Cyprus : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

The recession is severely impacting Cyprus with GDP remaining at the same negative level as in 2010 and unemployment having risen considerably from the corresponding period in 2009. The biggest unemployment group is the 15-24 age range. The construction industry is the worst hit, while the service industry has the most jobs followed closely by the hotel and restaurant industry.

The best prospects exist for those educated at a higher level, such as diploma holding nurses and midwives, accountants, technical service consultants and computer specialists, telecommunications and electrical engineers.

Finding graduate-level employment in Cyprus can be challenging. Employers are willing to recruit UK graduates, but knowledge of Greek is essential for most positions. In the Turkish-administered area in the north, work permits are only granted for posts for which there are no suitably qualified Turkish Cypriot applicants.

• Typical problems encountered: increased competition from home graduates, especially as job opportunities are not as widely available as in previous years. Language requirements may exclude those not fluent in Greek. 
• How to improve your chances: research the Cypriot job market thoroughly so you have realistic expectations and are able to make informed career choices. Try to develop contacts in order to find out about opportunities and keep checking employment websites.
• Language requirements: although English is widely spoken on the island (by around 90% of the population), it can be difficult to secure employment in Cyprus unless you speak Greek fluently. 

Where can I work?

• Major industries: service sector and hotel and restaurant industry
• Industries in decline: construction
• Major companies: 7A Emporio Ltd, ArtFX Cyprus Web Design, CubePay Solutions Ltd, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, METRO (supermarket), MTN Cyprus, Primetel PLC, J&P (Joannou & Paraskevaides), KEO Ltd, Thas Maritime.
• Search for more companies: Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Europages, Cyprus Yellow Pages and Wikipedia List of Companies in Cyprus 
• Major cities: Nicosia (capital and largest), Limassol and Larnaca. Famagusta in the Turkish Cypriot administered area.

What’s it like working in Cyprus?

• Average working hours: generally 38 - 40 hours a week.  Most offices and businesses work from 8:00 until 17:30, with a break from 13:00 to 14:30.
• Holidays: 20 days a year if you work a five-day week or 24 days if you work a six-day week with an additional 15 days of public holidays. 
• Average graduate starting salary: salaries are lower in Cyprus than in the UK and vary according to the type of job role and profession. Graduate starting wages are estimated at around €15,000 - €20,000. There is a minimum wage of approximately €800 per month but you should check exact figures as this may change.
• Tax rates: tax on an annual income below €19,500 is 0%, from €19,501-€28,000 it is 20%, from €28,001-€36,300 it is 25% and over €36,300 it is 30%. 
  Working practices and customs: Cypriots prefer face-to-face meetings and email and telephone correspondence is regarded as impersonal. Trust and personal relationships form the basis of business, and loyalty is to the individual rather than the company. Ensure you are on time for meetings, but do not be surprised to be kept waiting. Meetings tend to veer off the agenda and are often interrupted, so you need to be patient. Decisions are rarely reached at meetings, which are seen as a discussion and ideas forum. Business dress is similar to that in the UK and other European countries.