The Cypriot government has launched a large-scale initiative called Minds in Cyprus, which aims to bring skilled professionals from the Cypriot diaspora back to Cyprus. The program is designed to reverse the long-standing trend of brain drain and strengthen the country's position in the global race for talent.
Recently, Nicos Christodoulides, the president of Cyprus, presented the project alongside updated tax breaks and a digital platform that will connect employers and job seekers.
The tax breaks and flexible employment conditions
A key innovation is increasing the tax exemption from 20% to 25% of income, with the maximum benefit rising from €8,550 to €25,000 per year. The mandatory period of residence abroad to participate in the program has been reduced from 15 years to seven years after graduation.
Previously, applicants were required to have three years of continuous work abroad; now, 36 months of foreign experience within the last five years is sufficient. Additionally, tax benefits are retained when changing employers, which significantly increases the mobility of specialists.
Housing, education, and family support
Starting in 2026, program participants will be able to immediately apply for government housing programs, bypassing the previous two-year waiting period. Support will also be provided to families. Subsidies for children's education in private schools will increase from €768 to €1,000 per year. Spouses and children will also have the opportunity to take free or discounted language courses.
Additionally, there are adaptation programs for businesses and accelerated professional registration for medical professionals, including recognition of European qualifications.
Business ambassadors and a digital platform will be introduced
One of the program's tools is a network of "business ambassadors" — prominent representatives of the Cypriot diaspora who promote the country's economic opportunities in major cities worldwide.
An information campaign will also be launched, including career days and networking events. A digital platform will help job seekers find work in their field using specialized questionnaires and job matching algorithms.