Top 10 professions in North Cyprus

The question of finding a job is relevant for everyone who moves to another country, North Cyprus is no exception. There are plenty of vacancies here, but like everywhere else, you will have to make an effort to get a really good position, unless you own your own business. Having a job is a good opportunity to earn a decent wage while not denying yourself a good holiday. The working week in North Cyprus is 40 hours and in the summer 36 hours.

What specialities are in demand?

IT and programming specialists:

many modern technology companies are actively recruiting foreign specialists.

Interior designers, decorators and architects:

real estate developers, the number of which is growing daily on the island, are eager to recruit specialists in this field to create and realise modern and unique projects.

Builders, carpenters, painters, electricians, masons, facade workers:

buildings, both residential and public, are being erected on the island at an active pace.

Teachers and educators with knowledge of foreign languages:

many people move to the island with their families, and children need to study at school, go to kindergarten, so there is always a job for a teacher/educator. There are enough “Russian” pre-schools on the island, where you may be given the opportunity to work without knowledge of a foreign language. Also, we should not forget that there are quite a lot of Russian-speaking families who are often looking for good nannies for their children.

Specialists in tourism and hospitality (guides, hotel, casino and entertainment workers, artists and animators):

a large number of people are involved in this field, but talented guides and interpreters are always needed, especially if you are able to present information in an interesting and unusual way that will help attract tourists. Such jobs can be both seasonal and permanent.

Catering staff (cooks, kitchen workers, dishwashers, bakers, confectioners, administrators, waiters, bartenders):

there are many cafes and restaurants on the island, which tourists, and locals alike, are eager to visit all year round.

Cleaning company employees (cleaning managers, gardeners, pool cleaners):

there are countless apartments/villas on the island that need cleaning after renovation, before handover or after the tenants have moved out of the apartments. Cleaning staff are usually employed in offices, shopping centres, hotels, banks, schools, hospitals and medical centres.

Real estate workers (managers, lawyers, realtors):

buying/selling of real estate in the TRNC is gaining momentum, so specialists in this field will not remain unemployed, but an important condition is knowledge of foreign languages.

Beauty industry specialists (masters of nail service, masters of permanent/ eyelash extensions, beauticians, hairdressers):

finding “their” master for many people is a problem, the beauty standard we are used to is very different from the local one, so this sphere is one of the most demanded in the labour market today.

In North Cyprus you can start your own business:

the procedure of registration of documents is not complicated, therefore, it is possible to start your own business for almost every person. Doing business here is clear and transparent, and taxation is loyal.

As of March 2024, the minimum wage is 25,800 Turkish Lira, which is equivalent to $800, but you can get more if you are a qualified specialist.

How to get a job in North Cyprus?

The employment procedure for foreigners is very different from that of locals. First of all, foreigners need to apply for a work visa. To do this, the employer will have to provide the Migration Service with evidence of why it is necessary to hire this particular candidate. After that, an invitation will be sent to the candidate. With this invitation the person arrives in the country and obtains a certificate of all previous visits to Northern Cyprus. This document can be obtained at the Police Headquarters in the capital of Northern Cyprus – Lefkosa (Nicosia). Next, the employee must undergo a medical examination, which includes an appointment with a general practitioner, fluorography and tests. The employer’s accountant will draw up all the necessary documents. The employee will have to pay some fees for:

a police certificate;
medical certificate;
work visa.

A work visa is issued for one year. After the expiry date, it can be extended if necessary. As a rule, the employer will help you at all stages of employment.

Another option for employment is to enrol in one of the universities in Northern Cyprus. Students receive official permission to work on the island and will not need a work visa. But you should realise that in this case you must be sure that you can cope with your studies.

Do I have to know any foreign languages?

There are two main languages in North Cyprus – Turkish as the national language and English as the international mode of communication. In addition, many people on the island know other languages such as Greek, French, German or Arabic.

Is it possible to get a job knowing only Russian? Of course you can! Although it should be said that these are mostly seasonal jobs: for example, on construction sites, farms, maids or cleaners, where you do not need to communicate closely with foreigners. You can also find a Russian-speaking employer who will agree to meet your compatriot and offer you a job in his company. In addition, on the island very actively used telegram channels on topics, where there is also a chat room for job search, where you can view vacancies and respond to them.

In conclusion, we can say that the local population is very tolerant of foreigners and helps them in every possible way. For people who besides Russian speak English, not to mention Turkish, there will be no barriers at all in North Cyprus. You will not only be able to enjoy life on a paradise island, but also, if you wish, to get an education in one of the prestigious local universities.