Short answer
Since Brexit, UK nationals are non-EU citizens in Cyprus, so the EU “Yellow Slip” no longer applies to new arrivals. The main routes are employment through a Company of Foreign Interest, the Digital Nomad Visa, a visitor permit for financially independent people, or permanent residence through property investment. Each route can lead to Cyprus tax residency and Non-Dom status.
What changed for British citizens after Brexit
Until the end of 2020, UK nationals moved to Cyprus as EU citizens and registered for a Yellow Slip (MEU1). From 1 January 2021 they are treated as third-country nationals. People who were already lawfully living in Cyprus before that date keep their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement and hold a separate residence document. Everyone arriving now needs one of the non-EU routes below.
Not the Yellow Slip: if you read that moving to Cyprus only takes a Yellow Slip, that information is for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. It does not apply to UK nationals arriving today. Our Yellow Slip page covers the EU process only.
The four main routes for UK nationals
| Route | Suits | Work in Cyprus? | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company of Foreign Interest (employment / director) | Business owners and senior employees who run their business from Cyprus | Yes, for that company | Tax residency, Non-Dom, dividends from your own company |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote employees or freelancers working for employers or clients outside Cyprus | Only remote work for non-Cypriot employers or clients | Tax residency if you stay more than 183 days |
| Visitor permit (Category F) | Retirees and people living on savings, pensions or investments | No | Tax residency, Non-Dom on passive income |
| Permanent residence by property investment | Buyers of new property who want long-term security | Not as an employee; you may hold shares and receive dividends | Long-term residence for you and your family |
The right route depends on how you earn your income, whether your family moves with you, and how long you plan to stay. Income thresholds and document lists are set by the Civil Registry and Migration Department and are checked on your free call.
The tax side: leaving the UK and arriving in Cyprus
Moving your residence permit is only half the move. The other half is tax:
- Leaving the UK. The UK uses the Statutory Residence Test. Your UK tax position in the year you leave, and whether split-year treatment applies, should be planned with a UK adviser before you go.
- Becoming Cyprus tax resident. Through the 183-day rule, or the 60-day rule (a permanent home in Cyprus plus a business, job or directorship here). From 1 January 2026 the 60-day rule no longer requires that you are not tax resident anywhere else.
- Non-Dom status. Most British arrivals qualify. Non-Doms pay 0% Special Defence Contribution on dividends and interest; only the GeSY health contribution of 2.65% applies, capped at €180,000 of income.
- The UK–Cyprus double tax treaty decides which country may tax which income if both could.
Estimate your figures with the Non-Dom tax calculator, and use the free Moving to Cyprus checklist to plan the order of steps.
Fixed fees
You work directly with the advocate, from the first call to the final registration.
Frequently asked questions
Can a UK citizen still get a Yellow Slip in Cyprus?
Not if you arrive now. The Yellow Slip (MEU1) is for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. UK nationals who lived in Cyprus before 1 January 2021 keep their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement with their own residence document.
Can I work remotely for a UK company while living in Cyprus?
Yes, typically through the Digital Nomad Visa, which is designed for people working for employers or clients outside Cyprus. You cannot take local employment on that visa.
Can I run my own business from Cyprus as a British citizen?
Yes. A common structure is a Cyprus company that qualifies as a Company of Foreign Interest and employs you as a director, which gives you a residence and work permit linked to that company.
Will I qualify for Non-Dom status as a UK national?
Most British people moving to Cyprus for the first time qualify, as long as their domicile of origin is not Cyprus and they have not been Cyprus tax resident for 17 of the last 20 years.
Do I stop paying UK tax when I move to Cyprus?
Not automatically. Whether you stop being UK resident depends on the Statutory Residence Test and your ties to the UK. Plan your exit with a UK adviser alongside the Cyprus side.
Can my family come with me?
Usually yes. Most routes allow a spouse and children to apply as dependants. The documents and income levels depend on the route you choose.
Moving from the UK? Book a free 30-minute call. We will confirm which route fits you and what the steps look like in your case.
Book a Free ConsultationOr WhatsApp: +357 99 234560 · More: Relocating to Cyprus · Non-Dom · Tax residency
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Immigration and tax rules change and depend on your circumstances.
