Living in Larnaca, Cyprus: The Ultimate Expat Guide

Living in Larnaca, Cyprus: The Ultimate Expat Guide

Updated: January 2024

 

To get yourself in the mood for the article and feel the wonderful sun and refreshing breeze of Cyprus, watch this video first! It takes you on a one-minute tour across Cyprus with Joseph from Lost in Cyprus! make sure to follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more amazing Cyprus content! With his fantastic videos and top-quality pictures, he takes you on a trip to this beautiful European island every day!

 

Have you ever thought of living on a beautiful European island? Larnaca is the perfect city to make your dream come true. Amazing weather all year long, beaches all the way, and astonishing culture along with amazing career opportunities and stable living conditions.

 

Larnaca is becoming a home to many expatriates looking for an opportunity to live by the sea and enjoy the beauty of nature as well as happy people & daily sunshine.

 

Do you see yourself living in Larnaca, Cyprus? We would love to assist you with all the necessary information in a step-by-step guide to make sure you are all settled in becoming a  joyous resident of Larnaca, Cyprus.

 

  1. Looking for Work in Larnaca, Cyprus
  2. The Best Way to Get Around Larnaca, Cyprus
  3. Cyprus, Larnaca Culture and Language
  4. Fun Things to Do in Larnaca, Cyprus
  5. Cost of Living in Larnaca, Cyprus 

 

Looking for Work in Larnaca, Cyprus

 

Larnaca, the third biggest city in Cyprus, is a top location for business professionals and expats due to the large number of international companies offering jobs in the tourism & hospitality, real estate, and energy industries. English is widely spoken amongst Cypriots which makes the conditions for internationals favourable even without having a command of the Greek language. 

 

When job seeking in Larnaca, job boards are your best friends. Indeed, LinkedIn and Glassdoor are good resources to start with, but there are also plenty of language-specific job boards that are perfect for expats, such as Europe Language Jobs


 

Workers' rights 

 

Just like in any other EU state, European citizens do not require a work visa or permit to kick off their career in Cyprus. However, a temporary residence permit is required for employment. Companies usually assist their international employees with the process of obtaining one, but here is what you need to know. First of all, act quickly - you have 8 days upon your arrival to get the work done. The application process takes place at the Larnaca District Immigration Unit. 

 

Obtaining your Temporary Residence Permit 

 

To prepare for your permit application, you will need to collect and arrange the following: 

 

  • Temporary Residence Permit Application Form - filled in and signed 

  • Proof of accommodation in Larnaca

  • Proof of financial means enough to sustain yourself in Cyprus

  • A medical certificate, showing you are negative for Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, issued within the past 4 months

  • Certificate of police clearance (Criminal Record), issued from your country of residence within the past six months.

  • Proof of your health insurance 

  • Passport copy 

  • Bank statement

  • Other relevant documents (if any) presenting reasons why you want to live in Cyprus, such as:

    • Marriage/birth certificate for family reunion

    • Work permit for employment (for Non- EU citizens) 

    • Proof of enrollment in a university or other educational institution for international students

 

Once you sort out your residence permit, you are good to go for the entire year. Annual renewal is always possible after the year has come to an end. Note that even if you are planning to stay in Larnaca for less than 90 days (for seasonal employment for example) you still must declare this to the Immigration Department within the first 8 days of your arrival using the 2DECL form. 

 

 

Most popular jobs

 

By no surprise, Larnaca is an attractive summer job destination due to its long summer season and the high tourist interest in the city as a beach vacation spot. In addition, the possibilities for long-term employment in different business sectors are not rare as the city is welcoming many growing international companies, such as Sykes

 

Expats are likely to come across many career opportunities in the different service sectors with year-round work offers in the casino and hotel industries. Foreign IT and Finance specialists are generally in demand just as much as in any other modern economies. Being experienced and passionate about marketing, sales, and telecommunications will also open many doors for expatriates based in Larnaca. 

 

The Best Way to Get Around in Larnaca, Cyprus

 

Getting around the island is quite easy.

 

Larnaca Airport

 

To start with, there are two main airports in Cyprus: 

- Larnaca International Airport is considered the international gateway 

- Paphos International Airport. 

 

 

Public Transport 

 

Once in Larnaca, public transportation is more than enough to make it around town and even all across the island. There is no railway system in Cyprus, so cars and buses are the means to travel. There are four different types of bus services to take you where you wish to be.

 

  • Trans-urban buses connect the bigger cities 

  • Rural buses link the villages to the main cities

  • Urban buses serve as public transport within the city 

  • Airport transfer buses pick you up and take you to the airport from central stations


 

Fares are relatively low compared to other European cities. There are a couple of ticket options to choose from, but a single ride valid for one journey within the city or its suburbs costs 1,50 euros. There are special discounts for students (50% off the normal price). You can get your single ticket directly from the bus drivers when you get on the bus. Weekly, monthly, or yearly tickets are available at the main bus stations. 

 

Cyprus By Bus is the best bus information resource for the whole country. You can find the schedules, plan your journey, read the latest news, find the bus stops and explore the route fares in detail. 

 

The 2GIS app is designed to help newcomers navigate a city. It's an alternative to Google Maps, available for both Android and iOS

 

 

Driving

 

Driving a car is an option if you would like a trip away from Larnaca. Since Cyprus has a very good road network (with road signs in English) you might want to rent a car for a day or two. Prices start from around 50€ a day and can vary depending on the company and the car model.

 

Mind that you need to be 25 or older to be allowed to rent a car. Something that might surprise you is that the company will hand the vehicle over to you with an empty fuel tank and will expect you to return it with an empty one too. 

 

 

Cyprus, Larnaca Culture and Language 

 

Way of living 

 

To be a real Cypriot means to spend long hours with friends at cafes. Locals really love paying daily visits to central cafeterias to have a vivid chat with their friends. This cafe culture is one of the reasons why Larnaca is full of life and happiness. Cypriots' favourite activity can be of great help to you as an expat. It shouldn’t be tough to make friends in such an outgoing city. 

 

Larnaca City Streets

 

LGBTQ+ Community

 

Cyprus' culture is deeply influenced by the Greek Orthodox Church. Because of that, all matters concerning sexuality - including topics of gender identity and sexual orientation - are still considered taboo by many. However, since Cyprus became a member state of the European Union in 2004 and therefore had to change some of its legislatures, the society has been becoming more and more open-minded.

 

Same-sex marriages aren't legal in Cyrpus yet, but recent surveys show that the majority of the country's citizens show support for the cause and believe homosexual couples should be granted equal rights. Initiatives such as Accept fight for equality and spread awareness among the increasingly liberal Cypriots. 

 

 

Networking 

 

Larnaca is not such a big city - a little bit more than 50 000 people live there but you’ll have no trouble making friends since there is so much going on all the time. The wonderful beaches, bars, cafes and restaurants, leisure centres, and beautiful locations to visit bring people outside and attract countless tourists throughout the year. 

 

Websites to meet new people:

 

Websites to explore events and activities: 

 

 

Language 

 

Greek is hard to learn, but it is an extremely useful language. The difference between Cypriot Greek and the one spoken in Greece is similar to the difference between American and British English - some pronunciations, words, and expressions differ but overall the language is the same. Learning Greek is difficult from the very start.

 

The Greek alphabet is unique and many struggle to get used to seeing and understanding the written language. The best way to jump over the language barrier is to not avoid it and be as engaged as possible. Once you learn some words, things will start making sense and you will understand much more than you expected. 

 

A language tool that can be useful for polishing your Greek by yourself is Italki. You can also enroll in a language school or get a private tutor. We recommend Greek Learning Center in Cyprus and Preply

 

 

The most useful phrases for foreigners 

 

English is very widely spoken in Cyprus and you will have no trouble using it in your everyday life, but here are some useful words and expressions to really sink in with the locals: 

 

  • Thank you - ευχαριστώ ( or efcharistó) 
  • Hello: χαίρεται (or chaíretai)
  • Good morning: καλημέρα (or kaliméra)
  • Good afternoon: καλησπέρα (or kalispéra)
  • How are you?: τι κάνεις? (or ti káneis?)
  • How much does it cost?: πόσο κοστίζει? (or póso kostízei?) 

 

 

Social Events and Holidays 

 

There are in total 2 weeks of the year that Cyprus spends on public holidays. Some of the most important days of the calendar are:

 

25th of March - Greek Independence Day 
1st of April - might be the April fools day around the world but in Cyprus, this day is no joke. April 1st commemorates the start of the insurgence against the British in 1955. 
15th of August - Dormition of the Theotokos or assumption day is the so-called  'Easter of the summer'. 
1st of October - Cyprus Independence Day.
28ft of October - Ochi Day - the word “ochi” means “no” in Greek. This day is dedicated to the famous pronouncement made by Greek Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, during WW2 when he simply said no to Mussolini’s spokesperson and refused to give Axis forces access to use the Greek territories to reach other European areas. 

 

 

Fun Things to do in Larnaca, Cyprus

 

Gastronomy and Places to Eat

 

Who doesn’t like Mediterranean food? Light dishes of various seafood, grilled meat and fish, veggies, and tasty appetizers are on every local cuisine restaurant or tavern menu. Here are some of the staples of Cypriot cuisine that you should definitely try:

 

  • Souvlakia - grilled meet usually on a stick 
  • Halloumi - traditional Cypriot cheese; a must-try combination is the halloumi cheese with watermelon - don’t judge before you have a taste!! It is a crazy good combination.
  • Koupepia - stuffed vine leaves with rice and meat 
  • Zivania - traditional Cypriot drink; it’s a pomace brandy made of grapes - it’s a strong liquor. 
  • Galaktoboureko - a typical dessert, literally meaning “milk burek”; very sweet and heavy so take a small piece. 

 

Some of the places to enjoy a meal and the taste of Cyprus in Larnaca are: To Kazani Traditional TavernZephyros Restaurant (a traditional fish restaurant), and Stou Roushia. For some traditional fast food, try the pita gyros and souvlaki at places like Kalamaki Bar or luv Souvlakia. When you are craving something sweet, go for the Loukoumades served in Loukoumades Vasilis Antri,  Alasia or Panikos Loukoumades.

 

The most popular food delivery app in Cyprus is Foody. You can use it both from an Android and iOS device. 

 

 

Nightlife 

 

Cocktails by the beach, drinks in local bars, or real club experiences are all to be found in Larnaca. Even though there are plenty of options to have a night out in Larnaca, most people will tell you to go to Ayia Napa, known all across Europe as the ultimate party location.

 

You need between 2 and 3 hours by bus for the price of 5,50€ to get from Larnaca to the capital of nightlife Ayia Napa. Taxis are also an option and cost around 40€. For some fun that does not require travel, try some of the many beach bars at Makenzy beach. 

 

 

Outdoor Activities 

 

The most popular locations to spend the day on the beach are Mackenzie Beach, Finikoudes Beach, and Pyla (CTO) Beach. Once there, the temptation to explore every sand bit will probably get you, so your beach list might get longer. Troodos mountains are just 2 hours drive away from Larnaca and they are definitely worth a visit. Pano Lefkara village is only 40 to 50 minutes by car. 

 

 

Sports 

 

Beach and water sports almost all year long - how about that for your summer body figure? Diving, wind and kite surfing, beach volleyball, and jogging by the sea are all sports activities to try. There are also many gyms with affordable membership offers. A popular option is a visit to Reflex Gym.

 

Are you a fan of cycling? The Gran Fondo cycling event is an amateur road cycling race in Cyprus that takes place every year in March. This three-day-long experience is the ultimate bliss for every cycling fan. 

 

 

Shopping 

 

For some street shopping, take a walk on Zenonos Kitieos street in the city centre. If you are looking for some artsy spots, small streets taking you to the Old Town start from Finikoudes Boulevard. There you will come across the most interesting souvenir and handicraft shops with traditional goods. The best time for shopping is during the months of August and February when discounts go up to 50 - 70% due to seasonal sales. 


 

The Cost of Living in Larnaca, Cyprus

 

The cost of living in Larnaca, Cyprus, is more or less 25% lower than in most of the northern European countries. 

 

A useful tool for organising your finances is JCCsmart. This mobile app helps you manage your bills and make real-time payments in the Cypriot market. It's available in English for both Android and iOS and is recommended by many users in Cyprus. 

 

 

Rent 

 

When hunting for long-term accommodation options, the best approach will be to look around... literally. To avoid disappointment, renting a holiday apartment for a week or two and visiting potential rental offers is highly recommended. Doing so will ensure you make a decision based on the actual conditions and equipment of your new home. Just like in any other city, prices vary depending on the size, modernity, and location of the available rental houses.

 

You can rent a single room starting from 200-300€, but accommodation in more luxurious places can reach 500€. The lowest budget for a one or two-bedroom apartment is 700€, and larger apartments/houses start from the price of 1000€. Another option would be to look for accommodation through Facebook groups and local websites, such as bazaraki where all sorts of ads can be found. Rentals can also be found through local newspapers such as the Cyprus Mail. 

 

 

Food and Groceries 

 

Food and groceries will take a smaller part of your monthly budget in Larnaca compared to other bigger and attractive European cities. The supermarkets recommended by locals for your everyday groceries are Metro, AlphaMega, Savemore, and the Lidl brand. Compare the difference in prices between your current city of residence and Larnaca. You will find prices of different goods, rent and other living costs estimates. 

 

Here is our weekly estimation for an individual: 

 

 

Medical care 

 

Health services are provided by both public/private clinics and hospitals. Cyprus’ public health service is funded through the social security payments of those who work on the island, whether Cypriots or foreign residents. The system provides free or low-cost healthcare for those who contribute to social security. 

 

Visiting a doctor for a consultation costs €15 to €20, and the cost of most treatments is almost twice as inexpensive as in northern European countries. When working in Cyprus, you are covered by Cyprus social insurance care.

 

 

Films and books set in Cyprus

 

The landscapes of Cyprus make for a beautiful film setting. Many directors have taken advantage of that opportunity, offering viewers shots of the Mediterranean paradise. The charm of the island has also inspired multiple authors who 

 

Movies

 

  • Smuggling Hendrix (2018)

Yiannis, a faded musician who is about to leave Cyprus for a better life abroad, sees his plans turned upside down when his dog crosses the Buffer Zone that separates the "Greek South" from the "Turkish North". Can he smuggle him back in?

 

  • A Summer In Cyprus (2017)

Moritz (11) convinced his mother to go on a special holiday in Cyprus, to meet there his unsuspecting father Aiven Bastekis, once her one-night-stand. Aiven, who runs the family textile trade firm, is startled and seems unwilling to complicate life further in his family, having a Greek father and Turkish mother.

 

  • Akamas (2006)

Akamas is a 2006 Cypriot film directed by Panicos Chrysanthou. It is about a love affair between a Turkish Cypriot and a Greek Cypriot who pursue a relationship despite the opposition of their families and the inter-communal violence of the 1960s.

 

  • Clementine (2020)

Clementine is a surreal comic drama that focuses on a young boy who comes across two strange men in Cyprus - an encounter that triggers a spiritual awakening

 

Books

 

  • The Olive Tree by Lucinda Riley

It has been 24 years since a young Helena spent a magical holiday in Cyprus, where she fell in love for the first time. When the now crumbling house, ‘Pandora’, is left to her by her godfather, she returns to spend the summer there with her family.

 

  • Songbirds by Christy Lefteri

The book is inspired by the true story of the disappearance of a service woman in Cypro. The story is set on the Mediterranean island, where a Sri Lankan woman named Nisha works for Petra, a widowed lady who lives with her daughter. 

The police refuse to pursue the case, so Petra undertakes the investigation alone...

Songbirds tells a story about fighting for truth and justice, a story of women avenging their lost voice.

 

  • Between the Orange Groves by Nadia Marks

The story is set many years ago in Cyprus. It is about the lives of two families who shared a relationship of friendship and mutual respect, in the setting of the rugged mountains of the Cypriot island. 

The two families shared everything, but a disruptive event separated them sharply. Years later, an elderly gentleman in London tells this story to his daughter, Stella. Will they find their way to forgiveness? 

 

  • Swimming to Ithaca by Simon Mawer

On her deathbed, Dee Denham, at one time the toast of colonial Cyprus, tells her son Thomas that her illness is a punishment. Compelled by grief and a confused childhood memory of betrayal, Thomas finds himself searching for the meaning of her last words. 

He searches through faded photographs and love letters, seeks out survivors and examines his own imperfect recollections. A vanished world comes to life: the restless, seductive island of Cyprus at the end of Empire, a place of oleander and carob trees, cocktails at the Harbour Club and adultery in shuttered bedrooms, peopled by ghostly admirers and conspirators, lovers and spies. Dee’s story, an intimate history of violence and tenderness for which Thomas finds himself quite unprepared, gathers momentum, against, in the background, the ominous roar of approaching disaster.

 

Cyprus Playlist

If you're itching to travel to Cyprus right now but can't quite jump on the plane yet - don't worry! With our playlist, tailor-made to match the sunny vibe of the island, you will transform right there in a fracture of a second!

 

Have you ever thought about how divine life can get on an island? At least once we all imagined what life could be when surrounded by sea and blessed to enjoy beach sunsets every day. Well, it's good to know that dreams come true. Cyprus is the perfect European island getaway, how about making it your home too. The flourishing international business hub and the growing service sector have a lot to offer to specialists and expatriates with different work experience backgrounds. Now that you know what great conditions await you in Larnaca, don’t wait another day and start planning.