Working in Cyprus

EU citizens don’t require work permits to have a job in Cyprus but they must have the correct category of residence permit.

There are several categories of residence permit, depending on your circumstances and you should take professional advice before applying. Official ‘retirees’ who have a Category F residence permit are not permitted to do paid work.

English is widely spoken in Cyprus and it will help your employment prospects tremendously if you can speak a little basic Greek.

Many foreigners work in the tourism industry, information technology or construction, but if you wish to practise a profession, such as law, engineering or accountancy, you must pass specialist exams in Greek. Employees in Cyprus are well protected by Cypriot law and although salaries are generally lower than in the UK, the cost of living is also lower.

Most workers are paid 13 monthly payments per year, with an extra payment at Christmas. Paid annual leave is usually four weeks per year and there are around 13 public holidays. All workers must pay national insurance payments, which are deducted from your salary, along with your income tax if you’re an employee.