The population of Cyprus is split between Greeks in the south and Turks in the north. Greece is located in the south.

As a result of the country's location at the crossroads where Europe, Asia, and Africa converge, the culture there is the ideal synthesis of all three of these traditions.

Those who are successful in finding employment are rewarded with year-round sunshine, picturesque beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and ancient sites that have a rich history in Greek, Byzantine, Crusader, and Islamic cultures.

Jobs in Cyprus

Cyprus has a total population of 1,218,285, and its labor force comprises more than 600,000 of that total. The tourism industry is responsible for the largest portion of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), and opportunities for international workers can typically be found in this sector. Other important industries include the following:

• food and beverage processing
• real estate
• the service sector
• shipping
• textiles.

It is anticipated that the country will attract significant outside investment as a result of its extraction of natural gas supplies, as well as its interest in renewable energy and environmentally friendly technology.

It can be challenging for foreigners to find work because they will have to compete with locals for available positions. However, there are many different things you can do to increase your chances of getting a job.

Even though English is the predominant language used in business, the vast majority of employers require at least a basic understanding of Greek. Those who have degrees in electrical engineering, finance, information technology, or telecommunications are also in high demand in the job market.

In Cyprus, employment opportunities can be found at:

• Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Cyprus jobs
• Euro jobs

POPULAR GRADUATE JOBS

• Accountants
• Dentists
• Engineers
• Nurses and midwives
• Software developers

How to Obtain Employment in Cyprus

Although you can submit applications for jobs before you arrive, networking is typically one of the most effective ways to get a role. It is easiest for individuals who are not natives of the country in which they are seeking employment to find work by making use of personal contacts and learning about open positions through word of mouth.

If you don't already have a large network of connections when you arrive, the first place you should go is the Public Employment Office, which can be found in all of the major cities and towns.

Because some Cypriot businesses accept CVs throughout the entire year so that they can recruit whenever they see fit, speculative applications are also effective with these businesses.

Application procedures are very comparable to those used in the UK, with businesses typically requesting a curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter in addition to a filled-out application form. In the event that this is successful, the next step will be the interview. Applications for the majority of jobs can be submitted online.

Summer jobs

Seasonal and part-time work opportunities are not hard to come by in this country as a result of the sizable tourism industry. Those who are looking for employment during the summer can find it in establishments such as hotels, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Due to the fact that Ayia Napa's well-known nightlife draws thousands of foreign workers each year, there are a large number of open positions in bars, clubs, and PR agencies during the summer months. During the slow season, you can anticipate working four to five days per week, but during the busy season, you can anticipate working six to seven days per week.

Picking fruit is another example of a casual job opportunity.

There are opportunities to volunteer throughout the year in the entirety of Cyprus, particularly in the cities of Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol, Famagusta, and Nicosia. Volunteering is a common component of youth development initiatives like work camps and exchange programs.

There is a significant number of employment opportunities in environmental or conservational fields; animal sanctuaries and marine projects are particularly in demand.

Be sure to check before setting out on your trip. Visit GOV.UK's Travel advice Cyprus page for the most recent information available.

Teaching in Cyprus

In Cyprus, it is possible to work in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages; however, there is intense competition for posts, and the number of available jobs is restricted.

Those with a minimum of two years' worth of teaching experience can apply for teaching positions in private international schools. In most cases, you will also need to possess a Bachelor's degree in addition to a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TEFL) certification.

Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol, Famagusta, and Nicosia are the cities with the most available jobs right now. Workweeks typically range from 20 to 30 hours, and salaries and benefits are determined by the individual's level of education and experience.

You can look through available teaching jobs in Cyprus at the following websites:

• Go Abroad
• Go Overseas - Teach English in Cyprus
• Teach Away - Teach in Cyprus
• TEFL Cyprus

Internships

There is no national legislation governing student placements; rather, universities, professional bodies, and other stakeholders are responsible for organizing internships and work experience opportunities for students. Among the choices are:

• Work and Travel Cyprus - This is designed for young EU citizens seeking international work experience. It offers placements in coastal hotels and restaurants for a minimum of three months. Most positions include accommodation and meals.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cyprus - Students gain an understanding of UNDP's policies and priorities through the United Nations' Action for Cooperation and Trust (UNDP-ACT) and Partnership for the Future (UNDP-PFF) programmes. It's aimed at students in: conflict resolution; economics; international relations; sociology; public or business administration; and environmental studies.

Organisations such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC also run summer internship programmes in Cyprus.

Cypriot visas

Because the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union, citizens of the United Kingdom who wish to find employment in Cyprus will be required to obtain a work visa.

Long-stay visas for one year are typically recommended for non-EU citizens who are looking for employment. They need to be backed up by letters from your employer or, if you happen to be self-employed, from an accountant or a lawyer.

For more information on work visas for non-EU nationals, non-EU citizens should get in touch with the Cypriot embassy in their home country. You might find the information on the GOV.UK - Travel to Cyprus for work page helpful; alternatively, you could go to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

EU citizens do not require a visa to enter or work in Cyprus; however, those who intend to stay in the country for more than three months will be required to apply for a registration certificate.

In order to acquire a certificate, you will be required to provide evidence that you are currently employed and have the means to support yourself financially. Additionally, you will be required to submit an application for both a social security number and an Alien Registration Card (ARC). Make your application for these as soon as you arrive.

Language requirements

On the island of Cyprus, English is a common language, but speaking Greek is typically a requirement for employment.

Either enroll in a Greek language class while you are still in your home country or get yourself ready to study the language when you get to Cyprus. The Ministry of Education and Culture, universities, and private language schools all offer classes for those interested in learning the language.

How to explain your UK qualifications to employers

Employers in Cyprus typically have no trouble understanding qualifications earned in the United Kingdom due to the many parallels between the two countries' educational systems; however, before submitting your application, you will need to ensure that this is the case.

ENIC-NARIC and Europa - Qualifications for Employment are two resources that can provide you or your employer with additional information.

What it's like to work in Cyprus

The country has relatively low average wages, but the cost of living is also relatively low. There is no minimum wage set at the national level.

The typical work week runs from Monday to Friday, and there are typically a total of 40 hours worked each week.

Between 20 and 24 days of paid vacation time are typically given to employees each year, but this number can vary depending on the company they are employed by and the length of time they have been there. Public holidays are celebrated throughout the year in this nation, including Greek Independence Day (25 March), Labour Day (1 May), and Cypriot Independence Day (30 March).

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in Cyprus.