Work While Studying In Cyprus: International Student Rights

International students in Cyprus are allowed to work while studying, but there are several conditions and restrictions in place. EU students can work without a permit and are not restricted in terms of working hours, whereas non-EU students must apply for a permit and can only work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. All international students must hold a valid residence permit and be enrolled in a full-time study programme at a recognised university.

Work permit requirements for international students in Cyprus

As a member of the European Union, Cyprus allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. However, certain conditions and restrictions must be adhered to.

Firstly, international students must be enrolled in a full-time study programme at an accredited university in Cyprus. Additionally, they must have spent at least six months in the country before applying for part-time work.

To obtain a work permit, students must submit an application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance, providing the following documents:

• A valid student visa or permit.
• A valid resident permit of Cyprus.
• An employment contract, which can be obtained from District Labor Offices.

Upon receiving approval, international students can only work in specific sectors permitted by the Cypriot government. These sectors include:

Internships and traineeship programmes in established firms, where students gain work experience and professional exposure.

It is important to note that international students have the same rights as Cypriot natives regarding minimum wage laws and labor rights. They are also required to pay taxes and social security contributions on their income.

Post-graduation work permits are challenging to obtain in Cyprus, but not impossible. Graduates must exit Cyprus within 60 days of completing their studies and can then re-enter with a work permit if they have secured an employment contract with a Cyprus-based company.

Work hour restrictions for international students

International students in Cyprus are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during their teaching periods, provided that their employment hours do not overlap with their study hours. During holiday periods, such as Christmas, Easter, and Summer, they can work up to 38 hours per week. These restrictions apply to international students who are non-EU citizens, as EU students do not face any restrictions on their working hours.

To work part-time, international students must be enrolled in a full-time study program at an accredited university in Cyprus and have spent at least six months in the country. They can work in specific sectors, including hotels and restaurants, and in occupations relevant to their program of study. The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance grants work permission to foreign students, and they must obtain a work permit from the District Employment Office.

The process of obtaining a work permit involves signing an employment contract with the employer, agreeing to terms and conditions, and submitting the contract along with other required documents to the District Employment Office for approval. Any violation of the contract or law can result in deportation or other consequences such as fines or imprisonment.

It is important to note that international students in Cyprus have similar rights as natives of the country. They are entitled to the minimum wage and labor rights, and a special employment contract designed by the Ministry of Labor outlines the terms that should be followed. Additionally, upon completing their studies, international students can seek post-study work opportunities, with master's students being eligible for up to one year of employment, which can be extended if offered a contract renewal.

Employment sectors open to international students

International students in Cyprus can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week. However, they must be enrolled in a full-time study programme at a recognised university and have spent at least six months in the country. Additionally, international students are only permitted to work in specific sectors and must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance.

• Petrol stations, car washes, and cleaning services
• Domestic work, caregiving, and babysitting
• Bakeries, food delivery, kitchen helpers, and hospitality staff
• Distributors of advertising and informative materials
• Internships and traineeship programmes in established firms

It is important to note that international students must adhere to the terms and conditions set by the Cypriot government and their respective universities regarding part-time work. Any violation of the contract or law can result in deportation or other legal consequences.

Internship opportunities for international students

As a member of the European Union, Cyprus allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week, provided they are enrolled full-time in an accredited university. International students can only work in specific sectors and must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance.

For internships, international students should begin their search early, at least six months before their intended start date. Piktalent is a platform that offers internships in Cyprus ranging from 3 to 12 months in a wide range of industries. Students can also explore internship opportunities through their universities, which often collaborate with industries to facilitate student internships.

To be eligible for an internship in Cyprus, students should be between 18 and 30 years old and enrolled in a university within the EU, or have their internship align with their field of study or degree. It is advantageous to have some knowledge of Greek, especially when working outside the main cities. Students should also be aware of the visa requirements and ensure they have the necessary permits.

Some specific internship opportunities in Cyprus include scuba diving training and instruction programs, as well as internships offered by The Cyprus Institute and PwC's Summer Internship Program.

Post-graduation work permits for international students

As a member of the European Union, Cyprus allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. However, this permission comes with certain conditions and restrictions. Students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited university and can only work in specific sectors. Additionally, they must have spent at least six months in Cyprus before applying for a job.

International students in Cyprus who wish to remain in the country for work after graduation face a challenging process. While it is possible to obtain a post-graduation work permit, it is not easily attainable. Here are the key points to consider:

• Exit Requirement: International students must exit Cyprus within 60 days of completing their study programme. This rule applies regardless of their plans for further visa applications.
• Employment Contract: To continue working in Cyprus after graduation, international students must secure an employment contract from a Cyprus-based company. The employer will be responsible for handling the necessary visa documentations and permits from the Labor and Immigration Department of Cyprus.
• Visa Invitation Letter: Once the employer has obtained the necessary approvals, they will send a visa invitation letter to the prospective employee in their home country.
• Work Permit Application: Upon receiving the invitation letter, the graduate will need to apply for a work permit at the Cyprus Embassy in their home country and submit the required documents for approval.
• Temporary Residence Permit: If the work permit application is approved, the graduate can re-enter Cyprus with a temporary residence permit, initially valid for one year. This permit can be renewed annually.
• Path to Permanent Residency: After residing in Cyprus on a temporary residence permit for five years, individuals can apply for a permanent residency visa. This option is available to those who wish to settle permanently in Cyprus after completing their studies.

It is important to note that there are different categories of work permits, such as Category B for self-employment in mining enterprises and Category C for self-employment in a trade or profession. Each category has its own requirements and conditions, including minimum capital amounts and proof of no negative impact on the Cypriot economy.

Frequently asked questions