Living abroad for Cypriot expatriates does not automatically mean the suspension of their relations with their homeland, Cyprus. The need for Legal advice and guidance is present, sometimes enhanced, due to the complexity that their cases often present. This happens because there is not only a need to defend interests but also to deal with obligations. They require responsible handling, especially if one takes into account how complex these cases can be for the residents of Cyprus as well.
The multitude of issues regarding Cypriot expatriates is admittedly inexhaustible as issues arise back in Cyprus that are challenging to handle remotely.
Most common of these, indicatively, in:
– Inheritance issues related to wills, administrations and acceptances of inheritance
– Expats who own real estate in Cyprus, preparation and submission of the relevant documents, assistance in purchase cases, especially with regard to tax exemptions, and Land Registry
– Obtaining documents from the Public Sector Agencies as well as submitting new ones, concerning actions and events that took place abroad (for example, a marriage, a birth or a death)
– Handling loans and debts
– Representation before the Cypriot Courts and public authorities
– Providing consulting services for the handling of legal cases and the out-of-court settlement of disputes arising in Cyprus
– Foundation and dissolution of Companies
– Purchase – sale with an enduring power of attorney, without the presence of the person buying or selling and the processing of all bureaucratic procedures before the Authorities
– Other issues related to retirement, fulfilment of army obligations, general and enduring powers of attorney, banking transactions, tenant eviction due to expiration of lease/contract, etc.
Particular emphasis is placed on the issues mentioned above of inheritance law, especially for the drawing up, filing, accepting and publishing of a will. These cases can become too complicated, as the mediation of consular authorities is often required, while the need for conciliation and translation services is expected.
It is also worth pointing out that Cypriot expatriates, who own real estate in Cyprus, should update the Land Registry and take actions that can be of significant importance for the defence of their financial interests and not only their personal ones.
Kyriakos D. Silvestrou is a Lawyer & Legal Consultant in Cyprus
