2023 Doing Business in Cyprus (India Edition)
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
75<br />
INDIA EDITION<br />
BUSINESS CULTURE<br />
Respect, hospitality and personal trust are the cornerstones of the Cypriot bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
environment. An island nation with a long history of deal<strong>in</strong>g with foreign traders<br />
and bus<strong>in</strong>esses, Cypriot bus<strong>in</strong>esspeople are <strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>in</strong> their outlook and astute<br />
and knowledgeable <strong>in</strong> their negotiations. Punctuality is expected, bus<strong>in</strong>ess dress is<br />
formal for both men and women, especially at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of a bus<strong>in</strong>ess relationship,<br />
and even <strong>in</strong> warm weather. Most Cypriots prefer face-to-face meet<strong>in</strong>gs to telephone<br />
conferences or written communications, which are regarded as too impersonal, and<br />
place great importance on build<strong>in</strong>g personal relationships with bus<strong>in</strong>ess partners or<br />
connections. Trust is the key to successful bus<strong>in</strong>ess deal<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
LANGUAGE<br />
Greek and Turkish are the official languages of <strong>Cyprus</strong>. However, English, the<br />
legacy of the British who ruled <strong>Cyprus</strong> from 1878 to 1960, is widely spoken and is<br />
the language of bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Many Cypriots also speak French, German or Russian.<br />
BUSINESS HOURS<br />
Office hours are generally 8.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.30pm, Monday to<br />
Friday. Although <strong>in</strong> summer some offices take a longer lunch break or f<strong>in</strong>ish early.<br />
Nicosia
Change language