When the Cypriot government announced the initiative to attract talented Cypriot professionals—mainly young scientists living and working abroad—the project, though new, did not initially generate high expectations.

As Brief suggests, three months after the launch of the Minds in Cyprus platform, which publishes career opportunities for skilled Cypriots living abroad, the response has been measurable.

The aim is to encourage qualified Cypriots working overseas to consider returning and establishing their professional and family life on the island.

The platform’s landing page features a slogan that reflects the initiative’s purpose. It invites Cypriot professionals to “return to their future”—that is, to Cyprus. “The future is waiting. Work, live and thrive in your home country,” the slogan states.

Eirini Piki, Deputy Minister to the President—who oversees coordination of the initiative—notes that 500 individuals have registered on the platform so far, most of them with strong qualifications and specialised skills, seeking professional opportunities that could support a possible return.

She adds that approximately 130 companies, organisations and businesses have also registered, exploring options to fill various positions with competitive remuneration packages. Browsing the platform shows a number of senior and executive roles.

Offered salaries—excluding benefits such as access to the General Healthcare System (GeSY)—reach up to €110,000 annually, while other posts offer initial salaries between €50,000 and €70,000.

Tenstorrent, a global company operating in AI chips and systems, intends to open offices in Cyprus by 2026 and has already listed three vacancies. A strategic cooperation memorandum has been signed between the company and the Republic of Cyprus.

The platform also hosts the vacancy announcement for the Cyta CEO position.

The programme includes tax incentives, as previously outlined during presentations in London and Toronto.

An amending bill submitted to Parliament proposes a 25% income tax exemption, capped at €25,000, for scientists and professionals who have lived abroad for more than seven years and have worked for at least three years.

The bill introduces more flexible eligibility criteria to support the return of professionals able to contribute to innovation, productivity and economic competitiveness.

According to earlier statements by the Finance Ministry, the measure does not create immediate fiscal cost, as it targets new taxpayers and is expected to strengthen the tax base over time.

The framework includes a five-year evaluation cycle to allow adjustments based on socio-economic developments.

The bill also provides up to €1,000 in school-tuition subsidies for children of returning professionals, as many may attend private schools due to language considerations.

“We want to invest in the talent of our compatriots and offer the conditions for them to return,” Ms Piki says.

A new series of talent-attraction events is being planned, with participation from the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Invest Cyprus. Local companies will also take part, presenting specific job openings.