Over 350 UK-based Cypriot professionals gathered in London and Birmingham as the "Minds in Cyprus" initiative showcased more than 110 high-skilled job vacancies, pitching the island's booming economy and strong tax incentives as the ultimate career destination.

Connecting Diaspora with Local Talent Needs

More than 350 Cypriot professionals attended events of the “Minds in Cyprus” initiative, held in Birmingham and London, aiming to connect members of the Cypriot diaspora with employment and career opportunities in Cyprus.

The events took place on June 22 and 23, while 24 companies and organisations from Cyprus presented over 110 highly skilled job opportunities in sectors including technology, fintech, financial and professional services, research and innovation, and energy.

Government Incentives and Economic Growth

Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, representing the Government, outlined the progress achieved during the first year of the initiative, the incentives available to professionals considering relocation, and the career prospects currently emerging in Cyprus, a presidency press release said.

According to Irene Piki, the initiative seeks to position Cyprus as a credible and attractive option for professionals evaluating the next stage of their careers, whether through returning to the island or by developing professional links and collaborations with Cypriot businesses and organisations.

She noted that the Cypriot economy has recorded strong performance in recent years, supported by robust growth rates, historically low unemployment, improved public finances and successive upgrades by international credit rating agencies. These developments, she said, have created growing demand for highly skilled talent, particularly in high-value sectors such as technology, financial services, research and innovation.

Digital Platforms and Tax Relief

Particular emphasis was placed on the “Opportunities for Talent” platform, through which more than 700 professionals have already registered. The platform currently features over 330 specialised job vacancies offered by businesses and organisations operating in Cyprus.

The events also highlighted the tax incentives available to Cypriots considering relocation, including a recently introduced 25% income tax exemption for Cypriots who have spent at least seven years abroad, alongside existing schemes offering tax exemptions of up to 50% in certain cases.

Practical Support and Collaborative Efforts

In addition, participants were informed about practical measures designed to facilitate relocation, including faster processing of professional licensing and qualification recognition procedures, support for families regarding education and settlement issues, and access to consolidated information through a dedicated Information Hub. Representatives of the Tax Department and the Research and Innovation Foundation also attended the events, providing guidance on taxation matters, funding programmes, research opportunities and innovation support tools.

The London event took the form of a career fair, while the Birmingham gathering featured a roundtable discussion focusing on the prospects of the Cypriot economy, labour market needs and ways of strengthening ties between Cyprus and its diaspora. The events were organised by the Government of Cyprus and Invest Cyprus, with the support of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Cypriots in the City network and dozens of businesses and organisations operating in Cyprus. The Minds in Cyprus initiative forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to attract talent, strengthen the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy and harness the international experience and expertise of Cypriots living abroad.

Source: CNA (ΚΥΠΕ)