Cyprus Law
Lawyers in Famagusta – review – Smoking deterrents
Governments are trying to find ways to stop people from smoking. This we find very hypocritical when they should not have been allowed in the first place and the government use tobacco to make a lot of money in taxes which is why they have not been banned from the shops as yet.
Tobacco is very addictive and this is a known fact for many years yet the tobacco has been on continuous sale and now that millions of people are addicted to smoking they want to find ways of eventually banning smoking this is suicide.
In the UK new laws are being brought in to the effect that cigarettes must not be on show for sale yet kept under the counters out of sight. And in some European countries they are trying to stop the packaging of cigarettes being so attractive and are discussing having all cigarettes being packaged in the same way.
This of course has not gone down too well with the different tobacco companies who have copyrights and laws protecting their products so there will be a big legal fight before this ever happens we are very sure of that.
Keeping cigarettes under the table and changing packaging is not going to help combat no smoking it is too late for that tobacco companies and the governments have seen to this.
At the same time alcohol is just as dangerous so why is this not being taken off the shelves and packaged all the same? Maybe having free and more accessibility to products that help you stop smoking would be a more beneficial.
Tell us your thoughts on the smoking issue and what you think would help the masses quit.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Property lawyers in Cyprus – review – USA Major Investor
We have an angel in our mist so it appears as reports are that the Cyprus president has met with a big investor of USA nationality who wants to investment major funds into our island.
The details are being kept very hush hush until the investor himself is ready to reveal his identity and details of exactly what kind of investment he is planning to create.
The meeting took place on the 28th December 2011 with the President, the investor and the Finance Minister so it looks like this could be a very big deal for us!
There are reports of hotels and casinos being built but we will have to wait and see like everyone else. There are also reports that other wealthy international investors are looking to invest in our island which is very good news and very much welcomed.
As long as we preserve the important parts of the Cyprus heritage and culture there is no reason why we ca not make our island the new Dubai. As sad as it is not everyone wants a cultural holiday they want new and they want modern and they want chic at affordable prices and we have the means and the interest from investors to offer that if the government allow this!
Many people have given up on the Cyprus Island which we feel is a very grave mistake. We have said and we stand by our words that 2012-2013 are going to be the years that the world will see Cyprus come back to life with full force and those who invest now we strongly believe will reap all the rewards.
We are very excited to hear hear more on this secret investor and what is in store for the island of Cyprus.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Lawyers in Paralimni – Review – Russian Flights to Cyprus
In a bid to further increase visitors from Russia efforts are underway to boost further arrivals from Russia. This includes the main airlines introducing new flights from other Russian cities other than the existing routes already in operation.
Aeroflot which is Russia’s main state owned carrier currently flies from Moscow to Larnaca and Transaero privately owned carrier currently flies from St. Petersburg to Paphos. The outcome wanted from current discussions is to expand both carriers operations to fly from other Russian cities to both Cyprus airports in order to enhance further arrivals to Cyprus.
This would help both Russia and Cyprus with regards to holiday and tourism revenue. The Russian market has hugely boosted Cyprus tourism, property and business revenue and any efforts to further increase this can only be seen as a positive step.
Both Cyprus airports operated by Hermes Airports in cooperation with the government are increasing incentives to bring in more airlines to Cyprus and their efforts appear to be paying off with many airlines showing such interest in flying here.
The airports are a first step in boosting tourism. If flights are too expensive we will not get the airlines or the passengers thus, the rest is self explanatory. This is a good step taken by Hermes Airports and the government which should now be followed by the rest of the tourism industry in enticing further tourism. Regulating everyday products in tourist areas is just one example.
Any decisions are yet to be announced but we do believe summer 2012 will be an even better season for Cyprus and we will most certainly see more arrivals from countries such as Russia, Germany and the UK we feel.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Property Lawyers in Cyprus – Review – Rise In Property Claims
The recent decision by the European Court of Human Rights to grant millions in damages from the Turkish government to 13 applicants claiming rights to their property in the Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus has shocked many, and also made many think twice about what they are doing to claim their rights to their property.
But, it is not just the Greek Cypriots wanting to claim their rights, Turkish Cypriots are also standing up and seeking their rights to property on the Republic of Cyprus. Specializing in such cases we have noticed the rise in queries regarding both properties on the Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus and on the Republic of Cyprus.
The ECHR will no longer hear cases for claims to property on the Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus. The ECHR will only hear cases when all other options are exhausted. All applications must be made to the Immovable Property Commission which is now legally recognized by the ECHR to legally and fairly deal with any property issues. And of course the courts in the Republic of Cyprus hear the cases for claims to property in the Republic of Cyprus.
Our specialized members of staff are now dealing with many new applications in both courts from both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Individuals are not happy to sit it out and wait for the peace talks to end. Both communities want what they feel is legally theirs and they want it now. And rightly so!
Once you have provided us with the relevant information and required documents we will immediately go ahead and put your case forward. If you do not have the relevant documents we can help you to obtain these.
No matter where your property/land is situated or if you are Greek or Turkish Cypriot or even if you are resident or no longer resident in Cyprus, we strongly believe in one community and fairness for all …we are here to assist the people of all of Cyprus.
Contact our office today for full details of how we can help you.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Immigration Lawyers in Cyprus – review – Cyprus Residency Laws – Completed 5th February 2012.
Residency in Cyprus is becoming a very much talked about subject in Cyprus for the simple fact that there are many very affluent individuals who would like to reside in Cyprus but are a little off the mark when it comes to the strict criteria for residency.
The government has pledged to speed up the process for those who pass the criteria and we reiterate this should have been the case all along. Prolonging such applications prevents investment revenue and potential business revenue.
Why should such an affluent individual be kept waiting when they have the money to invest in any country of their choosing they actually do not need us we need them.
The issue now is the criteria this is where we need the government to really sit down and take a good look before we truly miss the boat to the rich and wealthy. The age for example should not be an issue if a person is sitting on hundreds of thousands of pounds!
With the growing ties between countries such as Israel and the Middle East we have to adjust to accommodate such affluent nations.
Permanent residence is vastly more complicated for Non – EU citizens in that the individual or family must invest funds into Cyprus. Through buying property and opening a company and depositing a certain amount of funds in the company this will help the application. It must be deemed that a person can support themselves and their family without having to use any state money.
And for those who can quire easily do this or maybe a little off the mark should be given complete priority in helping the Cyprus Economy.
If you would like further detailed information on Residency in Cyprus contact us directly where our specialized members of staff are at your service.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Company Registration Lawyers in Cyprus – Review – setting up a Company in Cyprus – Completed on 5th February 2012.
The business sector in Cyprus along with tourism is probably the only two sectors that are holding up well in these struggling economics times. We have devised a very lucrative company registration package that helps new businesses in this crisis financial climate.
And with the government tightening down on tax evasion and trying to recuperate as much money as possible to curb the countries deficit now is as good a time as any to register your company.
Not only have we seen a rise in company registration from international companies we have also seen a rise is interest from Turkish Cypriots from Northern Cyprus which is a really positive sign.
Whether you are local or international you must make sure you are fully aware of the Cyprus company law and the procedure for setting up a company as there are certain legal obligations that must be fulfilled.
Please keep in mind your lawyer is your fist point of call when setting up a business. There are also different types of companies you can set up depending what benefits you the most and this is a subject your lawyer will help advise you on.
Cyprus enjoys a 10% taxation policy which is one of the lowest taxation policies in Europe, hence why so many international companies look to Cyprus for business opportunities, along with double taxation treaties with many different countries, Cyprus is truly a vibrant business centre and getting bigger everyday.
Our company law department have received a very high inflow of new comers setting up new businesses all over the island. We do all the work for you leaving you to concentrate on other important aspects of your new company.
Contact our highly renowned company law department today and make sure your company starts the right way.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Property Lawyers in Cyprus – Review – Qatar/Cyprus Nicosia Project
The Nicosia – Qatar deal has been very much talked about in the public media as to whether it is to go ahead or not go ahead.
First there were problems with financial issues and the price of the land and the amount that Qatar were prepared to match with the Cyprus governments’ valuation. Then we heard rumours that Qatar was not happy with the slow pace that Cyprus works at. Then there were issues of the army camp being situated on the land where construction is due to begin.
There have been many issues, rumours and stories published but it appears that the deal for the luxury new development is definitely under way. The army camp that was said to have delayed construction has now ceased to operate and the go ahead for it to be demolished has been given.
So construction should very well start soon enough putting paid to all rumours’ and stories and showing the public the deal is cemented and 100% going ahead.
This deal was so important to Cyprus and for it not to go ahead would have been very damaging in relation to other rich countries investing in our island. If the Qatar deal fell through this would give other countries room for doubt when looking at countries to invest and also Qatar are looking to invest in other projects in Cyprus which could not afford to be jeopardised.
Not only this, the new project is hoping to bring millions in revenue which would definitely make a difference to the Cyprus economy. So there is a lot riding on this deal and we are very happy to welcome the new development and Qatar as an investment partner.
Tell us your thoughts on this issue we would like to hear from you.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Property Lawyers inCyprus- Review -CyprusProperty Market – Completed on 10th December 2011.
We wanted to bring nothing but good news for the festive month of December but it is not possible regarding theCyprusproperty markets as they are looking gloomier than ever.
Sales figures show that November has seen the biggest drop in a continuous property market slump which has been declining now for well over a year and to make matters even worseNicosiawho has really stayed a running favourite along with Limassol has seen the biggest drop of all. That for starters is not good news.
2 years ago the market collapsed and the recent figures are lower than this particular period so we can safely say we are in trouble!
The bad publicityCyprushas received was the first bomb to hit the ship and the fact that it is virtually impossible to get a mortgage here now is another blow to the already sinking ship. The government have no choice but to implement further procedures in favour of the investor before we completely go under and time is of the essence.
The government and the banks must act quickly in order to salvage the property market and property prices will still have to be reduced even further to allow investors to buy. Despite this, the cost of living on the island now and the lack of employment and threat of taxation to businesses is another turn off to investors.
It is ok offering loans and reduced house prices but if people can not afford to live here what is the point in buying here?
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Paralimni Property Lawyers – Review – Cyprus Property Market – Completed 2nd January 2011.
Official figures for 2011 property sales are absolutely abysmal we must sadly report. In fact abysmal is quite an understatement as we have not seen such low figures since the year 2000 before the boom
Many factors have led to this and we must now find ways to move forward and recuperate our property market. We have managed to get the tourism market back on track and the business sector is very much in demand so now we must put all our efforts into the property industry, which is obviously an area the government are just not getting right.
In the final month of 2011 Famagusta was hit the worst with figures falling by three quarters compared to the same time last year followed by Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaca beating them all so to speak with sales down a third on last year.
Not very good news for us on the East Coast with only 8 properties sold for the whole month of December…this issue we must now pull together and seriously address.
While figures were looking brighter earlier in the year on a whole for 2011comapred to 2010 contracts deposited at the land registry office were down by little under 20% …wow!
That is it folks that was 2011 for the Cyprus property market. We do hope with the new policies the government are bringing in for the reduction of VAT and transfer fees will help and we hope they have lots more up their sleeve to pull us through this crisis.
We feel all officials working within the property industry must put their brains together and come up with ideas and you the public must also put your ideas forward on how you think the property market could be helped. The government actually do need our help with this area that is for sure.
For all your property queries, issues or problems contact our expert property department today we look forward to hearing from you.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Legal Consultants in Cyprus – Review – Cyprus airways at paphos airport
Unfortunate news for Paphos with Cyprus Airways pulling out of the airport altogether no flights incoming or outgoing! They will still operate at Larnaca airport as normal but Paphos is off the books.
Also with no Ryanair deal in place as yet this is really not a good time for Paphos tourism. Any Ryanair deals are not off the table as yet there is still hope and it would be very beneficial to entice this carrier to operate at airport as this will bring in high tourist numbers on a major scale.
Of course new flight carriers will be sought and the tables will open to hear any potentials deals from airlines but as it stands the shock of Cyprus Airways pulling out is still being felt.
Ways of enticing more flights with existing carriers will be address along with ways of upgrading and developing tourist’s attractions for the existing tourists markets that visit the area.
Paphos has had a very bad time lately and deserves some good luck we feel. The property market has greatly suffered, the tourist market has decreased and many businesses have packed up and left. Yet Paphos is such a beautiful area of Cyprus and has so much to offer.
Paphos is still very much in the race for Culture Capital 2012 and has a very good chance of winning it is no consolation short term but big things may be happening for Paphos in the long term we have strong beliefs on this.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Lawyers in Cyprus – Review – Karayiannas V O’Dwyer case – Completed on 27th December 2011
The O’Dwyer V Karayiannas Developers case continues with Mr O’Dwyer now being granted legal aid to continue his fight against the Cyprus developers. This is a first for Cyprus to be granted legal aid in a civil case.
O’Dwyers case has been ongoing for many years and has also been made a very public affair with O’Dwyer setting up a website, appearing on TV, staging protests in the UK and also here in Cyprus.
The case started with Mr O’Dwyer claiming he had brought a house from the developers and the house was then sold again to somebody else. Issues then escalated and Mr O’Dwyer claimed to have been attacked outside the said property which is situated in Freneros of which the developer was again taken to court and charged with assault.
After all the court cases and legal fees Mr O’Dwyer has no savings left and applied for and was granted legal aid by the Famagusta court to carry on civil proceedings.
Legal aid is usually granted in criminal cases and human rights cases not in such civil cases so this is definitely new to the Cyprus legal system which could lead to many more homeowners in Cyprus claiming for legal aid against property developers.
The legal aid will not only pay for lawyers and court fees but will also pay for accommodation and travelling costs from the UK. If the legal aid had not been granted all these years of fighting his case could have amounted to nothing.
So the case continues and the outcome patiently awaited.
Tell us your thoughts on this issue we welcome your opinion.
For any property issues in Cyprus contact us directly where our expert members of staff are always at your service.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 27TH DECEMBER 2011.
Paralimni Property Lawyers – Review – Cyprus Capital Development – Completed on 5th February 2012.
Cyprus will soon be the lucky recipient of a magnificent Cultural and Arts centre. We are currently the only country in the EU not to have one. However, tenders are now open for this huge project to be constructed in the centre of Nicosia.
The construction of the centre will cost little under one hundred million Euros and is hoped will influence many visitors to the island along with strengthen ties between the Middle Eastern countries.
The centre itself will consist of numerous performance halls and a main theatre seating approximately fourteen hundred people. There will be a smaller music hall for entertainment and rehearsals seating approximately four hundred people along with other types of classes and a library and a dining venue and shops.
Construction is expected to start in the third quarter of 2012 and it is hoped the project will be finalized within 3 years.
This is another great development for Nicosia who will also benefit from another major development funded by the Cyprus and Qatar government offering a vast conference centre and leisure facilities along with residential and commercial investment.
It is good to see such development going ahead and being processed at a speedy pace this is exactly what we need on our island.
The Cultural and Arts centre will bring worldwide entertainment, music and dance to the centre of Cyprus and many worldwide and ethnic visitors to Cyprus.
Congratulations let’s hope we have much more such developments to come!
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 5TH FEBRUARY 2012
Legal Firm in Cyprus – Review – Cyprus marinas – Completed on 23rd December 2011
The Limassol Marina is in front of schedule and will be operational by the fall of 2012 being able to accommodate boating vessels and fully completed in 2014. Work started in 2010 and the progress made is exceptional.
The Marina has been devised to birth 650 boating vessels from small vessels to super yachts. There will be 274 residential properties of which 188 will be luxury apartments and penthouses the other 86 will be luxury villas.
The marina will also comprise Cypriot tavern’s along with other international dining venues and bars. There will also be boutiques and designer shops and state of the art leisure facilities. The marina will offer 24 hour security, wireless internet, fresh water and a boating repair service.
While Limassol is bathing in such positive and progressive news other coastal towns expecting new marinas are not so lucky. The Paphos marina project is still in tender stages with companies battling it out. The Agia Napa marina is very quiet at the moment yet construction did start on this project but is now on hold. And the Larnaca marina is reportedly still going ahead as planned.
It is very important these marinas get going and completed to bring in the clientele that marina life attract. Marinas are all year round attractions and our island must have these developments available.
It has been reported that due to the countries declining deficit many planned projects will not go ahead for the time being this is discouraging news and we do hope our islands luck turns around in 2012 we still have faith and believe we will pull through with flying colours.
Tell us your thoughts on the Cyprus island marina issues.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Lawyers in Cyprus – Review – Le Meridien Limassol Cyprus – Completed 5th January 2012
Le Meridien Luxury 5*hotel & Spa situated in Limassol Cyprus is a favourite place of ours at A&G Kouzali Law Office. The hotel has now been operating for over 30 years and is one of the most renowned Hotel & Spa Resorts in Europe.
The whole resort boasts quality, chicness and tranquillity and of course the hotel has transformed over the decades but we have to say they have come to a point where perfection has prevailed.
This is not just a place to go holiday this is a place where you can relax enjoy the beautiful surroundings and know you are going to be pampered and very well taken care of. It is a place where you feel like royalty and you are not just a passing guest you matter and this is very important.
The hotel caters for all luxury pleasure, business and leisurely needs. The accommodation we have no need to tell you is of top quality. The Spa is worlds away and you will definitely feel you are in paradise. The health club is state of the art. And dining at Le Meridien is a truly fine experience. The hotel also caters for professional and large conferences and is used by renowned worldwide corporate services.
It is very common to also see famous guests from around the world strolling around Le Meridian Hotel and indulging themselves in fine eating and relaxing in pure class.
Congratulations to Le meridian who have conquered total excellence in hotel & spa living every detail has been carefully considered and taken care of well done.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Cyprus Property lawyers – Review – Cyprus development – Completed on 3rd January 2012
What do we need to get this island back on top form? What do we need to once again have this island thriving with different nationalities from world-wide countries?
We need investment, we need new attractions and we need to come out of the dark ages and into the future.
This island is so slow on governmental procedures nothing ever gets done and new development sits for month’s even years waiting to be addressed. The government have to change their stance on this.
For all development plans put forward to the government they must be rushed through procedures and development must take its course as quickly as possible.
We need the casinos, we need the gold courses, we need the marinas, we need the luxury hotels and spa resorts, and we need the theme parks. Any large investment has to be given high priority and dealt with as a matter of urgency.
Bureaucracy must be put aside and development must prevail for our island to progress. Of course we do not want any harm to investors or any more nightmare incidents such as the title deed issue but we have learnt our lesson we know where we went wrong and now there is a lot that could be done to speed up such applications for the construction of large developments.
How can our island move forward and our economy progress when development is on hold due to formalities that really could be resolved and not sat on some government officials desk!
If the government don’t have the money at least allow the private sector to contribute in the recovery of our economy.
The same goes for the visa and residency issues, relax the visa and residency on certain situations and let the finances roll in from the rich and wealthy. Why not let the rich into our country… just because a person is not old enough seems rather minor when they have so much money they could invest! Such issues really need to be addressed.
We must follow the money and accept change or stay in the dark ages and let the rest of the world progress.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Law firms in Paralimni – Review – gas exploration and link to Israel – Completed on 4th February 2012
The new gas find off the shores of Cyprus has opened up a whole new world to other European and non-European countries.
In a visit to Israel discussions were under way to produce a cable that connects Cyprus, Greece and Israel to the new gas resources. To have such a relationship with Israel which is a very affluent country is a historical occasion.
Israel and Cyprus has had quite a harmonious relationship through the years, the cultures are very much the same and the country is only 250 miles apart. With Israel having high levels of experience with gas exploration and keeping in mind Cyprus buys most of its oil from Israel, Israel can play a big part in advising Cyprus how to manage and optimize such a challenging project.
Such a link between countries will benefit both economies and strengthen ties to a maximum in all areas of tourism, business and investment.
Trade between Cyprus and Israel for the previous 2 years already stands at around half a Billion this figure is limitless should relations between the two countries strengthen. This link will be a historical occasion marking the relationship between the two countries should the cable go ahead.
We as a community must now do all we can to welcome such relations and make the Israelis feel at home as we have the Russians, The British and the Germans. Making such efforts will greatly help our economy.
And with Turkey on our back with regards to the gas find such an ally can only strengthen our standing on this issue.
Tell us your thoughts on this subject we would like to hear from our readers and members of the public.
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
Lawyers in Cyprus – Review – Israel and Cyprus
With the current gas find off the shores of Cyprus we are now expecting Israel to become strong allies with Cyprus and the relationship to become much stronger than previously.
If we look at tourism figures for 2011 Israeli nationals were slowly dwindling away and Cyprus was not such a favourable country for the nationals to visit.
Now with the current energy situation and continuous talks between the two countries it is expected that business, investment and tourism will now strengthen and both countries’ economies will benefit immensely from this excellent situation.
Tourism was up 11% for 2011 compared to 2012 with the British, Russians and Germans taking the top 3 spots. And Cyprus accommodates these countries much more than others, but now we must also look at accommodating and targeting other dwindling countries as such the affluent Israelis!
The Israelis have the finances to bring to our island and invest and with the current gas find now is the time to highly promote Cyprus and bring all our efforts to the forefront for this country to recognise Cyprus as a favourable and secure place to visit, invest and reside.
We target the British, the Russians and the Germans by employing staff speaking their native language, we offer places of business and leisure targeting each country, we advertise our services in the chosen language, websites etc.
Now we must also do the same for the Israelis’ and other countries that we can also benefit from. All the Middle Eastern countries should be catered to as their rich and wealthy are looking for safe havens.
Continuing the efforts to promote Cyprus to our existing strong markets is a must but enticing these new countries is mandatory. We have a lot to offer once we catch their attention!
PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |