Working in Cyprus
Expats will find working in Cyprus is largely complicated by the large population of pensioners with a penchant for rest and relaxation and the year-round nearly perfect weather. Neither factor encourages a strong work ethic nor a thriving economy, but nonetheless, expats determined to live and work in Cyprus can still find a few opportunities.
It follows that the tourism industry accounts for the largest percent of the country's GDP, with trade centres in the South supporting a stronger market than their Northern neighbours. Overall, the industry did suffer a setback at the hands of the global economic crises, but nonetheless, the market for sunseekers and holidaymakers remains buoyant and expats tend to be most successful at acquiring jobs in the hotel, catering and hospitality sector. Positions are more plentiful in the summer months during peak tourist season.
English-speaking expats can often make due in this industry without having to know Greek, however, wages tend to be low. As a result, many of the positions are occupied by Eastern European expats who find the salary more than satisfactory.
Alongside the tourism sector, the property market offers opportunity and the nation's affinity for agricultural output also creates space for fruit-picking work. Teaching English is also a possibility, but demand for these positions far outweighs supply.
Expats who do succeed in finding a job in Cyprus often must settle for a lower wage than expected. In the past the low cost of living was the means that justified this end, but now Cyprus has become more costly and salaries don't seem to have risen accordingly.
The majority of jobs in Cyprus demand some knowledge of Greek. Those expats that do speak the language, and even those that don't, will find that the best method of finding employment opportunities is through networking.
Entrusting yourself to valuable personal contacts and effectively tapping into the
right word-of-mouth channels can be far more worthwhile than pouring over the English language newspapers (the Cyprus Mail and the Cyprus Weekly). Still, these print publications and a handful of online resources can still be good starting points and can generate good leads.
When applying for a job in Cyprus it's best to turn in your CV in person and to try to discuss your skill set face-to-face with the employer. Cypriots tend to be family-orientated and protective over the local labour market; thus cultivating even the most basic interpersonal relationship can go a long way.
Cyprus joined the European Union (EU) in 2004, thus EU citizens do not need a work permit to work in Cyprus. All other nationalities do need a work permit, which is best organised prior to arrival.
It follows that the tourism industry accounts for the largest percent of the country's GDP, with trade centres in the South supporting a stronger market than their Northern neighbours. Overall, the industry did suffer a setback at the hands of the global economic crises, but nonetheless, the market for sunseekers and holidaymakers remains buoyant and expats tend to be most successful at acquiring jobs in the hotel, catering and hospitality sector. Positions are more plentiful in the summer months during peak tourist season.English-speaking expats can often make due in this industry without having to know Greek, however, wages tend to be low. As a result, many of the positions are occupied by Eastern European expats who find the salary more than satisfactory.
Alongside the tourism sector, the property market offers opportunity and the nation's affinity for agricultural output also creates space for fruit-picking work. Teaching English is also a possibility, but demand for these positions far outweighs supply.
Expats who do succeed in finding a job in Cyprus often must settle for a lower wage than expected. In the past the low cost of living was the means that justified this end, but now Cyprus has become more costly and salaries don't seem to have risen accordingly.
Finding a job in Cyprus
The majority of jobs in Cyprus demand some knowledge of Greek. Those expats that do speak the language, and even those that don't, will find that the best method of finding employment opportunities is through networking.
Entrusting yourself to valuable personal contacts and effectively tapping into the
right word-of-mouth channels can be far more worthwhile than pouring over the English language newspapers (the Cyprus Mail and the Cyprus Weekly). Still, these print publications and a handful of online resources can still be good starting points and can generate good leads.When applying for a job in Cyprus it's best to turn in your CV in person and to try to discuss your skill set face-to-face with the employer. Cypriots tend to be family-orientated and protective over the local labour market; thus cultivating even the most basic interpersonal relationship can go a long way.
Cyprus joined the European Union (EU) in 2004, thus EU citizens do not need a work permit to work in Cyprus. All other nationalities do need a work permit, which is best organised prior to arrival.
Work etiquette in Cyprus
- Business should be conducted in person; phone calls, emails and other forms of communication are thought of as impersonal and thus unimportant.
- Developing a relationship is paramount in Cyprus. Expect lots of face-to-face meetings, lunches, dinners and even work-related social outings.
- Appointments are necessary in Cyprus and punctuality is expected; although, don't be suprised if you're kept waiting, if the topic at hand is not addressed, and if no decision is made during the duration of the meeting.
- Bargaining is a way of life in Cyprus - negotiations can be lengthy and proposals should be designed to leave room for concessions. That said, once a contract is in place it is followed devoutly.
- Dress is typically European - dark suits of a conservative nature for both men and women.
- Business hours are generally 8am to 6pm, with a two hour break for lunch.
