posted 28th January 2026
Cyprus has been climbing the shortlist for people looking to relocate abroad - and 2025 appears to have been another strong year for inbound moves. Whether the motivation is lifestyle, climate, tax planning, retirement, remote work, or 'a fresh start', the direction of travel is clear: more individuals and families are choosing Cyprus as their next home.
While exact totals vary depending on how 'relocation' is measured (residency applications, property purchases, school enrolments, visa routes, and other indicators), the broader trend is hard to ignore. And with continued interest from EU and non-EU movers, it’s reasonable to expect that 2026 will see further growth.
Why Cyprus continues to attract movers
A rise in relocation is rarely driven by one factor. Cyprus tends to benefit from a combination of practical and lifestyle advantages:
- A strong expat ecosystem in many areas, making it easier to settle and find support.
- A familiar legal and business environment for many international movers, with widely available English-language services.
- Climate and quality of life, including outdoor living and a slower pace for many.
- Connectivity, with regular flights and established international communities.
- A growing 'remote work' mindset, where people are less tied to one location.
As these drivers continue into 2026, interest in Cyprus is unlikely to slow - especially as more people hear positive stories from friends, family, and online communities.
The hidden risk: moving countries is a high-trust transaction
Relocating is exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest 'high-trust' decisions most people will ever make.
You may need to rely on professionals you’ve never met, often in a different legal system, for things like:
- Property purchases or rentals
- Immigration and residency support
- Tax and financial planning
- Company formation or employment arrangements
- Banking, insurance, and ongoing compliance
When you’re new to a country, it’s easy to feel confident because everything looks professional on the surface. Unfortunately, that’s where risk can creep in.
Common pitfalls expats face
Even well-prepared movers can run into problems such as:
- Overpromising and underdelivering from service providers
- Unclear fees or scope of work, leading to unexpected costs
- Poor communication, especially across language barriers
- Conflicts of interest (for example, being pushed toward a 'preferred' option that benefits someone else)
- Lack of accountability when something goes wrong
The cost isn’t only financial - it can be emotional too. A difficult relocation can impact family life, work, and confidence in the move itself.
Why reputable companies matter more than ever
As more people move to Cyprus, demand for services rises. That demand attracts excellent professionals - but it can also attract opportunists.
That’s why choosing reputable, ethical, and transparent providers is essential. The right professional doesn’t just 'get the job done'; they help you make informed decisions, communicate clearly, and treat you fairly.
In short: integrity matters, especially when you’re building a new life abroad.
How EXAPS helps expats move with confidence
EXAPS (Expats Alliance of Professional Standard) exists to make it easier for expats to identify professional service providers who are committed to fair, ethical standards.
EXAPS is an international professional-membership alliance and directory platform designed to help expats find trusted providers - including (but not limited to) lawyers, accountants, and real estate professionals - across Cyprus and other key expat destinations.
What you can expect from the EXAPS approach
- A transparent directory that helps you search for providers by country, area, and expertise.
- Member firms that commit to a Code of Conduct, focused on treating customers fairly and acting ethically.
- A review process that supports accountability and encourages responsible behaviour.
A quick but important note
EXAPS is not a regulator, ombudsman, accreditation body, law firm, or provider of legal/financial/immigration/tax advice. EXAPS does not guarantee outcomes and is not a party to any contract between an expat and a service provider.
What EXAPS does provide is a practical way to identify professionals who have chosen to stand behind a shared standard of integrity - because integrity does not stop at the border.
Planning a move to Cyprus in 2026?
If you’re considering relocating to Cyprus this year, start early and build your support network carefully. The most successful moves are usually the ones where people:
- Ask the right questions upfront
- Get clarity on fees and scope before committing
- Choose providers with a reputation for fairness and transparency
- Keep good records of advice and agreements
- And when it comes to selecting professionals, use a directory and alliance that prioritises trust.
EXAPS is here to help you find reputable providers - so you can focus on building your new life in Cyprus with confidence.
