While many South African have cited familiarity in climate and lifestyle, the deciding factor for most has been the difference in safety and daily living conditions.
For years, South Africans travelling to Cyprus on business or holiday have remarked on how much the island resembles home – from the warm light to the coastal landscapes.
But for those choosing to relocate, the appeal goes far deeper. What they’ve found is a version of home without the fear.
“On this island you’re completely safe,” Matthew, a 56-year-old South African CEO, told the Cyprus Mail.
“You can’t put a price on knowing your kids can walk to school, that your car will still be where you left it, that you can sit outside after dark.”
Matthew had been travelling to Cyprus for years on business, and in 2024, decided to make a permanent move from Johannesburg to Limassol with his family.
One of the safest countries in Europe
For some, life in South Africa has increasingly been shaped by security concerns. Cyprus, on the other hand, offers a very different reality.
The homicide rate on the Mediterranean island is 1.3 per 100 000 (compared to 42 per 100 000 in South Africa), while fewer than 10% of Cyprus’ residents report any experience of vandalism or crime.
The island consistently ranks among the safest places in Europe. In most towns, children walk to school, cafés stay open late and households routinely leave doors unlocked.
Ancestral links to Cyprus
Cyprus has long had a notable South African population, made up of people who feel a connection between the two countries.
Many are second- or third-generation Cypriots who have since returned to their ancestral roots. Others have no ties at all, yet the South African community in Cyprus has grown steadily.
Recent census data shows more than 2 500 residents born in South Africa, with another 500 still holding South African citizenship – more than double the number recorded a decade ago.
Beyond safety, Cyprus boasts uninterrupted electricity and water, universal healthcare through the GeSY system, reliable public services and strong schooling options (both local and international).
Cyprus also offers jobs for those who want them, while South Africa’s unemployment rate hovers around 33% (and youth unemployment above 60%).
The island nation’s investment-friendly climate (including a 12.5% corporate tax rate and no inheritance tax) add to its appeal.
Where are Saffas settling?
Across Cyprus, South Africans are drawn towards the different lifestyles that the island offers.
Most new arrivals settle in Paphos for its slower coastal vibe, or in Larnaca for its modern developments and growing marina district.
New residential areas in Livadia, Oroklini and along the Dhekelia Road continue to attract families seeking security, convenience and access to the sea.
