The Republic of Cyprus is a small island state located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Turkey, Egypt and Syria. The population is just over 1.2 million people.
A very beautiful and comfortable country to live in, a popular destination among foreign tourists and a popular destination for employment. Next, we will find out what the salary in Cyprus is in 2021.
Minimum salary in Cyprus
Cyprus does not have a national minimum wage for all workers. In April 2012, new rates were established only for certain categories, for example:
- Secretaries (office workers)
- Nursing assistants
- Sellers
- Kindergarten teachers
For the above workers, the official minimum salary in Cyprus in 2021 is 870 euros per month, and after 6 months of employment per employer increases to 924 euros . For security guards and cleaners of commercial premises, the minimum hourly wage is 4.55 euros , and after 6 months of work with the same employer it is 4.84 euros .
In addition, for asylum seekers and unskilled workers in the agricultural sector, the rate is 425 euros (plus accommodation and food provided). For skilled workers in the agricultural sector, the minimum wage in Cyprus is €767 per month (excluding room and board).
Average and minimum salaries in Cyprus in 2017-2018
Cyprus attracts many people every year who dream of living in a warm resort location near the sea. There is European service, excellent roads, many beaches, catering establishments and entertainment. The negative side of life in Cyprus is the high prices, which are comparable to Western European countries. From the point of view of finding a high-paying job, this is not a very suitable place. To be employed in a moderately paid position, the employee is subject to high requirements, for example, excellent knowledge of English and Greek. The website ultramodern-home.ru will cover average and minimum wages in Cyprus in 2017-2018. Many people who plan to move here permanently are interested in the question of wages. Prices in Cyprus in 2017-2018 for a range of services and the food basket are comparable to average European indicators. By the beginning of the tourist season they rise above the average European level. Of course, to live comfortably in such an expensive place you need to have a good income.
Average and minimum salaries in Cyprus in 2017-2018
If you believe official statistics, then as of August 2021 the average net salary in Cyprus was 1230 € per month. Official statistics are very different from the real picture. Not every resident of Cyprus has an average net income of €1,230 per month. According to the survey, residents of Cyprus earn an average of 1,000 euros per month. The minimum salary for locals is about 870 €. Visitors with low qualifications can count on 550-700 € per month. It is impossible to live on this money in resort towns, except perhaps in a remote non-tourist village. It makes sense to move here for those who have passive income in the form of a high pension, rental property in their homeland, their own business, etc.
Most people move here with the hope of finding a stable job, but it's not that easy! It will be problematic and even impossible to get an official job without professional skills and knowledge of the most popular languages on the island.
Salaries by specialty:
- Seller in supermarkets and shops – 950 €
- Nanny and housewives – 850 €
- Office workers (secretaries, accountants, etc.) – 1100 €
- Bartenders and waiters (during the tourist season) – 1000-1300 €
- Workers in the tourism sector – 2000-3000 €
Average net salaries in Cyprus cities:
- Ayia Napa – 1100 €
- Protaras – 1325 €
- Larnaca – 1000 €
- Nicosia – 1290 €
- Paphos – 980 €
- Limassol – 1500 €
How much money do you need to live in Cyprus?
We recently compiled statistics with monthly living costs in Cyprus in 2017-2018 (for 2 adults). Recommended reading. Based on average indicators, for a more or less comfortable life in resort areas (Limassol, Ayia Napa, Paphos and Larnaca) you need to have an income of about 1500-2000 € for a family of 2 adults. This amount will be enough to maintain a relatively good standard of living. Cheaper living costs are observed in the hinterland of the island.
Average salary in Cyprus
According to official data from the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, the average salary in Cyprus in 2021 is €2,267 per month. At the same time, men receive 2,416 euros, and women 2,087. Compared to the same period last year, the salary of Cypriot workers increased by only 9 euros or 0.4%. Men began to earn 0.7% more, and women 0.1% less.
It is worth noting that according to official data, the average salary in Cyprus has not changed significantly over the past 10 years. For example, in 2009, Cypriot workers had a monthly income of 1,805 euros per month. One of the highest paid professions in Cyprus is a doctor. According to the local Health Insurance Organization (HIO), the maximum annual salary for general practitioners for adults is estimated at €111,737.
SALARY IN CYPRUS BY ECONOMIC SECTOR
Economic sector | Euro per month |
Financial and insurance activities | 3 914 |
Education | 3 663 |
Supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning | 3 261 |
Public Administration and Defense | 2 995 |
Transportation and storage | 2 938 |
Health and social work | 2 817 |
Information and communication | 2 778 |
Professional, scientific and technical activities | 2 749 |
Mining | 2 695 |
Arts, entertainment and recreation | 2 328 |
Real estate transactions | 2 282 |
Water supply, sewerage and waste management | 2 109 |
Construction | 2 096 |
Production | 1 856 |
Wholesale and retail trade | 1 664 |
Administrative and support services | 1 625 |
Accommodation and meals | 1 309 |
other services | 2 033 |
Note : Information on average salaries by economic sector is based on official data from the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Social Security of the Republic of Cyprus.
In conclusion, the unemployment rate in Cyprus is around 7% and the income tax rate in 2021 ranges from 0 (income up to €19,500 per year) to 35% (income over €60,000 per year).
Salaries in Cyprus
The island state attracts many Russians who are looking for good income. The salary level in Cyprus depends on which part of the island you can find a job in: the northern part belongs to Turkey, the southern part belongs to the Republic of Cyprus.
It is more difficult to find work in the north. But on Greek territory they are happy to hire immigrants from the former USSR into the service sector and tourism industry.
Features of the standard of living of Cypriots
The islanders live comfortably. It is believed that, taking into account real estate in Cyprus, the average resident is at least three times richer than the average German.
Why do Cypriots live in abundance and do not need anything in old age? The high standard of living in Cyprus in 2018-2020 was made possible thanks to several factors:
- Available vacancies (more about work and vacancies in Cyprus).
- Moderate pricing policy.
- High level of average salaries.
Those who just come here on vacation consider Cyprus an ideal place to live, forgetting that living and relaxing are completely different things. A wonderful climate, magnificent landscapes, a carefree life - this is for vacationers, while the locals work tirelessly to provide their families with everything they need. And it’s all about the prices: they are the same here as in Moscow, although the quality, in particular, of local products is excellent.
Average and minimum wages
At the end of 2021, according to the Republican Statistical Service, the average salary in Cyprus for women was 1,999 euros. The male population earned 2132 euros. The vast majority of ordinary citizens receive less than these amounts per month.
Comparison of average salaries in Cyprus and other countries
According to the same statistics, a third of the working local population has a salary of about 1,000 euros, and migrants have even less.
As for the minimum wages, at the beginning of 2021 their amount was 873 euros. This is exactly what clerks, salespeople, junior medical staff, nannies and housewives earn here. A migrant can earn at least five to seven euros per hour in Cyprus, and if he’s lucky, eight euros or more.
Important detail. When hiring for any position, employers name the total salary amount, which includes taxes. Therefore, it is imperative to clarify how much the employee will receive in clean hands.
Salaries of representatives of different professions
Name of specialty | Monthly salary (euros) |
Sellers | 860 |
Administrator-secretaries | 890 |
Secretaries in the office | 850 |
Secretaries (with knowledge of Greek, English) | 1000 |
Housewives | 800 |
Nannies | 840 |
Animators | 700 |
Guides | 900 |
Promoters, cleaners, bartenders, waiters | 900–1000 |
Gardeners | 600–700 |
Accountants | 1500–2000 |
Doctors (1300 registered patients) (more about doctors in Cyprus) | 9000–9500 |
Doctors (870 registered patients) | 8000–8500 |
Air traffic controllers | 10 000–11 000 |
Chef's assistants | 700 |
Cooks | 1200 |
Reception staff | 1100 |
Spa managers | 1100 |
Members of Parliament | 4000 |
Head of the country | 13 500 |
School teachers | 2000 |
Builders | 1200 |
System administrators | 2500 |
Programmers | 3000 |
On a note. Salaries in Cyprus less than 800 euros are considered too low, so local residents are not very willing to work for that kind of money.
Unemployment rate in 2021
There are 10% unemployed in Cyprus, and even then this is in the off-season. With the start of relevant work, the possibility of finding a job increases, and there is even a shortage of employees. First of all, those related to tourism: in hotels, restaurants, cafes, entertainment centers and other organizations that provide a comfortable life and entertainment for vacationers.
If you still cannot find a job, you can use the social package. But social insurance benefits are available only to locals and foreigners who previously worked officially. Pensioners - EU citizens - who have lived on the island for a certain period can also use the social package.
Comparative chart of unemployment rates in Cyprus and the world
Every foreigner after employment (official only) can contact the social security department. After submitting the application, he will be issued an insurance number.
Those who plan to stay on the island for permanent residence must obtain an insurance number. This guarantees the right to enjoy many benefits, including unemployment benefits. To receive assistance from the state in case of job loss, you must make contributions for at least six months.
Benefits are paid for 156 days. The amount of assistance from the state is equal to 60% of the income insured last year, to which is added half of the average salary that exceeded the amount of basic earnings for the previous year.
Income tax on wages
If we consider all European countries, it is in Cyprus that the taxation system is the most loyal: income tax on wages depends on the amount of earnings (read about taxes in Cyprus at the link). So, if a resident of the republic receives less than 19,500 euros per year (about 1,510 euros monthly), income tax is not taken from him. If earnings exceed 60,000 euros, the tax is 35%.
- If the annual income is from 19.5 to 28.0 thousand euros, the tax rate is 20%.
- Salaries from 28.0 to 36.3 thousand euros per year are subject to a tax of 25%.
- Salaries from 36.3 to 60.0 thousand euros are taxed at 30% of the total annual income.
Foreigners who move to Cyprus to live permanently are partially exempt from taxation for the first three years: they do not pay for a fifth of their income. But the maximum portion of tax-free income must not exceed 8,550 euros.
There is also a mandatory payment that everyone without exception must pay to the state. This is a property tax. You must pay for all real estate, regardless of the size of the ownership share.
Real estate tax calculation
Deductions for real estate properties range from 320 to 400 euros per year on average.
What salary do you need to earn to live comfortably?
For some, for comfort, it will be enough to get a job, for example, as an animator with a salary of 1000 euros. For others, this requires having one of the professions in demand on the island. For example, the salary of a deputy is almost 50 thousand euros. And this is without the funds that are paid to pay for the work of secretaries, business trips, etc.
Cost of food:
Product name | Volume | Cost (EUR, including VAT) |
Milk | 0.9 l | 1,2 |
Yogurt | 0.4 l | 1.5 and above |
Cheese (similar to cottage cheese) | 1.0 kg | 4,0–6,0 |
Minced pork | 1.0 kg | 3,8-5,3 |
Mutton | 1.0 kg | 8,0–10,0 |
Beef (tenderloin) | 1.0 kg | 9,0 |
Rice | 0.5 kg | 1,1–1,9 |
Sugar | 1.0 kg | 1,2–2,0 |
Pasta | 0.5 kg | 1,0–2,2 |
Olive oil | 0.5 l | 5,0 |
Eggs | 10 pieces. | 2,0 |
Infant formula | 0.5 kg | 2,50 |
Squid | 1.0 kg | 8,0 |
Trout | 1.0 kg | 11,50 |
Octopus fresh | 1 kg | 10,00 |
Beer | Bottle 0.5 l | 1,3–2,8 |
Wine | Bottle 0.7 l | 3,5–7,2 |
Potatoes, onions, beets, carrots, watermelons, oranges, cabbage | 1.0 kg | 0,40–0,60 |
Mango, fresh cucumbers, pepper | 1.0 kg | 2,0–3,0 |
Cherries | 1.0 kg | 7,0 |
Lunch for two in a tavern | 50,0 |
- It is undesirable to buy meat products in vacuum packaging; the cost is at least twice as expensive, and at most five times more expensive. And there is no guarantee that the product will be fresh. Example: packaged bacon (weight 120 g) costs 2.3 euros, while the price of 1 kg does not exceed 6–10 euros.
- In summer, it is better to buy vegetables and fruits at the market, where they are fresher and cheaper. But in winter it is best to shop in supermarkets.
- Supermarkets often sell products on special offers. Thanks to this, you can purchase, including for future use, 35–40% cheaper.
More details about prices in Cyprus in the video.
Features of job search in Cyprus
There are two options for employment in Cyprus: find seasonal or permanent work. In both cases, you need a visa and a suitable vacancy. As for temporary work, you need to start looking for an employer in advance, since the processing of all documents, including visas, is slow (read about how to quickly apply for a visa to Cyprus on our portal).
Without knowledge of the language, the maximum you can earn in 2021 is 600–700 euros per month. Knowledge of English can significantly increase your ability to find a job faster, and your future earnings will increase by 300–400 euros, or even more.
Teachers, teachers, electronic equipment and technology specialists, doctors, programmers can always find permanent work in Cyprus with a salary of 1,500 euros and above. The same salary awaits an experienced accountant.
You can look for a job in 2021 in different ways:
- www.eures.europa.eu. — a portal where EU vacancies are presented.
- Website of the Ministry of Labor of Cyprus. You need to go to the vacancies section.
- Websites of large Cypriot companies.
- Through friends.
- Employment agencies.
- Send your resume (in Greek or English) to the company where you would like to work.
- Social media.
If you learn Greek, this guarantees the opportunity to find a place with a good salary.
Northern or Southern Cyprus?
Consequences of the occupation of the northern part of the island: isolation, high taxes, low salaries, crime. The country depends on Turkey: if it stops providing financial support, Northern Cyprus will also cease to exist.
Comparison of Northern and Southern Cyprus
Visiting and living in Southern Cyprus is noticeably more expensive. For example, the cost of similar types of housing may differ by two times, or even more.
The same goes for earnings: in the Republic of Cyprus they are actually half as high. Thus, a cook in the north of the island has a salary of about 600 euros, while his colleague in the south can receive 1000 or more. And this difference is becoming more noticeable every year.
Sources: https://visasam.ru/emigration/rabota/zarplata-na-kipre.html https://migrantvisa.ru/zarplata/srednjaja-zarplata-v-germanii/
Average and minimum wage
The State Statistical Service (CyStat) published data for the fourth quarter of 2021 on the average salary in Cyprus: men - 2,131 euros, women - 1,998 euros per month. The vast majority of ordinary Cypriots are paid below average.
The same CyStat claims that about a third of the employed local residents of the island do not even receive thousands, and we are talking about “white” wages. And what can we say about migrants! They receive their money “in an envelope”, so they don’t have that either.
The minimum average monthly wage in Cyprus is 870 euros (2019). This is how childcare specialists and junior medical staff, clerks and salespeople are paid here.
When hiring, the accrued salary may be indicated, that is, taking into account all taxes, but he can also name the amount without taking into account payments, the one that you will receive in your hands. The minimum hourly rate in the country is 8.3 euros.
Salary by profession
Per month | |
Seller in: | |
small store | 870 euros |
"fast food" | 930 euros |
Secretary-administrator at the reception in the clinic | 870 euros |
Office secretary with knowledge of English and Greek | 1000 euros |
Nannies and housewives* (working two days off per week) | 800 euros |
Guides, animators (without provision of food and accommodation) | 900 euros |
Accountant | 1500-2000 euros |
In year | |
General Practitioner (with 1,300 registered patients) | 112000 euros |
Air traffic controller | more than 130,000 euros |
Members of Parliament | 47000 euros |
Head of State (salary) | 163000 euros |
Salary level in Cyprus
Every tourist who comes here should understand that vacationing in Cyprus and working there are two completely different things. But everything is learned by comparison. What is the average salary in Cyprus? Based on data that was published about a year ago, we can say that on average a man receives about 2,100 euros, and a woman – 1,900 euros. But, as you understand, a term such as average wage is considered relative. The vast majority of people living in Cyprus have earnings below average.
1/3 of all residents who work officially do not have an income of even 1000 euros, if we talk about a “white” salary. And migrants who remain in the country receive even less of their salary in envelopes, that is, unofficially. Regarding the minimum wage, it is worth saying that the official figure is 870 euros. But again, everything is relative. This minimum salary is received by people who care for children, as well as junior medical staff and salespeople.
Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/paper-money-one-pound-money-vintage-2532016/
The highest paid and in-demand professions
Working in Cyprus can be completely different. But which professions are considered the most in demand? These include the following professions:
- Accountants.
- Teachers.
- Financiers.
- Lawyers.
- Doctors.
- Bank employees.
- Information specialists.
- Workers in the tourism industry.
But this does not mean that these professions are well paid. Employees in which areas are paid well enough? First of all, these are programmers; their earnings are 2800 euros per month. Employees at the embassy are civil servants and their salary is perhaps the highest - 3,500 euros. A doctor, teacher, dentist, accountant and financier receives an average of 1,900 euros.