CYPRUS INFORMATION GUIDE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS MINISTRY OF INTERIOR EUROPEAN UNION Action co-funded by the European Integration Fund ΑΛΛΗΛΕΓΓΥΗ, ΠΡΟΟΔΟΣ, ΕΥΗΜΕΡΙΑ - SOLIDARITY, PROGRESS, PROSPERITY This publication was prepared by INNOVADE LI LTD and CARDET LTD, as part of the project with title “Updated General Information Guide about Cyprus ” [Action A4, European Integration Fund for the Third Country Nationals, Annual Programme 2013]. The Action was co-financed by the European Integration Fund for Third Country Nationals (95%) and the Republic of Cyprus (5%). Copyright © 2015 by the Solidarity Funds Sector, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus. This publication may be reproduced only for non-commercial purposes, and full reference should be provided to the original source. www.cyprus-guide.org ISBN 978-9963-33-886-3 Cyprus Information Guide The Guide is developed under the project: Update of the Guide with General Information about Cyprus (Action A4, European Integration Fund for Third Country Nationals, Annual Programme 2013). This Guide was developed for information purposes only and no rights can be derived from its contents. The project partners did their best to include accurate, corroborated, transparent, and up-to-date information, but make no warrants as to its accuracy or completeness. The information contained in the Cyprus Information Guide has been gathered from reliable sources such as the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the Press and Information Office, Ministries, Public Authorities and non-governmental organisations. Any information contained herein is subject to change without notice. All information available in this Guide was validated during the period of March – April 2015. Readers shall therefore cross-check the accuracy of the information provided in this Guide with the relevant authorities. The Cyprus Information Guide is solely provided as a guide for information and shall under no circumstances be deemed as binding. The European Integration Fund for Third Country Nationals, the Republic of Cyprus, INNOVADE LI LTD, CARDET LTD, and the Contracting/Responsible Authority shall not be held liable for any inaccuracy contained in the Guide, or for any direct or indirect damage resulting from this information. Preface It is an honour to introduce this guide that aims to provide general information to Third Country Nationals (TCN) about Cyprus in respect to its culture, employment, professional development, finance, health, and education. The guide was prepared through thorough consideration and analysis of reliable sources, both on a local and European level. It is envisioned that the guide will help understand Cypriot society and facilitate their integration process. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who collaborated on this project and contributed to its successful completion. Constantinos Kyprianou Head of European Funds Unit Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus Preface | 3 Table of Contents Introduction______________________________________________________________________________ 9 Country Overview_________________________________________________________________________13 Geography 1.1 Geographical Position___________________________________________________________________17 1.2 Weather – Climate______________________________________________________________________18 1.3 Natural Environment____________________________________________________________________18 1.4 Demographic Information________________________________________________________________19 1.5 Cities – Districts________________________________________________________________________19 History 2.1 Introduction___________________________________________________________________________29 2.2 Prehistoric Age (8200 - 1050 BC)___________________________________________________________30 2.3 From the Geometric to the Roman period (1050 BC-330 AD)____________________________________30 2.4 Byzantine Period (330 – 1191 AD)__________________________________________________________31 2.5 Frankish Period (1191 – 1489 AD)_________________________________________________________32 2.6 Venetian Period (1489 – 1571 AD)_________________________________________________________32 2.7 Ottoman Empire (1571 - 1878 AD)_________________________________________________________33 2.8 British Rule (1878 – 1960 AD)_____________________________________________________________33 2.9 Cyprus Independence in 1960 – Present day_________________________________________________34 Culture 3.1 Museums_____________________________________________________________________________39 3.2 Religious Monuments___________________________________________________________________41 3.3 Historical Monuments___________________________________________________________________44 3.4 Theatre______________________________________________________________________________ 44 3.5 Music________________________________________________________________________________45 3.6 Dance________________________________________________________________________________45 3.7 Events _______________________________________________________________________________46 3.8 Customs of Cyprus______________________________________________________________________47 3.9 Traditional Cypriot Flavours_______________________________________________________________48 Political System 4.1 Introduction___________________________________________________________________________53 4.2 Executive power________________________________________________________________________53 4.3 Legislative power_______________________________________________________________________54 4.4 Judicial power_________________________________________________________________________55 4.5 Official Languages______________________________________________________________________57 4.6 Cyprus in the European Union_____________________________________________________________57 4.7 Becoming a Cypriot Citizen_______________________________________________________________58 4.8 Civic Participation_______________________________________________________________________61 4.9 Basic Human Rights and Obligations________________________________________________________62 Economy 5.1 Basic Characteristics of the Cyprus Economy_________________________________________________69 5.2 The Currency of Cyprus___________________________________________________________________69 5.3 Taxation______________________________________________________________________________69 5.4 Banking System________________________________________________________________________70 5.5 Banking Information for TCNs_____________________________________________________________71 Employment and Labour Relations 6.1 General Introduction____________________________________________________________________83 6.2 Employment Categories for TCNs__________________________________________________________86 6.3 Special Employment Categories that allow the work permit for more than 4 years___________________98 6.4 Provision of Temporary/Permanent Residence/Entrance/Work Permit for TCNs_____________________98 6.5 Entrance permission (Visas)______________________________________________________________100 6.6 Immigration Permit for TCNs ____________________________________________________________107 6.7 Refund or Return of Bank Guarantee______________________________________________________109 6.8 Employment and Working Relations for TCNs _______________________________________________111 6.9 Social Insurance_______________________________________________________________________116 6.10 Public Services and Organisations related to the employment of TCNs___________________________117 Education 7.1 Fundamental Rights of Students__________________________________________________________123 7.2 The Structure of the Education System_____________________________________________________125 7.3 Higher and Tertiary Education in Cyprus____________________________________________________134 7.4 Vocational Education and Training Services for TCNs__________________________________________135 Health Care Services 8.1 Public Health Services__________________________________________________________________144 8.2 Health Insurance Coverage______________________________________________________________146 8.3 Pharmacies___________________________________________________________________________147 Access to Utilities 9.1 Power/Electricity______________________________________________________________________151 9.2 Water Supply_________________________________________________________________________152 9.3 Telephone and Internet Service___________________________________________________________153 9.4 Emergency Phone Number – 112________________________________________________________155 9.5 Cyprus Post__________________________________________________________________________155 9.6 Transportation________________________________________________________________________156 9.7 Citizen Service Centres__________________________________________________________________158 9.8 Official Government Website (www.cyprus.gov.cy)___________________________________________159 Useful Contacts_______________________________________________________163 Introduction This publication provides general information about Cyprus, for Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), to help facilitate TCNs integration in the Cypriot society and the local labour market. The Cyprus Information Guide is developed in an effort to promote mutual respect and appreciation