Working in Cyprus

Expats may find that working in Cyprus is made complicated by a large population of pensioners with a penchant for rest and relaxation, and the nearly perfect weather year-round. Neither factor encourages a strong work ethic nor a thriving economy – but nonetheless, if you’re determined to live and work in Cyprus, you can still find opportunities.

Job market in Cyprus

The tourism industry accounts for a large part of Cyprus’ GDP. The market in the south is generally stronger than in the north. The holidaymaker’s market remains relatively secure overall, so the best bet for finding employment as an expat in Cyprus is the hotel and hospitality sectors. That said, you should be aware that opportunities are inconsistent throughout the year, with the peak tourist season taking place in the summer.

If you’re an adventurist who wants a more modest way of life, you may find work picking fruit in the agriculture industry. Although competition is fairly high and opportunities are limited, teaching English is also a possibility.

Aside from tourism, Cyprus’ economy relies on shipping, the service industry and energy. If you have specialised skills in finance, manufacturing, and mining, you may have the best chance of getting a job in Cyprus.

The Department of Labour oversees the employment of foreigners in Cyprus. Legally, non-EU nationals have to register with the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD), while EU citizens can work in Cyprus without any restrictions. All expats intending to stay longer than three months have to apply at the CRMD for a registration certificate as soon as they find a job.

Useful links

• Civil Registry and Migration Department

Finding a job in Cyprus

Regardless of whether you speak the local language (Greek), the best method of finding employment opportunities is through online job portals. Networking is also effective, and tapping into the right word-of-mouth channels is often more fruitful than poring over the island’s English-language newspapers, the Cyprus Mail and the Cyprus Weekly. These publications are still a good starting point, while District Labour Offices in major cities can also provide valuable information.

When applying for a job in Cyprus, you should take any face-to-face meeting with potential employers very seriously. Interpersonal relationships are important to Cypriots, and even the most basic interactions may be the deciding factor in securing a job.

Useful links

• Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance – Public Employment Service
• Cyprus Jobs
• Jobs in Cyprus

Work culture in Cyprus

The work culture in Cyprus may differ quite markedly from that of your home country. The working environment can be quite rigid, with few perks for employees.

Punctuality and adherence to company rules are highly valued, and it usually takes Cypriot colleagues a while to warm up to new people in the workplace. That said, with a little patience, effort and tolerance, you can make some headway in building trust and a good reputation for yourself.