Cyprus Employment Rules for Third-Country Students – 2026 Update for Employers

A revised Decree regulating the employment of students from third countries has been issued by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on 6 March 2026.
Employers across Trade, Health, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Hospitality can now legally hire international students. Below is a sector-by-sector guide for 2026 compliance.

The Decree defines the economic sectors and occupations in which third-country nationals residing in Cyprus as students may be employed, provided that they have successfully completed their first academic semester and are enrolled in their second academic semester.

This update clarifies the regulatory framework for employers wishing to hire international students and expands the range of permitted sectors of employment.

Employment Requirements for Third-Country Students

Before hiring, employers must ensure the following documentation is obtained and submitted:

• Confirmation of full-time studies and academic programme issued by a recognised educational institution.
• A monthly work schedule, prepared by the employer.
• Copy of the student’s valid residence permit in Cyprus.
• Certified employment contract with the specific employer, outlining key terms and conditions of employment, approved by the Department of Labour.

Permitted Sectors and Occupations 

The Decree specifies the following economic sectors and corresponding occupations in which third-country students may be employed. 

• Trade (Wholesale and Retail) – Repairs Permitted occupations include:

1. Loading and unloading labourers
2. Worker at petrol stations and car wash facilities

• Health and Social Welfare

1. Caregivers in residential homes for the elderly (must meet legislative requirements)
2. Ward assistants in clinics (secondary school diploma and basic Greek required)

• Household Activities

1. Occasional domestic work

• Manufacturing

1. Workers in bakeries
2. Workers in animal feed production units
3. Workers in waste recycling facilities
4. Night shift workers in manufacturing industries

• Agriculture – Livestock – Fisheries – Animal Shelters and Hotels

1. Agricultural workers
2. Livestock workers
3. Fisheries workers
4. Animal caretakers

• Service Provision

1. Building cleaners
2. Sewerage workers
3. Distributors of advertising or informational mail
4. Food delivery drivers

• Food Service Sector

1. Food delivery drivers
2. Kitchen assistants
3. Cleaners
4. Waiters/Waitresses (restaurants or leisure establishments)
5. Bartenders (restaurants or leisure establishments)

• Hotel Industry

1. Kitchen assistants
2. Cleaners
3. Housekeepers
4. Waiters/Waitresses
5. Reception staff
6. Bartenders

Additional Employment Provisions

In addition to the above occupations, the Decree provides further employment opportunities for third-country students.

Retail Sales

Third-country students may also work as Retail Salespersons, subject to labour market monitoring and provided that they have completed their first academic semester and are enrolled in the second.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Students enrolled in Information and Communication Technology programmes may work in the following roles:

1. Assistant Application Programmer
2. Assistant Systems Analyst
3. Assistant Software Designer
4. Assistant Web and Multimedia Designer

Postgraduate and Doctoral Students

Postgraduate and doctoral students may work on research projects or research activities carried out at their higher education institution or at a certified research institute affiliated with their doctoral programme, provided that the work relates to their field of study.
Academic institutions must publicly advertise such positions, and priority must be given to Cypriot and EU citizens.

Seasonal Practical Training

From 1 June to 15 October, students studying hotel management or food service disciplines may work in hotels or leisure establishments for the purpose of practical training, in accordance with the applicable policy and procedures.

Mandatory Internship Requirements

Students enrolled in recognised academic programmes requiring practical training may undertake employment for internship purposes, provided that a written agreement between the employer and the educational institution is submitted to the Department of Labour.

Next Steps
For full compliance and tailored HR guidance, contact REVERA’s Cyprus Team to ensure your hiring policies are up-to-date and fully compliant.

Author: Georgios Kosasvili.