Departure Guide
Leaving Cyprus: An Expat's De-Registration Checklist (2025)
While arriving in Cyprus involves a lot of paperwork, leaving correctly is just as important to ensure a clean break and avoid future complications. Properly closing your accounts and de-registering from official systems protects you from future tax liabilities and helps you retrieve your deposits. This CyExpats.com checklist covers the essential tasks to complete before you depart.
Start Planning Early: Don't leave these tasks until your last week. The de-registration process can take time, especially getting final bills and tax clearances. Start the process at least 1-2 months before your departure date.
The Ultimate De-Registration Checklist
Work through these categories to ensure a smooth and complete exit from Cyprus.
| Category | Task & Details | Who to Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Tax & Finance | ||
| Tax Residency |
Notify the Tax Department Inform them you are leaving Cyprus and will no longer be a tax resident. You may need to file a final tax return to settle any outstanding liabilities. |
Cyprus Tax Department |
| Tax Clearance |
Request a Tax Clearance Certificate This is crucial. It's official proof that all your tax obligations have been met. You will need this to close some bank accounts and for official purposes in your next country. 🧮 Need to estimate your final tax bill? Calculate your income tax and GESY contributions for the year to understand your potential liabilities before you file. Try the Income Tax & GESY Calculator |
Cyprus Tax Department |
| Bank Accounts |
Close Your Bank Accounts Visit your bank branch with your ID. Settle any outstanding balances and arrange for the final balance to be transferred. Closing an account from abroad is difficult, so do it in person if possible. |
Your Bank |
| Immigration & Social Security | ||
| Residency Permit |
Notify the Migration Department (CRMD) It's good practice to formally notify the CRMD that you are permanently leaving, especially if you hold a non-EU permit. Surrender your permit to avoid any issues if you plan to return in the future. |
Civil Registry & Migration Dept. (CRMD) |
| Social Insurance |
De-register from Social Insurance If you were employed or self-employed, inform the Social Insurance Services that your employment has ended and you are leaving the country. |
Social Insurance Services |
| Household & Utilities | ||
| Landlord |
Give Formal Notice Provide written notice to your landlord as required by your rental agreement (usually 1-2 months). Arrange a final inspection date to get your deposit back. |
Your Landlord or Real Estate Agent |
| Electricity |
Cancel EAC Contract & Get Deposit Back Visit an EAC customer service center with your ID and final meter reading. They will issue a final bill. Your deposit will be refunded, usually offset against the final bill amount. ⚡Estimate your final bill here. |
Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) |
| Water |
Cancel Water Board Contract Visit your local municipal Water Board office. The process is similar to the EAC: provide a final meter reading and settle the final bill to retrieve your deposit. 💧Estimate your final bill here. |
Your Local Municipal Water Board |
| Internet/Mobile |
Terminate Contracts Contact your provider (Cyta, Epic, etc.) to terminate your service. Be aware of any early termination fees if you are still within a contract period. You will also need to return any rented equipment like routers. |
Your Telecoms Provider |
| Other Important Tasks | ||
| Vehicle |
Sell or Export Your Car If you own a car, decide whether to sell it locally or export it. Both options involve paperwork with the Department of Road Transport (TOM) to de-register the vehicle from your name. |
Department of Road Transport (TOM) |
| Pets |
Arrange Pet Export If you have pets, start the process for their export well in advance. This involves checking the import requirements of your destination country and getting the necessary health certificates from a Cypriot vet. |
Your Veterinarian |
|
Arrange Mail Forwarding Consider setting up a mail forwarding service with the Cyprus Post or arranging for a friend to collect any important mail that arrives after you leave. |
Cyprus Post | |