Living in Cyprus as an expat

1. Finding a place to live

2. The healthcare system

3. Work life

4. Visas & residency

But what is it like to live in this European country? In this blog, we take a look at important features about life in Cyprus for expats to give you an idea of what to expect, from finding a place to live, to work life and the healthcare system.

Finding a place to live

According to Eurostat, nearly 20% of the Cypriot population are made up of foreign-born nationals as of January 2023, showing a large desire to relocate to this European country from around the world.[1]   

There are many fantastic places in Cyprus for expats, from bustling coastal cities to more relaxed historical towns. Some of the locations you could consider moving to incorporate:

• Larnaca: this coastal city is found on the south coast of Cyprus and is a perfect option if you enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. It is one of the smaller cities with a population of just 50,000 and is renowned for its Salt Lake, variety of restaurants and busy seafront.

• Paphos: a city that dates back to antiquity, Paphos is a great choice if you want to be close to amenities. It is a short journey from Paphos International Airport and is surrounded by stunning landscapes, such as the Akamas Peninusla and Cedar Valley.

• Nicosia: the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia is home to 200,000 people. It is the economic and business centre of the island, with notable features including its Venetian walls, historic old town and nearby Troodos Mountains.

• Limassol: situated on the southern tip of Cyprus and the second-largest city in Cyprus, Limassol is known for its Marina district, ancient sites and sandy beaches.

In Cyprus, there are two international airports, Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport, which provide travel to many international destination across the world.

While buses operate in many locations and connect the major towns and cities, the island doesn’t have a train or metro system. To reach the more remote locations in Cyprus and for a more convenient travel option, a car is necessary.

The healthcare system

The public healthcare system in Cyprus is known as geSY (Geniko Systima Ygeias) and was introduced in 2019.

It is managed by the Cypriot Ministry of Health and is funded through taxes and workplace social security contributions. Registering as a resident is a pre-requisite to use the healthcare system in Cyprus, which can you do after living in the country for more than 90 days.

Residents who are registered with a doctor and paying contributions towards social insurance are then able to access healthcare in Cyprus. Though many services are provided under state healthcare, they are not free and you will need to pay towards the cost of medical treatment.

Did you know that non-EU/EEA nationals also need to have health insurance cover when applying for a visa or before registering as a resident in Cyprus? Take a look at our international health insurance plans here to find out how we can protect your medical needs while you’re living or working abroad.

Work life

Cyprus presents many job opportunities for expats, with key industries including tourism, shipping and property. Though many people speak English on the island, the two official languages spoken here are Greek and Turkish.

Like many other European countries, Cyprus has been experiencing skills shortages across many sectors. If you’re looking for jobs in Cyprus for work, it’s worth noting that industries looking for workers incorporates:

• Software development

• Construction

• Finance and accounting

• Healthcare

• Data analysis

It’s useful to know that the average amount of working hours here is 38.5, and the maximum amount of hours cannot exceed 48 hours per week.[2]

Workers have the right to 18 weeks of maternity leave when they have a child, while fathers get up to two weeks of paternity leave after the baby is born. Parents are also entitled to what is known as parental leave, where they can take a maximum of 18 weeks of leave before their child reaches the age of eight.

Visas & residency

Obtaining a visa could be necessary if you’re considering relocating to Cyprus from another country.

EU/EEA nationals are able to freely live, work and study in Cyprus. But you do still need to get a registration certificate from your local authority within four months of arriving in Cyprus.

The rules for non-EU/EEA citizens moving to Cyprus is not as straightforward, and a visa may be necessary. The type you must acquire will depend on factors such as the reason why you’re in the country, how long the visa is required, and your nationality. Have a look at the Cypriot government’s website to find out more.

There are also pathways to permanent residency in Cyprus if you meet certain conditions. Be aware that this process can take time and ensure you follow all the instructions closely if this is something you wish to pursue.

Aside from documentation, there are many different things to prepare before you move abroad. Check out our essential moving abroad checklist for some help with this.