Fresh Off the Plane – Your Weekly Expat Briefing
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Καλησπέρα… Good afternoon from Paphos, Cyprus
I hope you had a fantastic weekend. Here’s your Monday briefing to start the week informed of whats going on in the expatriate world. Have a great week!
All the best,
ProACT Sam
Around The World 🗺️
🇨🇾🇬🇧 Cyprus - British expats fear pensions loss
Some British retirees living in Cyprus are expressing concern that, starting 2025, their UK state pension payments could be reduced.
This has stirred debate among the expat community in Cyprus, many of whom rely on such pensions and are worried about cost of living pressures.
ProACT Sam says:
“Many British expats in Cyprus treat their UK pension as a fixed income stream - but it isn’t immune from policy shifts. The smart move is to map your total retirement income across currencies and jurisdictions. Build buffers, use local bank accounts strategically, and consider diversifying into income-producing assets in Cyprus or the EU. Flexibility is the real pension security.”
🇮🇷🇶🇦🇦🇪 Gulf region - Expat bubble punctured by missiles
A missile strike (from Iran) targeting a U.S. military base in Qatar shook confidence among expatriates across the Gulf, a region often viewed as a safe haven for foreign workers.
Though most missiles were intercepted and no casualties were reported, the event triggered panic in public areas (e.g. malls) and prompted some expats to consider their safety and travel options.
ProACT Sam says:
“Moments like these remind us that political and geographic stability are wealth factors. Expats often chase opportunity but ignore exposure. Always know your exit routes, keep key documents backed up digitally, and ensure your financial structures - pensions, bank accounts, insurances - can pivot fast if borders close or risk rises.”
🇬🇧 UK - Rising scams against aspiring expats
Britons planning to relocate internationally have been warned to beware of sophisticated scams involving fake visas, job offers, and bogus insurance.
These warnings come amid rising interest in emigration (e.g. ~79,000 British citizens emigrated in the year to June 2024) and highlight vulnerabilities newcomers can face.
ProACT Sam says:
“Every few months we see clients caught by convincing relocation scams. The rule is simple… if it looks official but doesn’t check out via a government or verified source, walk away. Before moving abroad, speak to a qualified cross-border adviser who can check your tax, visa, and residency status legitimately. The cheap shortcut nearly always costs more.”
🇹🇭 Thailand - Expats respond to portrayal in The White Lotus
After an HBO episode apparently mocked older white men who move to Thailand (referring to them as “losers back home” or “LBH”), some expatriate men spoke out against the stereotype.
While some defended or embraced the label, others saw it as unfair and reductive of the diverse motivations and backgrounds of the expat community.
ProACT Sam says:
“Every expat story has layers.. for some it’s escape, for others it’s reinvention. What matters isn’t perception but structure: are you legally resident, financially efficient, and protected? Image fades quickly when a tax audit or visa issue hits. Build your foundation & let your results speak.”
🇪🇸 Spain (Costa del Sol) - Local uproar as new sports centre blocks sea views
In Torrevieja (a coastal town popular with British and Irish expats), residents complained that a newly built leisure centre blocked their sea views.
The town council attempted a creative solution: a giant mural depicting the beach painted on the obstructing wall - but the move only heightened frustration.
ProACT Sam says:
“Property rules differ sharply abroad. What feels unfair locally may be perfectly legal under municipal or regional codes. Before buying, always verify zoning, planning, and view rights with a bilingual solicitor. A small due diligence step can prevent years of frustration and unexpected losses.”
Insight from the ProACT Cyprus Office
We’re seeing a noticeable uptick in UK retirees revisiting their Cyprus residency and pension planning. The driver isn’t just lifestyle. It’s the changing UK pension landscape and growing uncertainty over long-term state pension rules for expats.
In the last month alone, several clients have asked us to review tax residency status, double tax relief, and pension drawdown structures to ensure income stays efficient if future UK policy limits payments abroad.
Our takeaway:
➡️ If you’re a UK expat in Cyprus, reconfirm your residency days, pension source, and treaty alignment before the next tax year.
➡️ Build flexibility - structure withdrawals and investments so you can adapt quickly if HMRC tightens overseas rules.
Planning, not panic, protects lifestyle income and that’s where good cross-border advice pays off.
For help and guidance you can contact us.
Latest from the ProACT Blog
Deadlines
The deadline for 2024 final Cyprus tax returns was 30 September 2025. If you missed the deadline you should get your return in as soon as possible.
30 September 2025
Final 2024 Cyprus Tax Returns for Individuals
31 December 2025
2nd & final instalment of 2025 Provisional Tax
Payment for Special Contribution for Defence for last 6 months of 2025
31 January 2026
2024/25 UK Tax Return Deadline
Learn more about our Tax Return Service for expatriates
Need help & guidance?
For help & guidance contact us or book a free review with one of our expat experts.
