In 2023, Emerald Zebra reported on the emerging “brain gain” trend in Cyprus, as increasing numbers of diaspora professionals began contacting their recruitment team exploring a return to the island. Fast forward to 2025, and the government has put the Cyprus Brain Gain in the spotlight through its launch of the official “Minds in Cyprus” campaign, complete with headline tax incentives, relocation support and a digital platform aimed at repatriating skilled talent. But does the promise live up to the lived experience?
What Cyprus is Offering
- Tax Incentives
- Up to 50% income tax exemption for earners over €55K abroad for more than 15 years
- 25% income tax exemption on earnings up to €25K for long-term expats with 7+ years abroad
- Mindset Digital Platform
A government-backed portal to support job search, relocation, school enrollment, and settling-in advice. - International Launch
A London-based event in May 2025 brought together 600–850 diaspora professionals, signaling strong outreach and intent.
The Reality Check: Friction & Frustration
While the incentives generated initial excitement, professionals returning or considering a move are raising critical questions:
- Are salaries competitive?
Despite tax breaks, local salaries often lag behind EU counterparts. Many returning professionals cite career stagnation, limited progression or salaries that don’t reflect international experience. - Bureaucratic Drag
Administrative delays, especially around school enrollment, permits and local licensing, are still major pain points. - Talent Inclusion Gaps
While there’s a strong focus on STEM, professionals in humanities, marketing, or business operations for example, often feel excluded from the incentives and opportunities. - Locals vs Newcomers
As highlighted by many vocal individuals on LinkedIn, there’s concern that existing professionals in Cyprus are being overlooked, with incentives skewed toward newcomers. creating disparities in net income and morale.
International Companies & Diaspora Dynamics
International firms are recruiting heavily from their own diaspora networks, particularly Ukrainian and Russian talent, bringing diversity and global skills. However, this trend has also prompted questions about the reality of the job market for Cypriot returnees.
Public Sentiment: Between Hope and Skepticism
- “Brain gain or brain drain? All style, no substance,” argue some local media voices, citing bureaucratic inertia and unclear employer commitments.
- LinkedIn debates reveal skepticism from returnees facing underwhelming job offers and limited mobility.
- Others like point to deeper issues: weak employer branding, lack of career pathways and minimal talent development, all contributing to outbound brain drain.
Emerald Zebra: Supporting Brain Gain Initiatives
At Emerald Zebra, we regularly hear from Cypriots abroad often sharing their hopes of returning home when the right opportunity arises. We’ve successfully supported many in making that move, but the picture isn’t one-dimensional.
For younger professionals, especially recent graduates from the UK and other countries, returning immediately isn’t always the best path. Gaining international experience often outweighs the current opportunities available in Cyprus, many of which still lag in career progression, salary, and exposure. Though things are improving, we’re seeing more companies offer graduate programs, collaborate with universities, and build long-term talent strategies. But the reality remains mixed.
We’re not here to sell a perfect picture. We’re here to stay honest.
That said, our talent pool includes hundreds of overseas professionals open to returning – if the right role, environment and growth opportunity present themselves. Our reach into the Cyprus diaspora is strong and if you’re looking to connect with high-calibre professionals living abroad, we can help.
We’ll continue to advocate for quality opportunities and highlight them to those who want to come back – when the time is right.
Looking to Attract Returning Talent?
If you’re hiring and want to reach skilled professionals abroad who are open to returning to Cyprus, we can help.
- Tap into our extensive Cyprus diaspora network
- Promote your roles with clarity and credibility
- Attract candidates who are ready to return for the right opportunity
Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can support your hiring strategy.
