You want to work in Cyprus? A handy guide has got you covered from A to Z…

Want to maximise your experience, it’s very important to gather information on job opportunities, living and working conditions, employment rights and the current economic situation before moving to Cyprus. Enter the pocket-sized, foldable leaflet that’s available in English, Bulgarian and Romanian.

One-stop shop for living and working in Cyprus

The guide contains the following 10 sections:

1. Regulations governing EU citizens in Cyprus and their family members: entry, temporary and permanent residency, legal arrangements that apply to all EU citizens and employment information.
2. Knowing the local language: official languages (Greek, Turkish).
3. Finding work before arriving in Cyprus: contact with EURES Advisers (Cyprus Public Employment Services).
4. Regulated professions: qualifications needed and procedures to practice professions.
5. Self-employment: company set-up or relocation.
6. Accommodation: contract periods, rental agreements, deposits for (un)furnished flats.
7. Finding schools for children and other dependants: rights to education in state educational institutes.
8. Employment contracts: terms and conditions of employment.
9. Health care: essential medical care in state hospitals.
10. Social security: social insurance scheme/cover.

It also includes useful contact information in case further assistance is needed.

For the benefit of fair mobility

The guide was produced as part of the “Know Before You Go To Cyprus” campaign. About a decade ago, the country’s economy was booming. “Cyprus was an attractive country, importing workers from other EU Member States to tackle many labour shortages,” explains Antonis Kafouros, Head of the EURES National Coordination Office in Nicosia. The biggest influx came from Bulgaria and Romania. “The relatively higher salaries in Cyprus, especially in the construction and tourism sectors, in combination with a better standard of living, the climate, but also the very good connectivity between Cyprus,Bulgaria and Romania, made the country a desirable destination for thousands of workers.” At the peak of demand, more than 40,000 Romanian and 30,000 Bulgarian citizens were living and working in Cyprus.

This labour importing trend didn’t come without problems, including exploitation and trafficking. “It was at that crucial point in time that EURES Cyprus had to act,” says Antonis. “With the cooperation of EURES Bulgaria and EURES Romania, we managed to produce a very informative guide about Cyprus with all the services and steps one must take before and after their arrival. It was the first attempt to curb the exploitation of workers.”

To boost awareness, several thousand copies were disseminated in the two countries. The message got through: “The best way for job mobility was through the EURES network,” concludes Antonis.

Related links:

Know Before You Go to Cyprus - English

Know Before You Go to Cyprus - Bulgarian

Know Before You Go to Cyprus - Romanian

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