Cyprus is a popular location for international consultants, contractors and expatriate workers and there is a sizeable expatriate community who have moved here with their families. As a former British colony English is fluently spoken by about 90% of the population and all major infrastructure, roads and towns are signposted in English and Greek. With a lower cost of living than the most of Europe, excellent climate, an English public school system (from pre-school to ’A’ level) and one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, it is not difficult to see why Cyprus is an excellent place, to work and bring up a family.
If you are not a holder of a Cypriot passport, you will need a work permit in order to work in Cyprus. The present policy regarding foreign nationals who wish to take up employment in Cyprus is that an employment permit is granted only on a temporary basis and for a specified position provided that no suitably qualified Cypriot citizens are available. Please note that this action must take place while foreign nationals are outside Cyprus, (except in cases of EU nationals).
Foreign national seeking employment in Cyprus must secure through personal efforts a local employer who should submit an application to the Migration Officer, Ministry of the Interior, Lefkosia (Nicosia) (see address below), which is the competent authority for the issue of such permits. The Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance acts as an advisor to the Migration Officer as regards the situation in the labour market and the compliance by the above-mentioned employer of the criteria governing the employment of aliens.