Investment Properties in Cyprus

General Information

Government

Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system of government. It became a full member of the European Union on 1st May 2004, and is due to adopt the Euro in 2008.

The President of the Republic is elected every 5 years and the President exercises power through a Council of Ministers appointed by him. Ministers may be chosen from outside the House of Representatives. Each Minister is the head of his Ministry and exercises executive power of all subjects within that Ministry's domain.

The Cypriot legal system is based on the British procedure, which is essentially common law with civil law modifications. The administration of justice is exercised by the island's separate and independent judiciary. Judicial power is executed by the Supreme Court and the District Courts.

Cyprus is also a member of:

• United Nations Organisation (UN)
• Council of Europe
• Commonwealth of Nations
• Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe
• World Trade Organisation and many other organisations

Local Time

Local time is GMT + 2 hours

Importing Vehicles

British retirees may import, for their own personal use, a car free of import duty. Additionally, there is a concession for retired couples of two duty free cars.

Bringing in Pets

All pets brought into Cyprus must have all the necessary vaccinations and health checks. They can be kept under home quarantine for six months – in a previously designated area where the Veterinary Services Department can inspect them at intervals. In this way you will not need to be separated from your pet.

This quarantine has been lifted for pets when certain documents/certificates such as the following are submitted:

1. Examination certificate stating that the pet was clinically examined 72 hours prior to exportation.
2. Confirmation that the pet was kept in the exporting country since birth or the last six months prior to shipment, with no outbreak of rabies.
3. Confirmation that the pet was treated against echinococcus/hydatidosis prior to shipment.
4. Confirmation that the pet was treated with an insecticidal preparation against ectoparasites prior to shipment.

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