Opening a bank account in Cyprus, without the runaround

A Cyprus bank account is the hinge on which the rest of your move turns — salary, rent, utilities and residency all lean on it. The process is straightforward if you arrive prepared, and slow if you do not, because Cypriot banks follow strict European anti-money-laundering rules and will ask you to document who you are and where your money comes from.

What to bring

For a personal account, expect to show a passport, proof of address (at home and, increasingly, in Cyprus), and evidence of the source of your funds — a payslip, pension, or business documents. For a company account, add the company's certificates and details of its owners and activity. Bring originals; keep copies.

What to expect

Allow days to a few weeks rather than an afternoon, particularly for company accounts, and be ready for follow-up questions — they are routine, not suspicion. An accountant or lawyer who knows your chosen bank can prepare the file so it clears first time, which is often the difference between a week and a month.

Different banks suit different people — a resident salary account, a non-dom's needs and a trading company are three different conversations. Tell our concierge your situation and we will steer you to the right bank and, if you like, to an advisor who will prepare the paperwork with you.