Cyprus membership in the EU means that, in theory at least, EU citizens cannot be denied access to a profession in Cyprus if you’ve been awarded the necessary qualifications in your home country.

If you want to use your professional qualifications in Cyprus, you must apply for recognition to the competent body which regulates your profession. They will examine your application and qualifications and issue a licence so that you may practise your profession in Cyprus. They must inform you of their decision within four months and provide you will a full statement of the reasons for their decision. If there’s any doubt or concern about the recognition of your qualifications, the competent body can ask the opinion of the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KYSATS).

The Department of Labour of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance is the national reference body which provides information to EU nationals who want to practise a regulated profession in Cyprus. Full information about regulated professions and details of the District Labour Offices are available from the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance (Tel. 22-401 600, www.mlsi.gov.cy/dol).

Social Insurance

If you’re planning to work in Cyprus, you must apply to your local District Labour Office to register for social insurance. The locations of all the District Labour Offices can be found on the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance (www.mlsi.gov.cy/dol – go to the English version and search for ‘District Labour Offices’).