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Working in Cyprus, Republic of
Capital: Nicosia
Largest city: Nicosia
Population: 1.1 million (2011 census)
Currency: Euro
Language: Greek / Turkish
Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is one of the largest islands in this region and a member of the European Union. It is situated east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon and north of Israel and Egypt.
Cyrpus has been controlled by many empires during the past 2000 years, including the Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian, Roman, Ottoman and more recently, British. The nation was granted independence from the British in 1960.
Today, Cyprus is regarded as a top tourist destination in the Mediterranean where high-income earners or backpackers enjoy the island’s warm climate.
The Working Holiday program between Australia and Cyprus was setup to encourage cultural exchange and closer ties between the two countries by allowing young people to have an extended holiday funded by short-term employment.
Under the arrangement, Australians aged between 18 and 30 are allowed to travel to Cyprus for a working holiday for up to 12 months.
Tourism Video
Cyprus’s working holiday visa summary
Visa: Working holiday
Age: 18 to 30
Length of stay: 12 months
Application fee: $35
Processing time: 4 weeks
Requirements / Eligibility for a Working Holiday in Cyprus
If you want to travel to Cyprus under Working Holiday arrangements there are basic eligibility requirements. These include, but are not limited to:
Hold an Australian passport
Meet health and character requirements
Be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of applying
Have no dependent children accompanying you
Have a return ticket, or sufficient funds for a return or onward fare
Have sufficient funds for the first part of the holiday.
Emergency
Emergency telephone numbers
Police, fire & medical emergency 199 / 112
Australian High Commission, Nicosia
7th Floor, Block A
Alpha Business Centre
27 Pindarou Street
1060 Nicosia CYPRUS
Telephone: (+357) 2275 3001
Facsimile: (+357) 2276 6486
Email: nicosia.ahc@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.cyprus.embassy.gov.au/ncos/home.html
Tax System
Cyprus has favourable tax rates that appeal to retired expats. An individual is liable for tax in Cyprus if they reside in the country for more than half of each tax year. Expats will need to register as a taxpayer in Cyprus.
Amount of Pension Income Tax Rate
€0 – €3,420 0%
€3,420+ 5%
Bank Account
Opening a bank account as an expat in Cyprus requires several pieces of documentation, including: passport and proof of address. Each bank account will usually include a debit card and option to open a savings account. To save time, check online for banks that allow expats to open an account without even entering a branch.
The major banks in Cyprus include: Central Bank of Cyprus, Alpha Bank Cyprus and Cop-op Central Bank. Many foreign banks can also be located in Cyprus.
Working in Cyprus
For people about to embark on a working holiday in Cyprus be aware the country’s economy has struggled in recent years and employment may be hard to come by. However, the island will always have a thriving tourism industry and this is a sector worth exploring once you arrive.
Teaching English is another option for expats in Cyprus to consider as its residents primarily speak Greek or Turkish. According to TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language), there is a demand for English tuition in Cyprus due to the language’s use in the country’s tourism industry.
Language skills in Turkish or Greek would be an advantage when searching for employment in Cyprus, however, English is also commonly spoken.
Communication
Cyprus is serviced by several telecommunications providers for expats to choose from. The major telecommunications players in Cyprus are:
CytaMobile – Vodafone
MTN Cyprus
PrimeTel Mobile
To sign-up for a phone contract in Cyprus, applicants will need to provide forms of identification, such as a passport and proof of employment.
