Recruitment of non-EU workers in Cyprus

Employers who cannot find staff locally can recruit workers from outside the EU through licensed private employment agencies, after a labour market test.

ForEmployers with shortages
ThroughLicensed agencies
Typical time2–4 months
Check my case for freeSee the steps
A team meeting in a bright office in LimassolChecked 28 October 2026

Options

Employer applies

Direct hiring

You run the labour market test, apply to the District Labour Office and file the permits yourself.

Licence required

Through a licensed agency

A private employment agency licensed by the Department of Labour finds candidates and handles paperwork; it may not charge workers.

Steps and timeline

  1. 1

    Labour market test

    Apply to the District Labour Office, which checks whether Cypriot or EU staff can fill the job; the vacancy is published in daily newspapers through the Employment Services.

    set by the office
  2. 2

    Application for foreign workers

    If no suitable Cypriot or EU candidate is found, submit the special application form for foreign workers with the documents it lists.

    after the test
  3. 3

    Department of Labour decision

    Headquarters decides and replies in writing, approving a set number of workers in named occupations.

    varies
  4. 4

    Recruitment and contracts

    Choose candidates directly or through a licensed agency. Written contracts signed by both sides set hours, salary, holidays, overtime and duties on the same terms as Cypriot staff.

    2–6 weeks
  5. 5

    Work permits

    Submit the stamped contracts and the recommendation letter to the Civil Registry and Migration Department, which examines permit applications within four months.

    up to 4 months

Documents

Documents

0 of 5 ready

Official forms: MGEN3 · how to fill it in, Declaration on honour · how to fill it in, General contract · how to fill it in

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 unlicensed intermediary: anyone who handles the entry, residence or employment paperwork of non-EU workers needs a Department of Labour licence
  • Offering foreign workers lower pay or worse terms than Cypriot staff
  • Applying for foreign workers before the vacancy has been advertised locally
  • Renewing permits without proof of the current workers' medical insurance
  • Letting an agency charge workers a fee or collect their pay

What affects the cost

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

Number of workers and occupationsHow long the labour market test and decision takeRecruiting directly or through an agencyNew application or renewal

Questions

Who pays the recruitment agency?

The employer. Agencies may not charge workers any direct or indirect fee for job search or placement, and may not receive their pay.

Do I need an agency to hire non-EU workers in Cyprus?

No. The employer applies to the District Labour Office itself. Anyone who mediates or handles the permit paperwork for you must hold a Department of Labour licence.

How do I check that an employment agency is licensed?

The Department of Labour publishes a list of licensed agencies, and each agency must show its name and licence number outside its office and on its website.

What is the labour market test in Cyprus?

An investigation by the District Labour Office, with the vacancy published in daily newspapers, to confirm that no Cypriot or EU citizen is available and capable.

How long does it take to hire a worker from outside the EU?

No official total time is published. After the labour market test and the Department of Labour decision, the Migration Department examines the permit application within four months.

Sources

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

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

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