate is often the most challenging aspect of emigration. Children’s needs differ by age, so strategies need to fit accordingly.

Toddlers (2-6): They adapt the quickest but need stability and familiar routines. Bring favorite toys and keep up German traditions. Local playgroups help with language acquisition.

Primary school children (6-10): This age group is curious and open to new experiences. Sports clubs are an excellent way to integrate. Football is very popular in Cyprus, and most clubs have international children. Costs: about €30-50 per month.

Teenagers (11-18): Often the most difficult age group for moves. They already have established friendships and can be resistant. Important:

• Keep in touch with German friends online
• Quickly enroll in an international school with other international students
• Promote extra-curricular activities (music, theater, sports)
• Plan regular trips to Germany

A tip for all ages: Set up video calls with other German families in Cyprus before moving. Your children can make first contacts and see others have had similar experiences.

Most children take about 6-12 months to fully settle. Be patient if there are tears or homesickness at first; this is normal and will pass as new routines and friendships are established.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Despite careful planning, families face some unexpected hurdles when moving to Cyprus. The following are typical problems and proven solutions:

Language barriers in daily life: While English is widely spoken, government offices or tradespeople often speak Greek only. Solution: Network with bilingual neighbors or expat families who can help interpret. Many German families form informal support networks.

Bureaucratic hurdles: Cypriot official processes are different—often slower and with more paperwork than in Germany. Allow twice as much time for each official process as you normally would. Tip: Always bring originals and copies of all documents, even if not explicitly required.

Children’s homesickness: Many kids experience homesickness in the first six months. Establish fixed video-call times with grandparents and German friends. Plan the first trip back to Germany early—this gives children a concrete goal and eases anxiety about being “away forever.”

High electricity bills in summer: Running air conditioning can cost €300-500 per month. Invest in good insulation and energy-efficient appliances. Many families install solar panels—a payback period of 5-7 years.

Social isolation: Without active effort, it’s easy to feel isolated. Take advantage of every opportunity for socializing—school events, sports clubs, church groups, and expat communities. The German Protestant church in Limassol, for example, organizes regular family events.

Quality differences in services: Tradespeople and service workers often operate on “island time”—everything takes longer than promised. Build in time buffers and always get several quotes. Recommendations from the German community are invaluable.

Medical emergencies: For serious illnesses or specialized treatments, you may need to travel to Germany or elsewhere in the EU. Ensure your health insurance covers this. A medical return to Germany costs about €15,000-€25,000.

Frequently Asked Questions