Work in Cyprus and become a Cypriot

There would be many people from all over the world who would like to work and live in Cyprus - on an island where a real paradise reigns. Such people, of course, are found and sent to the island as immigrants with the hope of obtaining work and permanent residence. How is modern Cyprus ready to respond to such a step? Is it really easy for foreigners to find work and arrange a personal life on an island divided into two halves?

Two sides of the political life of the island of Cyprus

The geographical location of Cyprus certainly matters in terms of quality of life. However, the political situation on the island cannot be ignored either. For the independent Republic of Cyprus and the people living there, this moment is as important as anywhere else. The territory of the island is actually divided into two opposing camps - the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) . Approximately 62% of the island is owned by Cypriots, and 38% is occupied by Turks.

Kyrenia Harbor - here you can relax and work

Meanwhile, unlike the TRNC, the Republic of Cyprus is a full subject of the European Union. This factor somewhat smoothes out the intensity of the confrontation due to the EU’s diplomatic pressure on both the Cypriot authorities and Turkey. The situation on the island, of course, remains tense, but it does not have much impact on the flow of tourists and those wishing to work in the republic. Another thing is some features related to entry and exit.

For example, a TRNC visa is issued directly upon entry, and insurance recognized by the authorities of Southern Cyprus is canceled on the territory of the TRNC. Buyers of real estate in the northern part of the government of Southern Cyprus are regarded as buyers of stolen goods. Finally, an immigrant who has previously been on the Turkish side of the island risks being denied the right to work on Greek territory.

Video about the situation in the Republic of Cyprus

“Is it easy to find a job in the TRNC?”

No. According to the Law, the employer gives priority to the local population. And in order to employ a foreigner, the decision will have to be justified.

But we won’t exaggerate either, because a number of factors work for you and me:

● I don’t want to write that Turkish Cypriots are lazy, but this is a fact. It’s not even laziness, but rather a measured way of life. Therefore, employers are more willing to hire motivated people

● The local population prefers to work in the public sector with high salaries, so the service sector is relatively free

We cannot say that the labor market is overcrowded - it is not. But whoever is looking for a job finds it. This is also a fact!

Search stage: how to find work on the island

The variety of job search options is directly related to the desires and capabilities of job seekers. For example, it is enough to simply enter the island with a tourist visa. So why not use this moment as a way to find a job?

Publishing a resume on employment resources is no exception to the traditional rules for job seekers. There is always the opportunity to find contact details of Cypriot companies and try to directly resolve the employment issue. Finally, there are many sites where requests for labor are constantly posted:

• carrierjet,
• cyprusjobs,
• cyprusjopsnetwork,
• cypruslinks,
• jobsabroad
• careersonweb,
• jobscyprus.

However, while getting carried away with your job search, you should not forget about in-demand professions . Having a specialization close to your needs is a chance for success.

…You need to start by looking for a job, and you don’t need to go to Cyprus to do this.
Since 2013, a work visa (new, not renewed) is issued only if the employee is located outside of Cyprus. So look for Russian-speaking companies where your experience may be in demand (these are mainly financial, auditing companies, banks, there is one IT company, there are Russian schools and newspapers) and send your resume there. If they are interested in you, good. If not, there’s no point in going, you won’t find any work in Cyprus... annako https://www.russiancyprus.info/viewtopic.php?t=29483#p458913

What professions are needed in Cyprus?

If we talk about highly qualified specialists, the following professions are in demand on the island:

• lawyers,
• engineers,
• programmers,
• accountants,
• financiers,
• managers,
• marketers

Moreover, in addition to the existing qualifications, solid accumulated experience is required (for example, for accountants, at least a RBSU or ACCA/ACA qualification). It should be noted that the situation with employment for highly qualified positions is radically different depending on the candidates’ affiliation to a particular country. It is much easier for EU citizens to get a job than for immigrants from non-EU countries.

The work of a lawyer is not only prestigious, but also profitable

…Go to the Cyprus consulate, even there there are offers to work as a waitress on the notice wall.
I have a lot of friends who are in Cyprus. Don't apply for a serious position. Mostly our people work there as waiters, loaders, delivery men, salesmen, cleaners, nannies... Gadya Petrovich https://www.woman.ru/rest/travel/thread/4051360/1/#m27569113

Work in Northern Cyprus

Working in Northern Cyprus for foreigners is usually a pleasant process of combining work activity with contemplation of beautiful seascapes, as well as visiting attractions, entertainment venues and beaches in their free time.

Unlike other countries in the region, Cyprus does not have an acute unemployment problem, and although it is somewhat more difficult for non-Cypriots to find vacancies of their choice, there is still work in Northern Cyprus for Russians and other foreigners.

The official working week in the TRNC consists of 40 hours in winter and 36 hours in summer.

To hire a foreign worker, the company owner and the applicant will need to go through a number of necessary procedures.

How to get a job in Northern Cyprus.

Obtaining a work visa Migration services have made the procedure for obtaining work in Northern Cyprus a little more difficult for foreigners. In 2016, in order to obtain a work visa, which is handled by the employer, it will be necessary to provide evidence that it is necessary to hire a foreigner for this position. The registration procedure will take approximately a week.

To hire a foreign worker, the company owner and the applicant will need to go through a number of necessary procedures.

For those who are getting a job for the first time. The employer must send a request to the Ministry of Labor that he needs just such an employee, all data is filled out listing the position, salary, working hours, etc.

The Ministry of Labor posts this notice of request and waits two weeks for a response from TRNC citizens. This is done in order to provide jobs to the local population. If no one applies within two weeks, the employer is given official permission to employ the foreigner.

To hire a foreigner, the owner of the company sends him an invitation to work. The future employee is required to present it upon arrival, as well as receive a certificate of all entries and exits from the TRNC, which is issued at the Police Headquarters in Lefkosa.

The next step for the employer. He must deposit a certain amount in the bank, guaranteeing that if the employee breaks the law, then deportation will not take place at the expense of the state, but at the expense of the employer.

The amount of deposit to the bank depends on the country and ticket prices to that country. For example: Ukraine, Moldova, Macedonia - 400 euros, Russia, EU - 750 euros, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel - 500 euros, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan - 1000 euros, etc.

After the bank, the employer must provide the Ministry of Labor with documents confirming that the employer or company has no debts to government agencies, such as the pension fund and insurance.

After checking all the documents provided, the Ministry of Labor gives a referral to the employee to take tests. This is usually a blood test and a test for the presence of tuberculosis. It costs 135 tl for ordinary workers and 165 tl for catering workers (plus an E. coli test).

You also need to buy an employment contract and sign it with the employee, pay all the necessary expenses (stamp with visa, stamps). The amount of a work visa for a year is 548 tl (paid by the employer), but sometimes it is “by agreement”.

If a person is on the island (for example, on a tourist visa or residence permit), then when confirming the application for a position, documents are submitted for obtaining a permit, then the person needs to travel outside the island, usually it takes up to a week, but there is an urgent permit (this is per day ).

When the permit is officially issued, the person comes back with a work permit.

In the first year of a work visa, a person cannot make documents to his family on the basis of his work visa, only after the second year of work. In the second year of work, you can get documents for the whole family; they don’t need to travel outside the island.

A tax of 18.5% is levied on the minimum wage for insurance (covers treatment in a public clinic), 5% for the pension fund. Since 2008, foreigners cannot receive a pension, although they pay this tax.

Work visa prices:

• Work visa (6 months) - 253 tl • Work visa (1 year) - 548 tl • Work visa (2 years) - 1097 tl

Student work visa (6 months) – 152 tl Student work visa (1 year) – 304 tl

Employer visa: • 6 months – 1528 tl • 1 year – 3020 tl • 2 years – 6020 tl

Minimum wage: (August 01, 2019)

• Month: 3400 tl • Week: 784.62 tl • Day - 156.92 tl Hour: 19.62 tl

Where to work in Northern Cyprus

You can easily find a prestigious job if you:

— have the required level of competence in the IT field or programming;

— you are a teacher with the proper level of language knowledge;

— an experienced manager with good education and an appropriate portfolio;

— technical specialist in various fields;

— realtor with successful work experience;

— HR specialist;

— progressive designer.

Working professions will also not be left without attention. Painters, plumbers, electricians, excavator operators, construction workers and other skilled workers are often required. The construction and repair sector is especially relevant now, since the northern part of the island is being actively developed.

If you do not have skills in the listed areas and are not afraid of work, you can easily get a job as a waiter, bartender, administrator in one of the hotels, casinos or restaurants, gardener, nanny, cleaning manager, pool maintenance and cleaning specialist, and also try I also have a number of quite interesting professions.

It is important that often when applying for a job, you will need knowledge of not only English, but also Turkish.

In general, you can find work in Northern Cyprus, especially since the Cypriots, who are already hospitable and non-aggressive people, are especially warm and friendly towards Russians. It’s no secret that in all areas of work activity, initiative, motivation, desire and ability for self-development are valued.

Do not hesitate to present yourself correctly, show all your merits and achievements, and then your search for work in Northern Cyprus will certainly be crowned with success for you with the desired result.

Source: Our Northern Cyprus

Salaries and vacancies for Russians and not only

Among the vacancies available to immigrants, most are related to simple work that does not require high qualifications. Thus, in 2016 the following remained in demand:

• hairdresser,
• manicurist,
• secretary-clerk,
• bartender,
• attraction man
• network installer,
• salesman,
• nanny,
• housekeeper.

For most of these vacancies, the salary was 800–1000 euros per month . Housekeepers and nannies are usually offered wages of 4–5 euros per hour of work. Attraction operators receive no more than 600 euros, and installers of wireless and wired networks can expect a salary of 1300–1500 euros.

For highly qualified vacancies in Cyprus in the first half of 2016, the following requests were made:

• civil engineering engineers,
• logistics managers,
• Forex executive marketers,
• Forex technical analysts,
• IT technical directors,
• bank administrators.

Contracts for such positions typically include negotiated salaries. However, in any case, the minimum annual income for key positions must be at least 41 thousand euros.

...In general, as far as I understand (I’ve been living here for three years), employment in the “cold” labor market is not very good here in general, and even more so for foreigners.
By cold, I mean looking for a job through advertisements or sending out your resume. Most of the people I know here came here for a specific vacancy or moved here for work (that is, they simply moved physically doing the same thing they did in Russia). The company issues a work permit (it is also a residence permit, it is also an entry visa), respectively, a residence permit is issued for the spouse and children as a family member... vladimir-k https://www.russiancyprus.info/viewtopic .php?t=29483#p458879

Average wages

We recommend that girls get a job as a maid in hotels. Manicurists, massage therapists, hairdressers, makeup artists, eyebrow and eyelash correction specialists are also needed.

Service sector workers claim an average salary of 1000-1500 EUR. For unskilled labor there is a minimum wage of 874 euros for work in Cyprus

For job applicants with qualifications in the fields of pedagogy, linguistics, and medicine, there are more options for getting a well-paid vacancy. Those who want to find a stable job in Northern Cyprus get a chance to get a job as a teacher or teacher in private kindergartens. Candidates with a medical education can count on being employed as caregivers for elderly and seriously ill people.

Working in Cyprus for Russian speakers is a specific area to search for. It is more difficult to find one, but you can get a position in hotels and inns aimed at tourists from the CIS. Schools for Russian and Ukrainian children are another option to look for a vacancy as a teacher, educator, educator.

For employees, the so-called in shortage professions, there is a greater chance of finding a decent, well-paid job. Traditionally, the most in demand are IT specialists, software developers and testers.

Other features of working in Cyprus: reviews from immigrants

The working week on the island is 40 hours. A standard working day lasts 8 hours. However, on Wednesday there is a short day. The lunch break is 1 hour, but in the summer (hot) period the lunch break usually increases by another hour or two.

Women's labor on the island is valued slightly lower than men's . The average salary of female workers and employees is about 1,600 euros per month. Men are paid an average of 1,900 euros per month. The minimum wage is not divided by gender and is about 850 euros per month.

The tax system in Cyprus is interestingly structured. Based on current tax principles, the higher the salary level, the higher the tax rate.

…I am often asked about working in Cyprus.
I would like to emphasize right away that there is a crisis in Cyprus right now, wages are falling, the unemployment rate is rising, Greeks and other EU members are going to Cyprus in huge crowds in search of a better life, so this is not the best time to look for work. But nevertheless, if you want, you can try your hand. An attempt is not torture... SMARTY_YULIA https://smarty-yulia.livejournal.com/181109.html

Table: payroll taxes depending on the amount

Ways to find a job

Employers in the Republic of Cyprus most often look for employees using the Internet. Some of the most well-known job posting sites include:

• https://www.jobincyprus.com/;
• https://www.cyprusjobs.com/;
• https://www.careerjet.com/.

You can also find an employer on the official website of the country’s Employment Service.

Active players in the Cypriot labor market are recruitment agencies. Some of them charge the employer, others charge the job seeker. When choosing an intermediary, you need to carefully read the reviews about his work so as not to become victims of scammers. You should be especially careful with companies that require payment for their services long before employment.

In Cyprus, personal connections are of great importance. Many immigrants admit that they managed to find work only through friends.

In general, as far as I understand (I’ve been living here for three years), employment in the “cold” labor market is not very good here in general, and even more so for foreigners. By cold, I mean looking for a job through advertisements or sending out your resume. Most of the people I know here came here for a specific vacancy or moved here for work (that is, they simply moved physically doing the same thing they did in Russia).

vladimir-k

www.russiancyprus.info/viewtopic.php?t=29483

Video: how to find a job in Cyprus

Employment stage: visa and work permit

Non-EU immigrants going to work in Cyprus are required to obtain an appropriate visa. Moreover, the basis for starting to obtain a work visa is an employment contract, confirmed by the seal of the department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance of Cyprus. confirmation from the department directly. The procedure is very stressful, requiring the preparation of many documents. This is one of the factors limiting the desire of Cypriot employers to contact foreign workers, especially not from EU countries.

Preliminarily, the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance of Cyprus is considering all possibilities for employing candidates from among qualified Cypriots. If none are found, a recommendation is made to use foreign labor. The employer's application, together with a recommendation, is sent to the Civil Registration and Migration Department of Cyprus. There, information about the foreigner is checked. If there are no complaints, a final decision is made on the right to issue a visa and obtain a work permit, of which the consular service is notified.

The visa application and documents from the employee are accepted at the Cyprus embassy/consulate located in the immigrant’s country of residence. According to established rules, documents should be submitted in person at the consulate. However, the same rules stipulate that an applicant living more than 300 km from the location of the consulate can use postal services (send documents by a valuable parcel post).

Non-EU immigrants require a visa to work

Required documents for a work visa:

• application (according to the approved form),
• two photos measuring 30x40 mm,
• foreign passport (validity must expire no earlier than 6 months after the expiration of the work visa),
• photocopies of important pages of the internal passport,
• certificate of no criminal record,
• medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous diseases (HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis),
• a letter of guarantee from the bank confirming the presence of at least 300 CYP (RUB 32,133) in the account,
• an employment contract and a letter from the employer addressed to the consulate indicating the amount of wages,
• a receipt for payment of consular fees in the amount of 20 CYP (2142 rubles) for a single-entry visa, 60 CYP (6426 rubles) for a multiple-entry visa.

*CYP—Cypriot pound.

Video about visas for Cyprus

Single or multiple entry visas can be issued. In most cases, a general purpose work visa is required. Meanwhile, there are additional options for obtaining visas depending on the field of activity:

• for creative workers,
• for home service,
• for employees of international companies,
• on researchers
• for trainees,
• for volunteers.

Typically, a visa is issued for a period of 3 months to 1 year. There is a possibility of extension upon completion of the previously established validity period. To do this, the employer must submit an application to the department of the Department of Civil Registration and Migration at the place of business. Even before applying, a foreign worker must be pre-registered with the local police department. The renewal fee is 20 CYP (RUB 2,142).

...About the work visa.
I was told that the procedure is as follows: the employer sends a copy of the document, as far as I understand, the work permit. With this document you need to go to the Cyprus representative office in Moscow (or another nearest one) and apply for a visa there. But, as my employer told me, this visa is for 3 months (something like an entry permit), with which upon arrival in Cyprus you need to go for tests and then to the Ministry of Labor (if I understand correctly, this must be done within 14 days). There you register, provide a contract and tests. And the next point is at the emigration office, where they issue a normal work permit marked employment. ... Letter from Polina https://shumska.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/cyprus-work-continued/

Permission to work in Cyprus

In fact, a work permit for foreigners from outside the European Union is issued in parallel with a visa. There are two types of permits: for executive and non-executive categories of employees. The first category includes hired employees of senior management (directors, managers, managers, etc.). The second category consists of mid-level workers. For the former, the lower salary threshold must be at least 24,000 CYP (41 thousand euros) per year. For the latter, at least 12,300 CYP (21 thousand euros) per year.

Immigrants can work on the island only with special permission

Package of documents for obtaining a permit:

• two copies of the employment contract with the stamps of the Migration Department,
• completed package of documents from the MGEN2 or MNSP2 application,
• one photo for “Pink slip” (temporary residence permit),
• photocopies of the main pages of internal and foreign passports,
• a bank guarantee for a period of up to a year or more on the availability of funds in the amount of at least 850 euros (in case of deportation),
• police certificate of no criminal record,
• medical insurance valid for at least 1 year,
• medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous diseases (hepatitis, AIDS, tuberculosis),
• applicant's resume,
• original and copy of the document on higher education,
• a document confirming the presence of a place of residence (lease agreement, certificate of ownership of real estate, etc.),
• a document confirming that the employer has Employer's liability insurance (employers' liability insurance),
• registration documents of the company where the immigrant is employed,
• receipt of payment of registration fees - 20 CYP (34 euros).

Pink slip - temporary residence permit, required for long-term employment

The collected documents must be provided translated into English. According to recent changes in legislation, immigrant biometric data is additionally required. After reviewing and confirming all documents, the Department of Civil Registration and Migration issues the employee a work permit. Typically, the initial validity period ranges from 3 months to 1 year.

EU citizens have significant benefits in terms of employment . They can enter Cyprus without a visa and get work for up to 3 months without obtaining permits. The same applies to holders of the European Blue Card (Long-Term Residence Permit). However, if they are expected to work for a longer period, they need to obtain a temporary residence permit.

Employment in Cyprus for foreigners

To obtain legal employment in Cyprus, foreigners from the CIS countries, including Russians and Ukrainians, will need to find an employer in advance and conclude an employment contract. On this basis, a work permit is issued and a work visa is issued.

As a rule, a Cypriot company obtains a work permit for a foreign employee. To do this, a special application and a list of approved documents are submitted to the Civil Registration and Migration Department or the Foreigners and Immigration Department of the local police.

Documents for obtaining a work permit in Cyprus

1. Application in the prescribed form (M.58 and M.64).
2. A copy of the foreign passport of the foreign employee.
3. Medical insurance.
4. Certificate of no criminal record.
5. A copy of the employment contract, certified by the seal of the Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance of Cyprus.
6. In case of forced deportation, confirmation from a financial institution in the foreigner’s country that there is a minimum of 350-950 euros in the account.
7. Payment of the state fee for filing an application (about 40 euros).

One of the main conditions for issuing a work permit in Cyprus to an applicant from third countries, for example, Russia and Ukraine, will be the lack of required specialists among local residents and EU citizens. Having a profession that is in short supply is considered a big plus.

Typically, a foreigner must have sufficient qualifications, work experience, and be fluent in English, and, if possible, Greek and Turkish. Of course, a lot depends on the vacancy. In general, in Cyprus there is an opportunity to find work for both qualified workers and unskilled specialists.

Cyprus legislation provides for various options for work visas and, depending on the type of professional activity of the foreigner (self-employment or hired labor), there are categories from A to F. Regular permanent employment in Cyprus requires a work visa of category E.

As a rule, a work permit is initially issued for 12 months with the right to extension. No later than 8 days after arriving in the country, you must submit an application for a residence permit, which is issued within 6 months.

In order to obtain Cypriot citizenship, you will need to reside permanently in the country for at least 5-7 years. However, there are also more expedited procedures, for example through large investments in the local economy.

Illegal work in Cyprus - sanctions and fines

For illegal work, Law No. 92 - 1 provides for the imposition of penalties on employers in the amount of 500 CYP (850 euros). In particular, employers who hire immigrants without a residence permit and appropriate permit are subject to such punishment. These sanctions are provided for cases of illegal work of immigrants from EU countries.

On a general basis, the amount of fines can vary from 145 CYP (250 euros) and above. The maximum established threshold for penalties is 4900 CYP (8500 euros). In case of persistent violations, the culprit can receive up to 3 years in prison along with a maximum fine.

Registration for work

If you have already decided on how to find a job, the procedure for concluding an employment contract awaits. Even those who already have a residence permit in this country require a special work permit from the employer. What is needed for this:

• Leave the country. Strange, isn't it? But only in this way will the employer be able to submit an application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, where they will ask for a work permit for you. This can only be done while you are outside Northern Cyprus.
• Return again with a preliminary permit, which must be shown when crossing the border.
• Get a work visa. Your employer will also have to do this; you will only be required to undergo a medical examination and receive all test results.

Table: advantages and disadvantages of working in Cyprus

Internship Opportunities

Foreigners are provided with fairly wide opportunities in terms of internships and exchange of experience. First of all, the most active areas for educational and industrial practice are:

• tourism sector,
• hotel industry,
• economic sector,
• area of ​​office work.

Most of the internship programs operate in the autumn period - from the end of August to the end of November and are designed for a student audience. However, there are many year-round offers that support professional practice.

To get an internship, the following documents are usually required:

• resume from an intern,
• photocopy of diploma or certificate from the course of study,
• photocopy of a foreign passport,
• health certificate,
• two photographs 30x40 mm,
• letter of recommendation from place of study (work).

Among the requirements:

• knowledge of English (Greek) language,
• translation of documents into English,
• confirmation of the availability of sufficient finances to live during the internship period,
• obtaining a trainee (Trainess) or researcher (Researches) visa.

Going for an internship is the first step to a successful career

…I thank all the employees of the Department of Service and Restaurant Business, who performed a full range of work, from developing the program and attracting students to the implementation and publication of the newspaper “Culinary Travel Club”.
Of course, this would have been impossible without coordinated work with representatives of the Neapolis University of Cyprus... Irina Sergeevna Yurova https://www.vsuet.ru/club_kulinar/docs/kipr.pdf

Immigration as a businessman (investor)

A residence permit can be obtained by an immigrant who decides to open a business or invest in the island's economy. However, a residence permit by the Immigration Control Authority will generally only be issued if the business is related to one of the following:

• agricultural,
• mining,
• trade,
• scientific research.

It is possible to obtain a residence permit by becoming a permanent representative of a Cyprus company, as well as having pensioner status. For the latter option, it is necessary to confirm the presence of a permanent annual income of at least 5600 CYP (9570 euros). Also, the pensioner must own real estate on the island. The Cypriot authorities include investors in this same category. There are no specific investment amounts for them, but, naturally, we are talking about a substantial financial injection. Each investment case is considered individually and only then is a decision made to grant a residence permit. The requirement to own real estate does not apply to investors.

Video about promising real estate business in Northern Cyprus

The dream of working and living in Cyprus, in principle, should be transformed into reality. You may have to spend a lot of effort and money to realize what you want. However, life on an island with a warm climate, favorable living conditions, and a European level of comfort is certainly worth fighting for. How the struggle will end in each specific case is a personal question.

• Author: Vladimir Bulgakov
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