UK LEGAL Expatriate Services

24/04/2026

USEFUL INFO RE FORECLOSURES:

Cyprus's parliament has revised foreclosure and insolvency legislation referred back by the President. Here is what changed and what remains unresolved.

14/04/2026

FCA PROVING ITSELF A CHOCOLATE TEAPOT: https://www.ftadviser.com/content/b31b59bb-0c06-4265-a90d-2577e844f807?xnpe_tifc=bf4LbI1dhfxX4I1dh.xZ4ypsafeWaeiWhFW6RfE6EkLvVu81hdJLRfXcbdiArkQL4.e_4.Vdx.Vj4dojh.nT&utm_source=exponea&utm_campaign=FTA+-+Morning+Bulletin+-+Newsletter+-+14.04.26&utm_medium=email&fbclid=IwY2xjawRK_s1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeZ_5CAwYKotvgghQY1DdSenluih-T6rMv2akqzkd2__8_cv9swnW7WB1id48_aem_4dxZ1ODlzHAu1k97w8pQeg

The

27/03/2026

IMPORTANT PENSION NEWS FOR EXPATRIATES. See:

Reforms announced in the Autumn Budget last year will remove access to Class 2 voluntary National Insurance contributions for individuals living overseas

25/02/2026

APALLING BY SFO/COURT:

Former double glazing salesman David Ames was jailed for defrauding 8,000 victims in the scam unwittingly backed by ex-golfer Gary Player and former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash.

20/02/2026

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/insider/tax-reform-steep-penalty-hikes-card-payment-defence-levy/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQEtXRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeolJzVif8nXrLxUhbkGAfncuCAKeoO8BAHbmybx0d42K5KY5u3lJMa8R7W6Y_aem_6SNkwQ9aqjxdzhkz6KHk1w

Fines rise sharply under tax reform from 1 January, with card payment refusal now €6,000 and defence levy evasion reaching €100,000 for repeat offenders.

08/02/2026

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/op-eds/decoding-the-cyprus-tax-reform/?fbclid=IwY2xjawP1hJxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEell2kytEtyPN8aECAJMgLom_S5ueUE1XCJ5PoyofV513LDkhTCfHz9ZNOtfY_aem_K6WKgoGRmNolGkt-BThPnA

By Panayiotis Iona*Cyprus entered 2026 with a far-reaching tax reform affecting almost all areas of taxation, with the notable exception of VAT. Although I am primarily a VAT consultant, I believe this reform carries several important underlying m

22/01/2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR UK & EU CITIZENS IN CYPRUS 🚨PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE
If you are living in Cyprus and still hold the old MEU (yellow slip), you must action this.
🇬🇧 UK Citizens – This Is COMPULSORY
Your yellow slip paper will become INVALID after 3 August 2026.
To continue proving your legal residence and rights under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, you MUST apply for the new biometric MUKW residence card.
Failing to update may affect your
❌ Legal residency status
❌ Right to work or be self-employed
❌ Access to healthcare and benefits
❌ Border crossings and official procedures
📜 Why is this required?
✔️MUKW card is the only accepted proof of Withdrawal Agreement rights
✔️ Old MEU papers no longer meet EU security standards
🇪🇺 Other EU Citizens
While not yet mandatory, upgrading to the biometric MUKW card is strongly recommended. It is more secure, durable, and significantly simplifies administrative processes in Cyprus.
🪪 Which card applies to you?
• MUKW1 – Temporary residence (under 5 years)
• MUKW3 – Permanent residence (over 5 years)
• MUKW2 – Non-EU family members
⏳ Do not wait until the last minute.
Appointments take time to come through. Presently May 2026!
Updating early avoids delays, complications, and future restrictions.

12/01/2026

SELLING PROPERTY IN CYPRUS IN 2026? FAVOURABLE TAX REFORMS ARE NOW IN EFFECT.
Recent legislative reform has amended the Capital Gains Tax Law of Cyprus, modernising the method by which gains on immovable property and certain transferable assets are calculated and taxed, while aligning the framework with EU standards.
Although Capital Gains Tax (CGT) remains at 20%, reforms effective from 1 January 2026 significantly enhance exemptions available to property owners.
Key changes from 2026 include:
• Increase of the general lifetime CGT exemption from €17,086 to €30,000
• Increase of the main residence exemption from €85,430 to €150,000, subject to a 5-year occupation requirement
• Continued deductibility of documented improvement costs, legal fees, transfer fees and estate agent commissions
• Retention of the full CGT exemption for properties acquired between 16 July 2015 and 31 December 2016
With proper planning and robust documentation, CGT exposure can be significantly reduced — and in some cases eliminated.
Esme Palas
Partner | Barrister at Law

31/12/2025

ALL THAT IS WRONG IN CYPRUS 2025!

As 2025 bows out, we all find ourselves—almost unconsciously—reviewing what's scarred this wretched place. Inevitably, attention turns to those wielding power, whose decisions left their mark on the year—and not in a good way. Top-tier cock-ups, spectacular absurdities, monumental blunders. In...

12/12/2025

WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED!

More than 3,000 establishments in Paphos face suspension for operating without the required licences, the municipality has warned. A physical inspection of business premises found that a wide range of operations – including banks, professional offices such as accounting, legal, architectural and m...