Nicosia: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Nicosia in 2026

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, the island's business and administrative centre with ministries, banks, universities and a large foreign community. The city lies inland, about 45 minutes by car from the sea at Larnaca, so housing is cheaper than in Limassol and life is calmer. Cyprus is a European Union country with the euro, English in business and one of Europe's mildest tax regimes for capital.

Nicosia is Europe's last divided capital: the south belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, the north is controlled by Turkish Cypriots, and a buffer zone with crossing points runs between them. For Russian citizens the move is possible but requires preparation: a national Cypriot visa is needed, and residence is granted based on income, work for a foreign company or investment.

Cost of living in Nicosia

Prices come from two independent price databases for 2026, converted at the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026, about $1.12 per euro. Rent in Nicosia is noticeably lower than in Limassol, but new furnished apartments in Strovolos and Engomi cost more than the averages.

Where to live in Nicosia: neighbourhoods

• Old Town - quarters inside the Venetian walls with narrow streets, cafés and pedestrian Ledra Street, atmospheric but with little modern housing.
• Strovolos - the largest residential area with schools, shops and new buildings, popular with families.
• Engomi - upscale area near the universities and embassies.
• Acropolis - quiet residential area close to the centre.
• Lakatamia and Latsia - suburbs with houses and prices below the centre.

Public transport in Nicosia is limited to buses, so most residents drive.

Entry and residence

Cyprus is in the European Union but not in the Schengen area, so Russian citizens need a national Cypriot visa. The simplified electronic pre-visa was abolished on 1 January 2025, and since 6 July 2026 applications have been accepted by visa centres in several Russian cities. A Schengen visa formally works for entering Cyprus, but the rules should be checked before travel.

For long-term living, citizens from outside the European Union most often obtain a visitor residence permit: foreign income from 24,000 euros a year, about $26,900, without the right to work on the island. Employees of foreign companies get work and residence permits through the employer. Permanent residence by investment requires an investment from 300,000 euros plus VAT, about $336,200, and income from 50,000 euros a year. More on the pages Cyprus residence permit and Cyprus permanent residence by investment.

Taxes in Cyprus

A tax reform has applied in Cyprus since 1 January 2026: the tax-free threshold rose to 22,000 euros, and corporate tax went from 12.5% to 15%. VAT is 19%. A foreigner whose permanent home has historically not been in Cyprus pays no special defence contribution on dividends and interest for 17 years, and share sales and inheritance are not taxed in Cyprus. You can become a tax resident after just 60 days on the island if the other conditions are met. More on the page Taxes in Cyprus.

Renting and buying property

A citizen from outside the European Union can buy an apartment or house in Cyprus, but registering the title requires permission from the district administration, usually granted for one property used as a home. Before buying, check the title, whether the apartment has its own title deed and any developer mortgages: for years homes in Cyprus were sold without deeds being issued. Buying property in the north, in the area controlled by Turkish Cypriots, is risky: the Republic of Cyprus considers many such deals illegal.

Leases run for a year with a deposit of one or two months' rent, and the lease is registered to prove the address for residence.

Climate and daily life

Nicosia is the hottest city in Cyprus: summer days often reach 37-40 degrees, winters are mild at around 15-18 degrees by day, and rain falls mostly from November to March. The official languages are Greek and Turkish, English is widely spoken in business and public offices, and the city has many Russian speakers. Healthcare is good, with a general health insurance system. There are private and international schools teaching in English. Larnaca airport is 45 minutes away.

Pitfalls

• A national Cypriot visa is needed; the simplified e-visa has been abolished.
• The visitor residence permit does not allow work on the island.
• Very hot summers, with the sea about 45 minutes away.
• A purchase needs district permission and a check of the title deed.
• Buying property in the north is risky.
• A high 35% rate on salaries above 72,000 euros.

Murblz specialists help with the visa, visitor residence permit, employee permits, permanent residence by investment and tax status. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.