Childcare Options

In a country where extended family traditionally provides childcare, the professional market is less developed but growing. Good options from casual babysitters to au pairs to full-time nannies.

Babysitters

Find via Facebook groups ("Babysitters in Cyprus", "Cyprus Mums"), Sitly.com, international school recommendations. €5-10/hour. Evening: €8-12. Ask for references, verify them.

This was exactly our experience: €5-10/hour. Evening: €8-12.

– Family from Freiburg, in Nicosia since 2023

Au Pairs

€300-500 pocket money/month + room and board. AuPairWorld.com for placement. EU citizens: no work permit needed. Non-EU: special au pair residence permit required. Max 25 hours/week.

Full-Time Nanny

€700-1,200/month (Mon-Fri). Live-in: €600-1,000 + room and board. Employment contract mandatory. Minimum wage: €940 gross/month. Employer social insurance: 12.6%. CMC advises on legal requirements.

The Cypriot Alternative

In Cypriot families, grandparents provide childcare naturally. Expats without Cypriot grandparents: Cypriot neighbors often spontaneously offer to watch children. Accept – it's genuine. These informal networks are more valuable than any agency.

Finding Babysitters and Au Pairs in Cypr

Topics: Childcare Options, Babysitters, Au Pairs

CMC Practical Tip

com, international school recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

From what age can I get a babysitter?

Anytime. For newborns: experienced sitters or nannies with infant care experience.

Does an au pair need a work permit?

EU citizens: no. Non-EU: special au pair permit needed. Host applies. 4-8 weeks processing.

Full-time nanny cost?

€700-1,200/month. Live-in: €600-1,000 + room and board. Employment contract and social insurance mandatory.

German-speaking babysitters?

Via German Stammtische and Facebook groups. Limited selection but German teens at international schools available.

How CMC Supports You

At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.

As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.

Further Reading