Cyprus’ climate and natural advantages mean that there is always a steady supply of travellers seeking employment and residency on the island. Perhaps the biggest change that has occurred in recent years has been the accession of Cyprus to the European Union on 1 May 2004, opening up new employment opportunities for European citizens.
The burgeoning Cypriot tourism industry, however, means that there is a huge seasonal demand for temporary workers of most nationalities during the summer months, with a definite preference for English-speaking workers in order to service the very large numbers of British tourists. The Greek Cypriot South remains the best overall bet for jobs, as the South is where the majority of the tourist trade is located.Seasonal employment will most probably involve working in one of the countless bars, hotels and resort complexes of the South. Many holiday companies employ ‘reps’ (representatives) and marketing staff to assist their operations on the island – this work is financially rewarding.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is another worthwhile option and well paid.Finally, Cyprus’ ongoing construction boom in tourism infrastructure results in a demand for skilled builders and tradesmen.
Expats interested in working in Cyprus could look forward to entering a work environment with all the assets of a modern economy that focuses heavily on the service sector. While there is still some agriculture and mining to be found in Cyprus – the name itself has its roots in the Greek work for ‘copper’ – the national economy is firmly based on its tertiary sector. In 2012, 80% of all employees working in Cyprus had a job in the nation’s diverse services sector.
The Services Sector
An incredible 81% of the national GDP is generated within the third sector. Apart from the obvious contributions of the tourism sector, the employees working in Cyprus’s banking and financial services sector accounted for a nearly 9% of the gross domestic product.
Another main staple of the services sector is shipping. Limassol is one of the busiest ports in the EU and the main point of entry and exit for goods of all kind, as well as one of the largest ship management centres in Europe.
Salt Lake, Larnaca, Cyprus
Manufacturing and Energy
Energy production is a new potential growth factor. Cyprus does have a relatively large manufacturing industry that produces, among other things, food and beverages, clothing and textiles, plastics and chemicals.
Cyprus is planning to exploit natural gas supplies, which were discovered in its coastal waters. This venture, as well as a greater interest in renewable energy and green tech, may lead to new economic projects and more jobs for working in Cyprus.
Cyprus: An International Business Location
The island’s great openness towards international businesses has always been one of the most important aspects for expats interested in working in Cyprus. The Cypriot government is actively promoting the nation’s location as a gateway to three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa – and thus attracting multinational corporations who consider working in Cyprus as a strategically smart move to expand to further markets.