Cyprus is located in the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean and enjoys a warm climate with an average of 340 days of sunshine a year throughout 4 distinct seasons. Daytime coastal temperatures range from about 15 °C in January to about 35°C in August. The mountain areas reaching an altitude of 6300ft offer much cooler temperatures from 4°C to 25°C in the same periods. There are daily flights from most of the main European airports.

Cyprus offers a rich and diverse landscape dominated by two mountain ranges, those of Pentadactylos in the north and the central and larger Troodos range. 9000 years of history have inevitably left their mark and the island is rich with ancient Greek and Roman ruins and historical castles and fortresses that date back to the Crusaders. Most archeological sites are beautifully preserved and in many cases restored to use. Every town has museums showing the best finds from the historical sites.

Cyprus has all that a sunny Mediterranean island should offer, blue skies, clear and clean sea awarded with “blue flag”, sandy beaches, mountain forests and huge areas of unspoiled countryside. Its geographical location places it within a few short hours flight from most European cities and more than 35 airlines operate scheduled flights to the two international airports at Larnaca and Paphos.

With an area of 9251 sq.km. and a population of about 650 000, Cyprus is not densely populated. Most of the population resides in and around the 4 main towns of Nicosia, the capital, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. The size of the island make all areas within easy reach.

Due to the wonderful climate and variety of scenery the island offers endless opportunities for recreational activities. From comprehensive sports facilities to a seeming endless choice of restaurants and tavernas, pubs and clubs.

The islands greatest resource is its people who are renowned for being friendly and hospitable. Cypriots have established a high standard of living for themselves whilst retaining the traditional qualities of yesteryear, an indication of which is the very low crime rate on the island.

Healthcare

A wide range of medical practitioners, eminent specialists and consultants practice in private clinics and government hospitals throughout the island. All medical personnel are highly qualified from European and American Universities and Hospitals.

Education

There is a wide choice of schools from nursery to secondary level of a high standard. colleges, universities and the famous University of Cyprus, with curricula based on the British, Greek, French and American systems.

Banking

Banking practices and the range of services available are similar to those in the U.K. and continental Europe. Well known, international banks are represented in Cyprus.

Cyprus has a double tax treaty providing financial incentives for the expatriate community and offshore businesses. International accounting firms are well represented in the country.

Offshore companies

With more than 25,000 offshore  entities registered in Cyprus, the island  is now established as one of the world’s  primary financial and commercial offshore centres. The Cyprus government has given a number of incentives for the formation of offshore companies. These include:

A low tax rate of 4.25% applicable to the net profits earned by the offshore companies and the total tax exceptions for the partnerships.

Duty free allowances  for the companies and their expatriated personnel.

A low tax rate for the expatriated employees.

These advantages combined with the provisions of the Cypriot double tax treaties which regulate the tax relations of Cyprus with over 40 countries can produce unique opportunities of reduction of tax.

Retirement

Many persons have chosen Cyprus as a place to retire. Easy living conditions, the warm weather and series of incentives given by the Cyprus Government to retired people make the country an ideal location. These include duty free facilities and very low taxation of their income which emanates  from abroad. These people may also benefit under certain circumstances from the Double Tax Treaty which regulate the tax relations of Cyprus with over 40 countries.

The islands strategic position puts it within a few hours flying time from most European cities, Gulf countries and former Eastern bloc countries. More than 40 major airlines operate over 250 scheduled and chartered flights through the international airports of Larnaca and Paphos.

Communications

Telecommunications are amongst the best in the world and the postal services are fast and reliable. Many of the large international courier companies also operate on the island.

Sports and entertainment

A wide variety of water sports are available on most beaches and seaside hotels. Exclusive clubs and health clubs offer a variety of indoor and outdoor sport facilities. Snow skiing in the winter months and year round golfing are only half an hours drive from Amathusia.

For the most adventurous, hangliding, paragliding and parachuting are all available at a short distance.

The mountains of Troodos offer endless ideas for leisure activities, long rambles through the pine forests, horse riding, picnics, angling in the streams and reservoirs.