Work in Cyprus: how to find someone to get a job and how much you can earn?

It looks like yes. In June 2018, the island reported a sharp decline in unemployment - from 11% to 8.2% in a year. This figure is still higher than the EU average (6.9%), but the main thing is progress. And the tourist flow to Cyprus is growing, and investors are showing increasing interest in local real estate. As a result, and seasonal workers are constantly needed here.

But in general, Cyprus needs specialists of various professions: financiers, IT specialists, doctors, engineers, welders, equipment operators, cooks...

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Cyprus is the most Russian-speaking country in the Mediterranean, 40-50 thousand immigrants from the Russian Federation and other post-Soviet countries permanently live here, and many regularly come to rest in their own houses and apartments. Our tourists also love Cyprus very much. As a result, a variety of specialists with knowledge of Russian are in demand on the island: from taxi drivers and waiters to financial consultants or real estate agents.

Looking for a job: sources

The main source that you can use right now is the Internet.

1. Ministry of Labor of Cyprus. On the official website you can find vacancies in the city of interest. Most of the offers are in Limassol (where the bulk of Russian-speaking immigrants live) and Nicosia. A little less - in Famagusta, Larnaca and Paphos. Here you can also download resumes for employers.
2. EURES Portal. It is focused on citizens of the EU countries, but everyone can look for work on it. Offers are plentiful. But keep in mind that there are both real and "demonstrative" vacancies here. This is the case when the employer has already found a potential employee, but at the request of the Ministry of Labor must keep the advertisement on the portal for Cypriots or citizens from other EU countries. It is impossible to recognize such options, just don't be surprised if you are denied without good reason - perhaps the place is already taken.

Other Search Resources

Russian-language resources

Also, do not neglect the websites of large companies located in Cyprus - in the "Vacancies" section, you can find interesting offers there. For example, a couple of months ago, the Bank of Cyprus needed an employee with knowledge of the Russian language in a branch in Limassol. The easiest option is to find companies with a suitable profile, bookmark the most interesting ones and periodically check for updates.

If for one reason or another you do not want to contact employers directly, you can use the services of intermediaries. There are two options here.

1. European Councilors in charge of recruitment and recruitment. Their contact details are publicly available. These professionals work for the Cyprus Employment Service and provide three types of services: information, guidance and placement. They help both applicants and employers on practical, legal, administrative issues.
2. employment agencies. The most famous:

A list of recruitment agencies as well as Cypriot companies to which you can send your resume can be found on the Cyprus Yellow Pages.

Internship in Cyprus

This is a good and sought-after opportunity to see the country, gain experience and learn the language. The duration depends on the program and usually takes from six months to two years. The most popular areas are tourism, hotel and restaurant business, finance, office work. Where can you watch programs?

• Learn4Good - vacancies and internships in the field of tourism in Cyprus.
• PwC - summer internship programs from the consulting and audit company PwC.
• KMPG - a description of a summer internship from the company of the same name. On the same site there is a section of vacancies and opportunities for graduates.
• CO Overseas - internship programs in various fields not only in Cyprus but throughout the world.
• Workaway.info is a resource for finding volunteer programs, host families and companies. Other resources for volunteers: helpStay , helpx .

Requirements for foreigners

Language. There are two main languages ​​on the island - Greek and English. The need to own one of these depends on the position you are applying for. If we are talking about work related to communication with local residents (nanny in the family, teacher, doctor, etc.), then Greek will be necessary. If you get a job in an international company or plan to talk mainly with foreigners, English may be enough.

It is valuable for us that many vacancies - animators, service personnel in hotels and restaurants, croupiers, security guards, guides - require knowledge of the Russian language. But even if you communicate mainly with a Russian-speaking audience, knowledge of English or Greek is required.

Diploma confirmation. As in any European country, representatives of a number of professions (doctors, teachers, engineers) who wish to move to Cyprus need to confirm the diploma obtained in their homeland. The most difficult thing for doctors: a multi-level process awaits them. You need to have a Cypriot passport or be married to a citizen of Cyprus, have medical experience, translate into Greek and notarize documents (diploma, certificates, work book).

They are reviewed by a special commission - the Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications in Cyprus (ΚΥ.Σ.Α.Τ.Σ), which checks whether the university where you studied is accredited. If the diploma meets European standards, it remains to obtain two documents: a certificate allowing you to work as a doctor, and a license for a certain specialization. If not, you will additionally have to take five to eight specialized medical exams in Greek.

Important! At the end of 2016, Russia and Cyprus signed the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Education, Qualifications and Academic Degrees, which compares secondary, secondary specialized and higher education obtained in the states. For example, a person who has not graduated from a Russian university can continue his studies in a specialty in Cyprus, and a graduate can get a job without numerous procedures and exams, just by preparing a package of documents. This also applies to doctors, engineers, teachers.

Work Permit

The authorization scheme is similar to other EU countries. At the first stage, you go through an interview, discuss working conditions with the employer, and sign an employment contract. As we have already mentioned, the employer will simultaneously post the vacancy in the local media and select you only if there are no suitable Cypriot specialists. However, this is often a formality and the company places an ad for show.

The main responsibility for obtaining a work permit falls on the shoulders of the employer - you are at home at this time. The procedure takes place in several stages.

The company contacts the Department of Civil Registry and Migration or the local police station. In addition to the application, the following documents must be attached:

• a copy of the passport;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• medical insurance;
• an employment contract certified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance;
• receipt of payment of state duty for consideration of the case;
• proof that the potential employee has €350-950 in his account in case forced deportation is required (usually paid by the employer);
• residential address in Cyprus.

In the latter case, there are two options. Or you rent an apartment in Cyprus in advance (perhaps the employer will help with this) and pay for a month and a half “idle”, while the issue of permission and visa is being resolved. Or the employer submits to the department a document stating that he will provide all the conditions for staying in the country for the first time or for a specific season.

After a positive decision, you will need to obtain a work visa (more on this below), and after arrival, apply for a residence permit (Pink Slip) within eight days, accompanying it with a rental agreement or confirmation of the hostel address from the company, as well as a medical certificate of absence a number of diseases. A residence permit is issued after two to six months, and during this time the foreigner receives Alien Book - a temporary identity card of a foreigner. You can obtain Cypriot citizenship only after seven to eight years of stay in the country.

– Permit renewal. To renew the document, you will need to confirm that you have paid all taxes and re-prepare a package of documents in the Ministry of Labor of the country. In case of a positive decision, you will receive a new residence permit. But keep in mind that under the laws of Cyprus, a local company cannot employ a foreigner for more than four years - during this time it is obliged to train or find a specialist from the EU. That is, the permit can be extended up to four years.

- Illegal employment. The worker faces deportation and blacklisting, the employer - a large fine, and sometimes imprisonment for several months.

Visa

There are three main categories of work visas in Cyprus:

1. Type C standard(valid for three months from the date of arrival) - short-term, for one-time, seasonal work.
2. Type C multivisa(valid for 90 days in half a year for two to five years) - a multiple permit that allows you to periodically come to seasonal work.
3. TypeD national(usually issued for a year with the right to extend for two to five years) allows a foreigner to stay and work in Cyprus for a long time.

A work permit in the country can be obtained by an ordinary tourist, who, along with the documents for a visa, must apply for a Cyprus Working Holiday Visa (valid for up to 80 days). There are only two conditions: the age of the applicant is 18-30 years old, as well as the absence of minor children and other family members on the trip, depending on the income of the applicant.

• house helpers;
• interns and volunteers;
• employees of international companies;
• creative workers.

To apply for a work visa to Cyprus, you need to submit the following package of documents to the Cypriot embassy in your country (or the nearest one):

• completed visa application form;
• a copy and original of a valid passport;
• color photograph;
• medical certificate;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• an employment contract / license to carry out a certain type of activity / confirmation of the availability of a certain amount of money for living in Cyprus or doing business;
• receipt of payment of the visa fee (€35-250 depending on the type of permit, length of stay in the country and position).

The application is considered up to three months. The validity of a work visa is up to a year with the possibility of extension. More information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.

For highly qualified specialists, the best option to move to Cyprus is to get.

Demanded specialties

Highly qualified specialists

• Accountants, auditors, financiers, bankers - especially if you have a proven qualification such as ACCA / ACA, as well as good references from one or more companies.
• Lawyers.
• Doctors.
• IT specialists.
• Teachers.
• Engineers, architects.

Highly specialized employees

These include welders, electricians, roofers, technicians, CNC operators, etc. By the way, they are not enough not only in Cyprus, but also in most countries of the world due to the rapid development of the construction sector.

Also required are sales managers (including Russian speakers), nannies and social workers, cooks.

Workers without special knowledge

• Employees of the hotel and restaurant industry: waiters, maids, laborers, etc.
• Entertainment workers: animators, croupiers, security guards, guides, etc.
• Office workers: assistants to the head, administrators.

Salaries

The income level of the population in Cyprus is growing: for example, in the fourth quarter of 2017, the average salary on the island for men was €2,131 (before taxes), and for women – €1,998. In the second quarter of the same year, these figures were €1949 and €1620 respectively.

But most Cypriots receive less than average: according to CyStat, the income of 27.5% of employed local residents is up to €1,000 per month. A salary of €1000-1500 is received by 26.3% of working people in the country, €1500-2000 - 15.2%, €2000-5000 - 27.2%.

The official minimum wage is €870, and the minimum hourly rate before taxes is €8.3. When signing the contract, pay attention to what type of salary the employer indicates: before taxes (gross) or “net” income (net).

Salaries by specialty (net):

• Accountants: €1200 during internship, €1500-2000 full-time.
• Physicians: average €100,000 per year; earnings directly depend on the specialty, experience and number of patients served.
• IT specialists: €1500-4000.
• Seller, secretary, administrator: €850-1000.
• Nanny, housewife: from €800.
• Guide, animator: €700-900.
• Bartenders, waiters (during the tourist season): €1100-1300.

To assess whether the proposed earnings are enough for you, you should submit. If you are planning to rent a house, occasionally eat in a cafe, go to the gym and do not forget about entertainment - prepare €800-900 for one person or €1400-1500 for two.

taxes

The tax rate in Cyprus depends on the amount of income. If it is less than €19,500 per year, no tax will be charged. If the income is €19501-28000 - 20%, if up to €36300 - 25%, up to €60000 - 30%, over €60000 - 35%. Additionally, the taxpayer makes contributions to the Social Security Fund (7.8%).

Pensions

The retirement age for both men and women is 63 years. The average pension is €900-1000. Therefore, most Cypriots try to continue working after retirement age: thanks to the funded system, the size of their payments increases every year. This detail does not concern foreigners: they are forbidden to work after retirement in Cyprus. Although they can move to the island if they prove that they have enough money to live in the state.

So, who can expect to work in Cyprus? Highly qualified specialists are in the most advantageous position: accountants, doctors, engineers, teachers, IT specialists. Construction workers are also in demand. If you do not have special knowledge and special skills, you will also find a job in Cyprus, but you will have to work hard, the salary will be very low, and in order to get a good seasonal position, you will have to try hard - there are many who want to. However, if your main goal is to live a little in a warm country and improve your language, then why not?