Living and working in Cyprus
Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. With about 1.2 million inhabitants, it’s a lot smaller than Turkey and Greece, the countries close by. The island has been historically influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and British. It creates an interesting and captivating atmosphere.
It is known to be the most sunny island of Europe. On Cyprus you can find beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, amazing sea caves and plenty of water sport activities. But what else? And what can your daily life look like if you get a job in Cyprus? Since they joined the European Union in 2004, living and working in Cyprus has become much easier to do for EU-citizens. Keep reading and find out more about living and working on this amazing island!
Latest available jobs in Cyprus
Finnish Team Leader – Cyprus
Finnish-speaking Team Leader in Cyprus: Lead and grow a team, while living and working your dream life on Cyprus.
Swedish Teamleader – Larnaca
We are seeking a proactive and organised Teamleader in sunny Larnaca, Cyprus. Fluent in Swedish and English. Exciting leadership role managing a team of 15 customer service agents, with full relocation support provided.
English speaking Sales Agent, iGaming – Limassol
Do you speak English and do you want to live in Cyprus? Get a job in sales in the fast-growing iGaming industry. Contact us to get more information or apply now.
Currency
Cyprus uses the Euro (€) as its official currency like in many European countries
Famous people
Some notable Cypriots are Michalis Hatzigiannis and Anna Vissy
Population
The island has a population of 1.2 million people, mainly living in coastal areas
Typical food
Fasolada (soup with white beans and vegetables), shaftalia (grilled sausage), fried halloumi cheese
Avg. working week
Cyprus has a 40-hour work week distributed over 8 hours daily, 5 days weekly
Location
Cyprus is located north of Egypt, east of Greece, south of Turkey and west of Lebanon.
Languages
The official language is Greek & Turkish, and they use Greek letters as well
Healthcare
Cyprus has a well-developed healthcare system with modern facilities.
Salary and taxes in Cyprus
The gross revenue in Cyprus is a bit lower than other European countries. The costs of living and tax rates make it possible to obtain a net income higher in Cyprus than any other country. The average salary for expats living in Cyprus will be around:
- Customer support: €1,500-€2,000 a month
- IT Support: €1,700-€2,200
- Team Leader: €2,500-€4,000
You only have to pay taxes if you live in Cyprus for more than 183 days during the calendar year. Expect this about taxes in Cyprus:
- €0-€19,500: 0%
- €19,501-€28,000: %20
- €28,001-€36,300: 25%
- €36,301-€60,000: 30%
- Over €60,000: 35%
Working in Limassol
Limassol has all the common things you may find in any other big city in the world like industries, commercial buildings, restaurants, bars and more, but with a chill atmosphere around. The local economy in Limassol is based on the trading, service, and tourism industry. If you are seeking for experience in the seafaring industry, Limassol is also perfect for you, but you’ll find all kinds of opportunities for expats to work in the customer service industry and its huge variety of alternatives. Taking a gap year job in Cyprus is a very popular option.
If you want to start working in Cyprus, or specifically in Limassol, it’s important to know about the top industries for finding a job in Cyprus.
Housing costs in Cyprus
Finding accommodation is not difficult in Cyprus. There are many options of furnished, unfurnished and with different traits according to your needs. The recommendation is to live near your job in order to minimise commuting time. You can expect this about the housing costs in Cyprus:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €900-€1,200 a month
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €600-€900
- Room in a shared apartment in the city center: €400-€600
- Room in a shared apartment outside the city center: €300-€450
What you need to fix if you start living in Cyprus
When you decide to take the leap and start living and working in Cyprus, there are a few things you absolutely have to fix:
- Registration certificate: apply within 4 months
- Tax Identification Code (TIC): get this from the Tax Department
- Health insurance: you can go for public or private healtcare
- Social insurance: your employer might fix this for you
- Cypriot bank account
- Cypriot phone number
Popular cities in Cyprus
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Cyprus
When you live and work in Cyprus you will have a beautiful mix of Mediterranean charm and rich history. The island’s beaches and crystal-clear waters create a relaxed lifestyle. You can explore ancient ruins, picturesque villages, and vibrant city centres. Looking for first hand information about living in Cyprus? Read this story from Emma about working in Cyprus.
The warm and welcoming Cypriot culture gives a strong sense of community and hospitality. The island’s location also makes it easy to travel to neighbouring countries. Cyprus offers a unique living experience, balancing modern amenities with a touch of island tranquility, making it an enticing place to call home.
5 fun facts about Cyprus
- A whole town is world heritage: UNESCO declared the entire city of Paphos as world heritage, because of the remains of ancient tombs, fortresses and palaces from 4th century B.C in the city.
- The Oldest Wine Label: Cyprus has the oldest named wine label in the world. The commandaria wine emulates the essence of the very island in its flavour. It is said that Richard Lionheart, the British King, even called it “A wine of Kings and the King of wines”
- Their Carnival is a Dionysian blend: The carnival in Cyprus is the most organised and popular event in the island, with influences from venetian rules and old greek traditions this majestic and long event honours Dionysus God, the god of wine and fun, with masked parties, fancy dresses, serenades, music and dancing children in the 10 or 12 days before easter lent.
- Haloumi, the Cypriot majestic Cheese: This cheese belongs to Cyprus and is made from sheep and/or goat’s milk that’s been soaked in brine and mint, it can be eaten raw, grilled or fried and whatever form you choose it will surely taste like heaven.
- Tropical like climate: Cyprus has the great amount of 320 days of sunshine during the year, that means 8 months of sunny weather, and even the winter months (January and february) are not that cold with a temperature of 14 – 18 ºC
The cultural heritage of Cyprus
Cyprus’s history has been shaped by its beneficial position, where it has been exposed to a number of different cultures and civilizations that have occupied the country during a certain period of time. This has left a merge of different customs and historical remains in the country:
- Right now the island is divided into the occupied side and the republic side, where most Greek people live.
- The Greek Cypriots have retained their ancient, Byzantine-style cuisine and their own distinctively Byzantine language and dialect.
- The Turkish Cypriots have retained the same language, religion, and cultural traditions that they brought with them over the centuries, but they have adapted to a life in a largely Greek-speaking society.
- Towards expats, the locals are friendly and it’s a safe place for locals and expats with low crime rates.
- There are many social clubs in Cyprus: They have clubs for walking, sailing, card games, crafts, winemaking, dancing, touring, and so much more.
- If you’re the party type you will find many nightspots in the big cities, and Ayia Napa being the most popular with an endless list of nightclubs and bars.
Traditional food in Cyprus
Having Greek roots and societies, it is no wonder that the food is very similar to some traditional Greek food. However the Cypriot food has subtle differences due to the natural resources in the island that have changed the usual recipes:
- Souvlakia; grilled meat kebabs
- Shaftalia; grilled sausage
- Afella; pork marinated in coriander
- Kolokasi; root vegetables
- But also: fried halloumi cheese, olives, pitta bread, lamb, artichokes, chickpeas and rabbit stews (stifado)
The flavours of Cypriot dishes are well seasoned with herbs and garlic and they use a lot of fruit along with many dishes so you can find fruit available all over the country in every corner.
Costs of living in Cyprus
Here we will provide the average of the main expenses in Cyprus taking as reference the city of Limassol:
| Description | Cost |
| Accommodation* | 700 – 850 |
| Food** | 100 |
| Leissure (cinema ticket) | 9 |
| Domestic Beer | 3 |
| Meal in a restaurant | 15 |
| Fitness Club (monthly fee) | 63 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | 40 |
| Total | 1,080 |
* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.
**Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks from.
Languages in Cyprus
If the language is something that worries you, then you can relax in Cyprus. Due to the fact that it’s such a diverse country with heritage of the many occupations, they speak at least 1 or 2 languages beside Greek and Turkish:
- Around 75% of the population speaks English fluently
- 12% speak French
- 5% speak German.
However if you’re interested in learning Greek then it is worth mentioning that the Cypriot government has launched free courses to learn Greek.
Still not convinced about Cyprus?
Cyprus is the island that effortlessly blends sun, sand, and adventure, and it is the perfect location if you desire a vibrant lifestyle:
- Dive into the sea, ride the waves, or simply soak up the sun while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
- Cyprus is rewarded for some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Europe, including the legendary Aphrodite’s Rock.
- Legend has it that Cyprus is the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, saying she rose from the sea foam near Paphos, blessing the island with eternal beauty and love. So, romance is always in the air here!
The diverse beauty of Cyprus does not only translate to stunning nature and vibrant big cities, but also its unique “split personality”:
- In the south, you’ll find the vibrant Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus with its bustling cities, picturesque villages, and ancient treasures.
- Up north, the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus offers a laid-back vibe, charming coastal towns, and a fusion of cultures. It’s like having two intriguing worlds in one captivating island.
But Cyprus isn’t just about beach life; it’s a cultural playground that will ignite your sense of exploration:
- Wander through the narrow streets of the capital city Nicosia, where ancient and modern coexist harmoniously.
- Visit charming villages like Lefkara, famous for its intricate lacework
- Or immerse yourself in history at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Paphos, home to stunning archaeological sites.
Your new home Cyprus awaits you with open arms, ready to shower you with sunshine, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and memories of a lifetime. Start living and working in Cyprus and start your new life adventure!
FAQ
No, as an EU citizen, you generally do not need a work visa for working in Cyprus. EU citizens have the right to freedom of movement within the European Union, including the right to work in any EU member state without a work permit.
Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate, which means this for the different seasons:
- Spring: 20–25°C, Mild and sunny
- Summer: 30–35°C. Hot and dry, with lots of sun
- Autumn: 22–27°C. Warm and calmer, the sea is still warm!
- Winter: 12–17°C. Mild, some rain, with cool evenings
Cyprus has a decent transportation system, although it can vary in quality depending on the area. Major cities like Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca have relatively good public transportation networks, including buses and taxis. You can buy bus passes in Cyprus. The prizes for these passes:
- Daily pass (24-hour unlimited rides): €5,00
- Weekly pass: €20,00
- Monthly pass: €40,00
- Yearly pass: €400,00
Cyprus has a well-developed healthcare system. The country provides both public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is accessible to all residents through the General Healthcare System (GHS). The private healthcare sector also offers high-quality medical services, and many residents and visitors choose to opt for private healthcare due to shorter waiting times and a wider range of options. Overall, Cyprus has a good standard of healthcare with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals.