Just moved to Cyprus: the first ten things to sort.

The yellow slip. EU citizens staying more than three months must apply for a registration certificate within four months of arriving. The form is the MEU1; the certificate is the yellow slip everyone mentions. Appointments book out weeks ahead, so get in the diary before you unpack.

GESY. Cyprus's national health system. Register online, choose a personal doctor, and do it before you need either. Beneficiary registration is the gateway to everything else medical.

A local bank account. Utilities, landlords and half the island's billing still prefer a Cyprus IBAN. Banks want your paperwork in person and in order. Bring more documents than seems reasonable.

Electricity and water in your name. The EAC handles power, your local water board handles water. Both are straightforward; both want your passport, the rental contract or deed, and a deposit if you're renting.

Internet, ordered early. Installation takes longer than the brochure implies. Order the line the week you sign the lease, not the week you start working from home.

The car question. Licence exchange, road tax, the MOT, insurance that actually answers the phone. If you're importing a car, take a deep breath first, and advice second.

Schools, in person. The good schools have real waiting lists. Visit, don't email. A term early is on time.

An accountant, before December. Tax residency, the 60-day rule, non-dom status: Cyprus is generous to people who plan. Get advice while the calendar can still help you.

The house, seasoned. Service the air conditioning before your first July, and ask about heating before your first January. Cyprus houses are built for the postcard months.

One number that knows the rest. Every list like this ends with forty smaller ones: a cleaner, a plumber, a vet, a table on Friday. That's the part Mel does: one WhatsApp message, a team that already knows who's good.