Third-country nationals wishing to work as domestic workers in the Republic of Cyprus must obtain the relevant entry permit, where required, and a temporary residence and employment permit in accordance with the applicable immigration and employment regulations.
At M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd, we assist employers and domestic workers throughout the application process, from the initial eligibility assessment and document preparation to permit issuance and renewal.
1. Eligibility Criteria for Employers
Employers must generally satisfy the applicable minimum annual gross income requirements, which depend on their family composition and personal circumstances.
Families
| Family composition | Minimum annual gross family income |
|---|---|
| Family without dependent children | €24,000 |
| Family with one dependent child | €30,000 |
| Family with two dependent children | €36,000 |
| Family with three or more dependent children | €42,000 |
Single-Parent Families
| Family composition | Minimum annual gross family income |
|---|---|
| One dependent child | €24,000 |
| Two dependent children | €30,000 |
| Three or more dependent children | €36,000 |
Single Applicants
Single persons must generally demonstrate a minimum annual gross income of €24,000.
Employers Aged Over 65
| Employer’s circumstances | Minimum annual gross family income |
|---|---|
| Couple | €24,000 |
| Person living alone | €18,000 |
Exemptions from Income Requirements
Certain categories of employers are exempt from the minimum income criteria, including:
- Persons certified by the Department of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
- Beneficiaries of the Guaranteed Minimum Income.
- Beneficiaries of the Low Pensioners’ Allowance.
- Beneficiaries of Incapacity or Invalidity Pension.
Eligibility for an exemption must be supported by the relevant documentation.
2. Special Requirements for Male Domestic Workers
The employment of a male domestic worker is permitted only in specified circumstances, such as where the employer is bedridden, has a severe disability or has significant mobility limitations.
A medical certificate issued by a specialist doctor must be provided to establish that the applicable conditions are met.
3. Minimum Language Requirements
Domestic workers must generally have basic knowledge of either Greek or English.
An exception may apply to a homolingual foreign domestic worker employed by a foreign national permanently residing in Cyprus, in which case knowledge of Greek or English is not required, subject to the applicable conditions.
4. Entry Permit and Nationality Restrictions
A third-country national intending to enter Cyprus for domestic work must obtain the required entry permit before travelling to the Republic.
The application may be submitted by the employer or by an authorised representative.
According to the published policy, nationals of Myanmar and Ethiopia are not permitted to enter Cyprus for the purpose of employment as domestic workers. Applicants’ eligibility should therefore be confirmed before proceeding.
5. Number of Domestic Workers Permitted
The number of domestic workers an employer may employ depends on the employer’s circumstances and the applicable policy.
Up to two domestic workers may be permitted where the employer is bedridden or overweight, subject to the relevant requirements.
Up to three domestic workers may be permitted in specified cases, including:
- Employers with severe disabilities, paraplegia or quadriplegia, supported by the relevant certificate from the Department of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
- Employers with severe physical disabilities who satisfy the applicable certification requirements.
- Employers with medium or severe intellectual or mental disabilities who satisfy the relevant certification requirements.
- Individuals or families with an annual gross family income of at least €100,000.
The applicable category and supporting evidence must be assessed before an application is submitted.
6. Application Procedure
Applications for domestic worker entry, residence and employment permits must be submitted through the competent application submission offices, in accordance with the applicable appointment arrangements.
The application must include the prescribed forms and supporting documents. Documents issued abroad must be officially translated and duly certified or authenticated where required.
The procedure generally includes:
- Assessment of the employer’s eligibility and income criteria.
- Collection and review of the employer’s and employee’s supporting documents.
- Preparation of the application and employment documentation.
- Submission of the entry permit application, where required.
- Completion of the relevant immigration formalities after the employee arrives in Cyprus.
- Registration in the Aliens Register, where required, and application for the temporary residence and employment permit.
- Completion of the required biometric procedures and payment of the applicable fees.
Following approval, the applicant will be informed about the collection of the residence and employment permit.
Renewal of a Permit
Eligible renewal applications may be submitted online between 60 and 30 days before the existing permit expires.
A verified Cy Login account is required to access the online service, subject to the applicable requirements.
7. Processing Time and Permit Duration
Processing Time
The published examination period for an application and the issuance of a temporary residence and employment permit is up to four months, provided that the application is complete and all required documents have been submitted.
Incomplete applications may require additional processing time.
Permit Duration
A temporary residence and employment permit may be issued for a period of up to three consecutive years, subject to the applicable conditions.
Maximum Duration of Stay
There is no maximum duration of stay specifically applicable to domestic workers under the published policy. Continued residence and employment remain subject to holding the appropriate valid permits and satisfying the relevant requirements.
8. Domestic Worker Accommodation
Employers must provide suitable accommodation for the domestic worker in accordance with the applicable legislation.
The accommodation must consist of a private room in one of the following:
- The employer’s residence.
- An outbuilding located within the employer’s premises.
- A rented building.
The accommodation arrangements should comply with the relevant legal and contractual requirements.
9. Salary and Permitted Deductions
The published minimum monthly gross salary for domestic workers is €460, regardless of the worker’s country of origin.
The applicable rules provide for certain deductions, including:
- Employee contributions to Social Insurance and GeSY, where applicable.
- Up to 15% for food expenses where the worker resides at the employer’s premises.
- Up to 10% for accommodation expenses where the worker resides at the employer’s premises.
Any deductions must comply with the applicable legislation and employment contract. Employers should confirm the current minimum remuneration and contribution requirements before finalising the employment terms.
10. Employer Obligations and Medical Insurance
Employers must comply with the obligations set out in the prescribed domestic worker employment contract, including the relevant employment, accommodation, remuneration and insurance requirements.
For medical coverage and related expenses, the applicable arrangements may include:
- Registration of the employee with GeSY, together with private insurance covering the transportation of mortal remains.
- A Plan A health insurance policy covering primary and secondary medical care and the transportation of mortal remains.
During the initial registration process, private insurance for inpatient and outpatient medical care is not required where the applicable coverage is provided by the State Health Services Organization (SHSO). The employee must inform the Migration Department once registered with GeSY.
The appropriate insurance arrangements should be confirmed for each application.
11. Termination of Employment
Termination of the employment relationship must comply with the prescribed employment contract and the applicable legal requirements.
The competent Department must be informed promptly, regardless of the manner in which the employment relationship ends. A detailed statement of the employee’s insurable earnings, showing the last payment made to the Social Insurance Services, must also be provided.
For the cancellation of the temporary residence permit, the employer must submit one of the documents accepted by the Department, including:
- A written notification to the employee, together with the employee’s declaration accepting its contents.
- The original residence and employment permit.
- The receipt issued by the Department for an application to renew the residence and employment permit.
Where the employee has left Cyprus, cancellation of the permit may be subject to the applicable rules concerning the period spent abroad.
12. Change of Employer
A domestic worker is generally not permitted to change more than two employers, meaning a maximum of three employers, unless an applicable exception exists.
Exceptions may apply where:
- The new employer is a relative of the domestic worker up to the second degree.
- The new employer is over 75 years old.
The employee must provide the original release document signed by the previous employer and a detailed statement from the Social Insurance Services. The relevant release date is determined in accordance with the applicable Social Insurance records and policy.
Circumstances Not Treated as a Change of Employer
The following circumstances are not considered a change of employer under the published policy:
- Death of the employer.
- Transfer of the employer to a nursing home or rehabilitation centre.
- The employer’s emigration.
- Commission of a criminal offence against the employee by the employer.
- A decision of the Department of Labour Relations in favour of the employee.
Each case should be assessed individually to establish the correct procedure and the supporting documents required.
How MyConsultancy Can Assist
M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd provides professional assistance to employers seeking to recruit domestic workers and to domestic workers requiring immigration support in Cyprus.
Our services include:
- Assessment of employer eligibility and minimum income requirements.
- Guidance on the required supporting documents.
- Preparation and review of entry permit applications.
- Assistance with employment contracts and immigration documentation.
- Coordination of document translation, certification and authentication.
- Assistance with residence and employment permit applications and renewals.
- Guidance on accommodation, insurance and employer obligations.
- Support with change-of-employer procedures and release documentation.
- Follow-up with the competent authorities.
Contact MyConsultancy to discuss your requirements and receive guidance on employing a domestic worker in Cyprus.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of approval. Income thresholds, nationality restrictions, salary requirements, permitted deductions, documentation, fees and procedures are subject to the applicable legislation and the policies of the competent authorities in the Republic of Cyprus. Requirements should be verified before an application is submitted.