Recruitment agency Cyprus: hiring help through licensed employment agencies

For local hires and workers from abroad, we explain the routes and plan the hiring; as Cyprus law requires, a licensed private employment agency or an advocate handles the recruitment and the permit procedure.

LicenceRequired for any agency that places workers

RegisterDepartment of Labour list of licensed agencies

FeesPaid by the employer; agencies may not charge workers

Check my case for free See the steps

A team meeting in a bright office in Limassol

Checked 28 October 2026

Options

Local and EU hires

Office, finance, IT and hospitality roles filled from the Cyprus and EU labour market.

Managers and specialists

Executive and professional search; agency staff need relevant qualifications or experience.

Workers from outside the EU

Where no local candidate is found, after a labour market test; see recruitment of non-EU workers.

Steps and timeline

1
Brief
Roles, salary, start date, languages and whether candidates are local, EU or non-EU.
1–2 days
2
Choose an agency
Check it is on the Department of Labour list and covers your sector.
1 week
3
Search and shortlist
The agency advertises, screens and presents candidates on your written instructions.
varies
4
Offer and contract
Written employment contract; for non-EU workers, a labour market test and permits first.
varies

Documents

From the employer

Job descriptionsDuties, hours, salary and location for each roleCompany detailsRegistration certificate and contact personWritten instructions to the agencyAgencies may only promote candidates on the employer's written instructions

For non-EU hires

Department of Labour approvalAfter the vacancy has been advertised through the District Labour OfficeStamped employment contractsFiled with the Civil Registry and Migration Department for the work permits

0 of 5 ready

The exact list depends on your situation; we confirm it before filing.

Who does what

What you do

Share your situation and goals
Collect documents from home
Agree the scope of work in writing

What we do

Check the requirements for your case
Prepare the documents and file the application
Follow up until the decision

Your coordinator

Plans the work and next steps
Keeps one timeline for everything
Reminds you of renewals and deadlines

Common mistakes

Using an agency that is not on the Department of Labour list
Letting candidates be charged placement fees, which is prohibited
Offering non-EU workers terms below those of Cypriot staff
Planning a start date before the work permit is granted

What affects the cost

The price depends on your situation. We explain the scope and expected costs before work begins.

Number of rolesSeniorityLocal, EU or non-EU candidatesUrgency

Questions

Who pays the agency?

The employer. Agencies may not charge workers any fee for job search, placement or keeping a job, and may not collect their pay.

Do I have to use an agency to hire from outside the EU?

No. The employer can apply directly to the District Labour Office. But anyone who mediates, or handles entry and work paperwork for non-EU workers for you, must hold a Department of Labour licence.

How do I check an agency's licence?

Look it up on the list of licensed agencies published by the Department of Labour. Agencies must also show their name and licence number at their office and on their website.

What if the agency is not licensed?

Operating without a licence is a criminal offence. Do not sign with an agency that is not on the list.

Sources

Figures checked 28 October 2026. Rules change: we confirm them for your case before you act.

Check your case for free

A coordinator replies within one working day with the next steps.