The 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located south of Turkey and southeast of Greece, is conveniently placed between 3 continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. Cyprus is home to miles-long beaches, ruins you can wander through, delicious cheeses, and the oldest wine label in the world, Commandaria. The country is rich in history, where you will come across many relics from the past, when they were a British colony. The still-standing ancient palaces, fortresses, and tombs have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cyprus has gained popularity among expats, making it an international community, where many professionals arrive at this Mediterranean jewel in search of new opportunities and adventures.
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What to expect
Weather
- The weather is perfect year-round, with blistering summers and semi-mild winters. Summers last for a minimum of 7 months, starting in early April and lasting until October. It is highly recommended to stay hydrated and to wear strong sunscreen, because summers can be dry! However, the island is equipped with air conditioning in most places to offer the most comfortable experience.
KPIs
Average Daylight: 15 hours in summer and 9 hours in winter.
Average weather: 32º C in summer and 14º C in winter.
Average rainfall: 45 days
Cost of living
- The cost of living is fairly similar to other European countries. Nicosia is the most expensive city on the island, however, the costs of accommodation, education, healthcare, and communications are relatively low and of good quality.
Finding an apartment
- To find an apartment in Cyprus, you can reach out to the many websites for long-term housing. Cyprus has become a popular destination for both expats and tourists, so you will most likely encounter offers for short-term accommodation. However, there is a large offer that will allow you to find a flat that suits your needs and adapts to your budget and lifestyle.
Commuting
- The island is divided into North and South, as established after the Turkish invasion in the North. The most common way of getting around in the south of Cyprus is by bus, and it’s also the least expensive option. Buses are modern and reliable. They are run by different companies depending on the district, but fares are standard and simple. However, in the North buses are not as reliable as in the South, so it is highly recommended to use private transport, such as a car, motorcycle, or bike. Parking is free in many districts and town center car parks may change between 0.50€ to 3€ for half a day.
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Professional Environment
- Since Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, the country has become one of the most popular destinations for multinational companies. In particular IT and technology jobs, as well as financial services. The corporate environment in Cyprus has rapidly increased over the years. Working and living in Cyprus comes with multiple benefits. Cyprus’s first language is Greek, followed by Turkish. However, almost everybody speaks English very well and business is often conducted in English. You will notice that the incomes in Cyprus are generally a little lower than other European countries, however, the island offers one of the lowest income tax levels in Europe. So, an employee’s net salary is often higher due to the low cost of living and low taxation rates.
Networking
- Due to Cyprus been a popular international destination, you will meet people from all over the world. Many professionals relocate to Cyprus in search of opportunities, ready to share experiences and expertise with you! The people in the south are more open at first than those in the north, however, most people in Cyprus are quite friendly and easy-going.
Culture
- Cyprus is the perfect place to strike a balance between work and your personal life. The island’s tranquil lifestyle allows you to enjoy every single aspect of it. Cypriots are known to savor their meals in an unhurried manner dor hours, and coffee brakes are very common and can sometimes go up to an hour.
- Cyrpus culture is a blend of many different cultures, especially Turkish and Greek. The north and south share many similarities in traditions and customs, yet they each have their unique touch. Both love to celebrate special occasions with music, dance, and traditional performances, sharing too foods and beverages. However, the Turkish and Greek Cypriots have different religious cultures.
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Traveling in-out
- There are many international airports in Cyrpus, but the main ones are Paphos International Airport and Larnaca International Airport. You can get to almost every European country by direct flights. You can also visit Turkey by ferry, which operates weekly with a scheduled sailing duration of about 6 hours.
History
- The island has a long literary history, dating back to the 7th century, when Cypria – an epic poem – was composed by Stasinus. The Cypriot literature is found in Greek, Turkish, and English. Many historical works were written in Cyprus during the medieval period, one of them being Othello, which was staged in Venetian Cyprus. Art is another strong aspect of the island’s culture, going far back to 10,000 years ago, when carved figures of the Catholic period were discovered on the island. Church paintings and painters are noteworthy, such as Adamantios Diamantis, among others.
Food
- The cuisine of the Mediterranean island is heavily influenced by Turkish and Greek cuisine, however, French, Ottoman, Italian, Middle Eastern, and Catalan cuisines also helped shape the Cypriot gastronomical culture. Most traditional dishes are of seafood, like bass, octopus, squid, and more. As well as fresh vegetables, like carrots, lettuce, cucumber, potatoes, among others. Even though you can find food from many places in Cyprus, it is worth experiencing the cultural cuisine the island offers to fully understand their traditions and lifestyle.
Sports
- A variety of sports are played in Cyprus, including football, volleyball, motorsports, badminton, cricket, rugby, and more. The island has several large stadiums, such as the GSP Stadium, Tsirion Stadium, and others that serve as venues of national and international sporting events.
Day trips
- Even though the island is small, there are many things and places to check out! You can go to Paphos, or hike in the mountains in Troodos. You can also check out the monastery in Paphos, and take a wine tour and tasting in Limassol for the famous local wine, Commandaria.
We hope that you have found this guide useful.
Find more details, information, and KPIs about Cyprus in our Expat Guide.
The Fut-Ure Team will likewise be happy to help you to set up in the city if you are looking for a job in the region, or give you more information about the local Talent market (including details and advice in topics like Taxes and legal) if you are planning to open an office in Cyprus.
Take a look at our Job Offers, and contact us!
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