Cyprus is a top-rated tourist destination, especially among British holidaymakers who fell in love with its pristine beaches and all-inclusive resorts. However, did you know that its capital is one of the best places in Europe where a digital nomad can live and work?
According to a new study by Panache Cruises, Nicosia ranked as the third-best city for remote workers and left behind other digital nomad hotspots, such as Budapest, Lisbon, and Zagreb.
The key factors to succeed in the study included cost of living, wage, internet speed, the country’s happiness score, and meteorological conditions.
The fantastic Mediterranean weather is one of the main draws
Set in the Mediterranean Sea, not far from the coast of Turkey, Cyprus indeed boasts an amazing climate with warm summers and mild winters. And while Nicosia isn’t itself located on the sea, the nearest beaches are less than an hour of drive away.
The cost of living is very affordable
Monthly bills are another important factor for digital nomads, and Nicosia scored very well here. You can rent a studio apartment in the city for as little as 500 US$ per month, while a meal in a restaurant can cost you around 15 US$.
Some parts of Cyprus can be more costly than others. For example, the prices are usually much higher in the touristy areas around beach resorts. But you can comfortably live in Nicosia on a budget, even though it’s the capital city.
No need for the visa
Cyprus does offer digital nomad visas and compared to other countries, they are very cheap (€70 for the application). However, the monthly salary requirement is €3,500, which is not easy to accomplish, especially if you’re new to the digital nomad lifestyle. But don’t worry. You might not need it.
Americans and many other nationalities can spend 90 days out of every 180 days in the Schengen Area for tourism. Cyprus is a part of the European Union but not the Schengen Zone. So, Americans can stay there for up to 90 consecutive days without a visa, and it won’t eat into their 90-day Schengen Area limit.
Cyprus has its mind set on digitalization
As stated by Constantinos Yiorkadjis, the mayor of the city, several projects aiming to turn Nicosia into a smart city will be finalized this year. The improvements should make Cyprus more attractive for the tech industry and enhance digital nomadic work.
