Mauro Botanes@Mauro_Botanes
My honest review after 1+ month living in Larnaca, Cyprus
Context: I’m living here with two close friends in an apartment in Larnaca. We’re all entrepreneurs who’ve known each other for years. I came straight from 2 months in Canggu, Bali.
Tax residency
I came mainly because my friends were already here, but also to test the place. It’s the best tax option available to Europeans — Andorra-level but better in my opinion. Unlike Dubai, it actually holds up in court if you ever face tax problems, which means your money is clean and can be safely spent across other European countries. Travel within the EU is seamless too. And all that for just 60 days / year.
For EU citizens specifically, getting tax residency here is significantly easier, I can see why you have had more friction with this. Also the 90 day leash is craaaaazy.
Rent and location
I get the Limassol complaints, that’s exactly why we chose Larnaca instead. It’s amazing here. Super chill, great gym nearby (the Sunday closure thing is annoying though), beach close by, and prices are genuinely good. You’re also 10 minutes from the airport, with direct connections to basically all of Europe and Asia.
Loneliness
I completely understand this concern. If I’d come alone, I’d probably feel the same way. But that’s kind of the point for me. Larnaca is my base for deep work, grinding, and hitting my business goals. I’ve been tracking my meals consistently for over a month now. And honestly, 2 months a year here is exactly what I need, if not even more.
I love Bali, and obviously Spain (my home country). But my plan is to rotate between all three as my bases: Cyprus is my lock-in place, but with great weather, good food, and proper first-world infrastructure (no big malls in Bali, as we know).
But I can i see why in your scenario it does not make any sense to move here.
If you ever come back to Cyprus, let me know!
