Jobs in Cyprus

With a population of just over 1 million citizens, Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (ranking behind Sicily and Sardinia, both territories belonging to Italy). While the country is stable, the political situation in Cyprus remains somewhat delicate after decades of territorial disputes between the Greek Cypriots in the south and the Turkish Cypriot minority in the north. Because of this, the country is effectively governed by two separate and distinct administrations correlating to these regions.

As the capital, economic command post, and largest city, Nicosia is typically the first place where most international workers look for a job abroad in Cyprus. Nicosia has a population of roughly 200,000 citizens and is the major center of international business and finance in Cyprus; in terms of purchasing power, it currently ranks as the fifth wealthiest city in the world.

Other smaller cities where you might look for work abroad in Cyprus include Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca. While none of these cities are near the scale of Nicosia, they can offer nice alternative destinations if you are looking for a more laid-back environment to live and work in. Both Turkish and Greek are official languages of Cyprus, so keep this in mind as you research different locations for a job. English, Arabic, and Armenian are also spoken commonly throughout the island.

There are a few potential paths you can take to finding work abroad in Cyprus. The first is by applying through a jobs abroad program, which can set you up with a temporary work visa, most commonly in fields such as education, tourism, and hospitality. Teaching English as a second language is one especially popular position that many casual international workers choose to pursue.

If you are looking for a more specialized position or want to pursue a more permanent job abroad in Cyprus, then a better bet is to apply directly to an international company there, or else look for work at home which will allow you to transfer abroad. Beginning with an internship abroad can often prove to be a valuable foot in the door to finding more long-term work in Cyprus as well.

Though Cyprus is a small country, it has an advanced economy and high standard of living, and so many of the most fruitful jobs available to international workers will be in the services sector. It is a major regional hub of finance, shipping, energy, and tourism, so these can all be lucrative areas to enter into. While some such positions are open to English speakers, you will have much better luck finding work if you can speak either Greek or Turkish.

As in other countries, average salaries will vary widely across the work spectrum in Cyprus. Temporary positions found through jobs abroad programs will usually pay you enough to get by, but not much more. More permanent, stable jobs will almost always also offer a better salary.

As part of the Eurozone, Cyprus uses the euro as its primary currency, though costs of living are overall more affordable in Cyprus than on the mainland. The country was hit fairly hard by the recent economic crisis in Greece and other European countries, but has begun to see some promising signs of long-term recovery.

Rent costs will vary depending on where you work abroad in Cyprus, with the capital city of Nicosia being the most all-around expensive place to live. Finding roommates to live with, at least at the outset of your job, can be a good way to save some money and meet new people while you ease into your new surroundings. Some employers will help you secure housing near your job abroad in Cyprus, while others will leave the search in your hands.

Because it is a member of the European Union, citizens of other EU states will not have to apply for a visa in order to work abroad in Cyprus. Workers coming from outside of Europe will generally have to apply for work and/or residential documentation with the endorsement of their host employer, and Cyprus’ visa policy will vary in this regard depending on your home nation and the duration of your planned stay. 

Mediterranean History. The island of Cyprus has seen many different rulers and inhabitants throughout the long, complex history of the Mediterranean region. It is a truly fascinating place to live and learn about on a deeper level.

Island Life. While Cyprus boasts a highly modern infrastructure and advanced economy, it still maintains appeal as a more low-key island state in relation to the mainland. Also, the coastal scenery is out of this world.

Regional Turmoil. A challenge about adapting to work abroad in Cyprus will be figuring how to navigate the cultural and political factionalism that has plagued the country over the past several decades. If you remain open-minded and always willing to learn, then you can thrive.

Finding a job abroad in Cyprus is the chance to experience a country with strong regional influences stemming from both Southern Europe and the Middle East. It is an incredibly unique place, and one that has the power to tap your fullest potential as an international worker abroad.