Living and Working in Northern Cyprus

As the average age of the expatriate community in Northern Cyprus drops each year because of the continued interest from young couples and families in the lifestyle achievable on the island, so the demand for job opportunities in TRNC intensifies.

This article examines the realities and practicalities of living and working in Northern Cyprus for pre-retirees looking for a brand new life abroad.

Living in Northern Cyprus

Politics & Economy

As you’re probably aware the overall political situation in Cyprus is complicated and has been since the division of the island in 1974 but this does not directly affect day to day life in Northern Cyprus. The political situation in TRNC is stable, we have a democratically elected president who is currently Mehmet Ali Talat and a democratically elected prime minister, currently Ferdi Sabit Soyer. We also have a cabinet, or Council of Ministers, who are appointed by the prime minister and the island also has direct political and fiscal support from Turkey.

The economy in Northern Cyprus is also fairly stable, it is supported by grants and financial aid from Turkey and now the EU and US are also promising money and the easing of all trade restrictions against the island. The economy is also directly supported by the growing tourism sector and the property market.

Climate

The climate is just one of the many reasons that people chose to come and live in Northern Cyprus. In the winter it ranges from temperate to lovely with a fair amount of rainfall to keep the island green throughout the spring. The rainfall is mainly restricted to December and January and then in the spring months the island transforms into a flower strewn gem. The summers are long and range from very hot to pretty damn hot indeed and in July and August you’ll find you have to hide from the intense heat in the middle of the day. The climate is conducive of excellent health and North Cyprus is a great place for children to grow up because they can play outside nearly every single day of the year.

Education

There are many local primary schools across Northern Cyprus with the local secondary schools only located in the main towns like Girne (Kyrenia), Lefkosia (Nicosia) and Magusa. There are also a number of private schools teaching through the medium of English and these are located near to Girne and Lefkosia. Education at the local Turkish Cypriot schools is free and accessible to all children between the ages of 6 and 18. There are also 5 universities in Northern Cyprus and they teach a full range of subjects. Education standards vary from school to school but are on the whole good which is excellent to know if you’re moving to North Cyprus with family.

Healthcare

Healthcare is cheaply and easily accessible with state hospitals subsidised by the government but not free. There are many private clinics and doctors and the range of facilities available to medical practitioners for the treatment of patients is improving all the time as investment is made into the island and funds are raised privately. Many prescription drugs can actually be bought over the counter relatively cheaply and most expatriates living and working in Northern Cyprus live without medical insurance as healthcare is affordable.

Food & Drink

The traditional Cypriot and Turkish dishes are all available at many quality restaurants across the island with mezes, fish, steaks, kleftico and kebabs the main specialities. As a result of the growing number of tourists to the island and also those moving in and seeking business ventures there are a wide range of alternative restaurants available as well, serving everything from traditional English pub grub to contemporary French cuisine, traditional Indian and Thai and Chinese food as well.

Local wines and beers are very drinkable and affordable, local spirits are also incredibly cheap. Imported brands are heavily taxed and can seem expensive when you compare prices to local brand equivalents but most of the time prices are in line with UK prices.

Expats

The expatriate community in Northern Cyprus is dominated by Turkish mainland residents and British residents and then supplemented by people from as far afield as Russia, Germany, America and South Africa. All live happily in harmony in this beautiful part of the world and get along well with their Turkish Cypriot hosts. There are a number of different expatriate clubs and societies that meet regularly from football and rugby clubs to the British Residents’ Society, a bridge club and church social groups.

If you’re thinking of relocating to Northern Cyprus you will quickly settle in, make new friends and find your own place in this unique community.

Working in Northern Cyprus

Job Opportunities & Key Industries

They say it’s easier to get a job when you’re in a job - well, in Northern Cyprus it’s far easier to get a job once you’ve moved to the island! Most business here is done on a networking basis and it’s all about ‘it’s not what you know it’s who you know’! Northern Cyprus is a tiny community, everyone knows everyone, each Cypriot you meet is related to a whole host of highly important and influential people in an array of industries and professions and as you slowly meet a wider range of people so you will learn of openings and opportunities that may suit you.

The key industries are tourism and real estate and the majority of vacancies advertised are for estate agents in North Cyprus or travel representatives.

Finding a Job

As stated, the best way to find a job is to get out there and network! Introduce yourself to as many local and expatriate people as you can, explain your skill set, inquire whether people know of any jobs that might suit your skills. Alternatively, once you arrive go through the local English language weekly paper Cyprus Today and the local English language daily paper the Cyprus Times and see who is employing or who is advertising in an industry you can work in. Directly approach potential employers with your resume, go and meet them, ask them if they have any vacancies. It’s a market where it pays to be proactive at all times.

Language Restrictions

Turkish is of course the national language in Northern Cyprus but you will find English more than widely spoken! Public facing jobs usually require English speaking professionals and so it is quite easy for British expatriates to find suitable employment. If you can at least learn the basics in Turkish so you can politely introduce yourself and enquire after a client, customer or employer’s health etc., you will find yourself more easily accepted.

Visas and Permits

To live in Northern Cyprus you have to apply for residency. The first stage is to get temporary residency which is valid for one year and to renew this until you have lived in the TRNC for five years then you can apply for permanent residency. To work in North Cyprus you have to have a work permit and your employer should arrange this for you. Alternatively the British Residents’ Society can assist you with information about where to go to apply for all your permissions. They meet on a Friday morning at the Pegasos hotel, bar and restaurant and on Saturday mornings you can find them behind the main post office in Kyrenia.