Integration Guide

Understanding Cypriot Culture & Business Etiquette (2025)

Successfully adapting to a new country goes beyond navigating paperwork; it's about understanding the heart and soul of its people. Cypriot culture is a rich blend of ancient history, Orthodox tradition, and warm Mediterranean hospitality. This CyExpats.com guide provides insight into the social customs and business norms that will help you build meaningful connections and thrive in your new home.

The Cornerstones of Cypriot Culture

Two Greek words are essential to understanding the Cypriot mindset:

Philoxenia (φιλοξενία)

Literally "friend to the stranger," this concept of hospitality is deeply ingrained. Cypriots take pride in being welcoming and generous hosts. If you are invited to someone's home, it's a genuine sign of respect. Expect to be offered coffee, sweets, and a heartfelt welcome.

Siga-Siga (σιγά-σιγά)

Meaning "slowly, slowly," this is the unofficial motto of the island. It reflects a relaxed, unhurried approach to life. While sometimes frustrating for newcomers used to a faster pace, it's also the source of the low-stress lifestyle that many expats seek. Patience is a key virtue in Cyprus.

Social Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts

Navigating social situations with grace will help you build strong friendships.

Do 👍	Don't 👎
✔ Accept invitations. Being invited to a Cypriot home for a meal or coffee is a significant gesture. It's polite to accept whenever possible.	✖ Refuse a drink. Always accept an offer of a drink (even if it's just a glass of water). Refusing is considered impolite.
✔ Show respect for elders. Greet older people first and use the formal titles "Kyrios" (Mr.) and "Kyria" (Mrs.). Society is traditional and places great value on respecting the older generation.	✖ Be overly critical of Cyprus. While you might face bureaucratic frustrations, avoid complaining about the country to locals. They are very proud of their nation.
✔ Bring a small gift. When invited to someone's home for dinner, it's customary to bring a small gift like pastries, a bottle of wine, or flowers.	✖ Hand over a knife directly. A common superstition is that handing a knife directly to someone will lead to a fight. Place it on the table for them to pick up.
✔ Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries. Men should wear long trousers, and women should cover their shoulders and knees. This is a sign of respect.	✖ Assume an argument is happening. Cypriots are passionate and expressive communicators. What might sound like a heated argument is often just a normal, friendly conversation.

Business Etiquette: Building Professional Relationships

Business in Cyprus is built on trust and personal relationships. Who you are is often as important as what you know.

Do 👍	Don't 👎
✔ Invest time in relationship building. Initial meetings are often about getting to know each other personally. Expect to discuss family, your background, and general topics before diving into business.	✖ Rush into business. Pushing for immediate decisions or a "get to the point" attitude can be seen as rude. Patience is key; let the relationship develop naturally.
✔ Be punctual for meetings. While the "siga-siga" culture exists, punctuality is expected and respected in a professional context. Arrive on time.	✖ Expect decisions to be made in the meeting. Meetings are often for discussion and exchanging ideas. Final decisions are typically made later by senior management.
✔ Dress conservatively and professionally. For initial business meetings, a formal suit for men and a conservative business suit or dress for women is appropriate. First impressions matter.	✖ Use high-pressure negotiation tactics. Haggling is part of the culture, but it's done in a friendly, respectful manner. Aggressive tactics are counterproductive.
✔ Accept offers of coffee. Meetings almost always begin with an offer of Cypriot coffee. Accepting is a crucial part of the relationship-building ritual.	✖ Publicly criticise or embarrass someone. Maintaining harmony and saving face is important. Disagreements should be handled discreetly and diplomatically, never in front of a group.