Cyprus is stepping onto the global tech and investment stage. Recent Cyprus government roadshows in the US and India have pitched the island to leading tech giants, sparking real interest from companies like Amazon, OpenAI, Google, Oracle, Plug and Play, and Tenstorrent knews.kathimerini.com.cy. Notably, Plug and Play is exploring a startup incubator here, and Amazon is considering R&D centers and data facilities aligned with Cyprus’s new “Cloud First” strategy. These developments coincide with Cyprus winning the “Best Worldwide Climb in the Top 50” startup ecosystem award (nine-spot jump) and entering the global top 50 ecosystem ranking for the first time. In short, Cyprus is improving as a serious contender in innovation and investment backed by strong GDP growth (3.4% in 2024, among the highest in Europe and major digital transformation efforts (e‑governance strides, tech parks in the planning, and €1.2B from EU recovery funds for innovation).
Opportunities for Tech Talent
- Global companies coming in – expect R&D roles opening if Amazon, Tenstorrent and others plan local operations. Whether it’s AI research, cloud engineering or fintech development, new positions are sure to emerge.
- “Brain Gain” for Cypriots abroad – A new campaign (launching in London, May 2025) is actively inviting skilled Cypriots overseas to return home to work and invest knews.kathimerini.com.cy. “We’re opening doors for them to return, invest, and be part of building the new Cyprus,” President Christodoulides announced. This means extra incentives and support if you’re considering relocating back.
- Vibrant startup scene – Cyprus just broke into the world’s top 50 startup ecosystems fueled by initiatives like the Cyprus Equity Fund and increased funding programs cyprus-mail.com. Tech hubs and incubators are expanding (for example, a new Larnaca tech park is planned cyprus-mail.com), so more startups and scale-ups mean increased hiring across tech, fintech, and life sciences.
- Solid economy & digital push – With an economy growing ~3.4% in 2024 and heavy investment in digital transformation (e‑government services improved 16.3% last year, demand for software, data and cybersecurity experts will be on the rise. Cyprus’s tech sector already makes up ~14% of GDP cyprus-mail.com.
As Cyprus’s leading tech/finance recruitment firm, Emerald Zebra is excited by these trends. We have deep insight into the island’s job market and can help talented candidates (local or returning) find the right roles.
Opportunities for Employers
- New investment climate – Cyprus is opening doors for foreign tech investment. Government delegations have pitched Cyprus in Silicon Valley and Mumbai knews.kathimerini.com.cy, and companies are following up. For example, Oracle is expanding cloud/R&D facilities, and two major Indian firms (one tourism, one tech) will soon base operations here. Expanding the already dynamic ecosystem of local and international players operating in Cyprus.
- Skilled local workforce & incentives – Cyprus offers an educated, English-speaking talent pool, a competitive tax regime, and EU market access. Recent policies (like workforce localization targets and funding programs) and quality-of-life factors mean you’ll find motivated, high-caliber engineers, data scientists, and executives here. The tech, fintech, finance and iGaming sectors employ an increasing mix of both local and expat talent that have relocated to Cyprus or are already located here, as well as the government’s “Brain Gain” strategy (inviting diaspora home) will further boost talent supply.
- Plug into the ecosystem – Being in the top 50 ecosystemmeans better startup support and networking. Programs like the Cyprus Equity Fund provide capital for innovation. Companies relocating here can benefit from co-working spaces, incubators, and partnerships with local universities.
- Recruitment support from Emerald Zebra – As Cyprus’s specialist recruitment agency for tech, finance, fintech and executive roles, we are adept in sourcing niche talent and guiding international firms. Whether you need developers, engineers, data analysts or senior leaders, we know the local market and have a growing network of Cypriot, local, expat and global professionals ready to match your hiring needs.
Contact Emerald Zebra
We work with both job seekers and hiring companies – if you’re excited by Cyprus’s new opportunities, let us be your partner. Reach out today to explore roles, find talent, or discuss your hiring plans. Together, we can help build Cyprus’s innovation economy.
