The Minds in Cyprus initiative has evolved within a year from a government idea into a functioning tool for attracting qualified professionals back to Cyprus and strengthening ties with the Cypriot diaspora around the world.
According to data presented by Irini Georgalla, Head of the Office of the Deputy Minister to the President, more than 750 Cypriot professionals working in different countries have already registered on the platform. Employers in Cyprus have posted more than 400 specialised vacancies, while members of the diaspora have submitted over 300 questions, proposals and recommendations.
More than 400 vacancies and new opportunities for professionals
The initiative was presented by the President of Cyprus in London in May 2025. Its implementation involves the relevant ministries, Invest Cyprus and CCCI, while coordination is carried out by the Presidential Administration.
The main objective of the programme is to connect the international experience and professional expertise of Cypriots living abroad with the development of the Cypriot economy. The initiative is not limited to encouraging professionals to return to the island, but also aims to create opportunities for cooperation with those who prefer to continue living abroad.
Particular emphasis is placed on highly qualified specialists. Today, information technology, communications and the digital economy account for around 14% of Cyprus’ GDP. The country’s research and innovation ecosystem includes 12 universities and more than 15 research institutes and centres of excellence. At the same time, professional, financial and technology services continue to expand, creating additional demand for specialists with international experience.
Cypriots abroad are not only potential returnees
International events have become an important part of the programme. In particular, a career day held in London in May attracted hundreds of Cypriots working in the United Kingdom. More than 20 major Cypriot companies and organisations took an active part, presenting specific employment opportunities.
Cyprus authorities have stressed that Minds in Cyprus is aimed not only at those planning to return to the island. For potential returnees, the programme is intended to help with finding employment and resolving relocation and resettlement issues. For Cypriots who remain abroad, it creates opportunities for professional networking, business cooperation and participation in the economic development of Cyprus. A targeted tax incentive for returning professionals has also been introduced as one of the support measures.
Cyprus focuses on talent and international reputation
According to Georgalla, competition for qualified talent is becoming increasingly intense amid geopolitical instability and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Professionals choose where to live and work not only on the basis of economic conditions, but also by considering trust in institutions, the stability of the rules and future development prospects. As part of its new international positioning strategy, Cyprus aims to present itself as a European hub with a global outlook. The concept of “stability with prospects” has become the foundation of the country’s new image.
Stability refers to Cyprus’ EU membership, a predictable legal and regulatory system, institutional reliability and economic resilience. The prospects are linked to the development of technology, innovation, reforms and investment in human capital. In this way, the authorities aim to strengthen Cyprus’ position as a country attractive not only for the return of the diaspora, but also for work, study and long-term residence.