Ibrahim Gardner
International students in Cyprus are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during their studies and 38 hours per week during holiday periods. However, their employment is restricted to certain sectors, and they must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance or the labor office. The availability of work permits for international students in Cyprus has been expanded, but there are stricter controls to ensure students remain enrolled in their studies. Students must also provide evidence that they have spent at least six months in Cyprus before applying for a job. Upon completing their studies, international students can remain in Cyprus for up to 12 months to seek employment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Working hours for international students | 20 hours per week during term time, 38 hours per week during holidays |
| Working hours for EU students | No restrictions |
| Work sectors for international students | Specific sectors allowed by the government, including hotels and restaurants |
| Work contract | A special employment contract for international students is provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance |
| Work permit | Required for international students, issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance |
| Documents required for work permit | Copy of passport, copy of residence permit, employment contract, university timetable, and work permit from the immigration office |
| Internships | Allowed during studies, with specific hours in hotels and restaurants |
| Post-study work opportunities | International students can remain in Cyprus for up to 12 months after completing their studies to seek employment |
| Student permit | Obtained from the immigration office before signing the employment contract |
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What You'll Learn
Work permits and visas
International students in Cyprus are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time and 38 hours per week during holidays. However, their employment contract must specify that working hours will not conflict with their class schedule. Students are also required to have completed at least six months of study in Cyprus before they can apply for a job.
To obtain a work permit from the labour office, international students need the following documents:
- A copy of their passport
- A copy of a valid residence permit
- An employment contract signed by both the student and the employer
- A university/college timetable
- A work permit from the immigration office, which may require confirmation of the student's academic performance and/or progress records
Upon completion of their studies, international students in Cyprus can explore post-study work opportunities. For example, students who have graduated with a Master's degree are eligible for one year of employment, with the possibility of extension if offered a contract extension by their employer.
Students who entered tertiary education institutions in Cyprus before 31 October 2022 and were residing in the country can work under the previous terms of employment.
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Employment contracts
In Cyprus, job contracts are not mandatory, and terms of employment are defined by collective agreements between trade unions and employers. These agreements typically last for two or three years and must be sent to the Department of Labour. All employees working more than eight hours per week and for longer than a month should receive a written contract or letter within a month of starting work. This document should outline the terms of employment, be signed by the employer, and include the relevant collective agreements. It need not be a formal contract, and any letter of appointment signed by the employer will suffice.
Several rights are guaranteed by law in Cyprus, including the right to receive information about employment details, regulated working hours, entitlement to a notice period, social security benefits, the right to strike, paid leave, maternity and paternity leave, equal pay for equal work, non-discrimination, minimum wage protections in certain industries, and workplace safety. The normal working week in Cyprus is 38.5 hours, and the maximum working week, including overtime, is 48 hours. Overtime is paid, and salaries are increased twice a year to account for the cost of living. The country has a minimum wage, which is reviewed annually and comes into force on 1 April. After six months in a role, salaries are increased. By law, employees are entitled to at least four weeks of annual leave, and part-time employees are entitled to the same rights and working conditions as full-time employees, with benefits and remuneration proportional to the number of hours worked.
The Termination of Employment Law of 1967 and contract law principles protect employees against unfair dismissal and set rules for notice, redundancy, and compensation. Wrongful dismissal is related to a breach of contract, while unfair dismissal concerns termination for reasons not permitted by statute. The required notice period under this law varies with the length of service, ranging from one week for 26-52 weeks of service to eight weeks for 312 weeks and beyond.
International students in Cyprus are typically allowed to work 20 hours per week during their studies and up to 38 hours per week during holiday periods. Upon completing their studies, international students may seek post-study work opportunities. For example, students who complete a Master's degree in Cyprus are eligible for one year of employment, with the possibility of an extension if offered a contract renewal.
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Working hours
International students in Cyprus are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during their studies, provided that their employment hours do not clash with their study hours. This is to ensure that their academic performance does not suffer.
During holiday periods, such as Christmas, Easter, or Summer, international students can work up to 38 hours per week.
Students who are enrolled in a full-time study programme at a recognised university in Cyprus can work part-time in specific sectors allowed by the government. These sectors include hotels and restaurants, as well as occupations relevant to their program of study. For example, students pursuing degrees in tourism and hospitality management often have internship opportunities as part of their curriculum, providing valuable work experience in their chosen field.
It is important to note that international students in Cyprus must provide evidence that they have spent at least six months in the country before they can start working part-time. They also need to obtain a work permit from the immigration office and have a valid residence permit.
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Internships
As an international student in Cyprus, you can undertake internships and traineeship programmes in established firms and get paid according to your working hours. Cypriot educational institutions frequently collaborate with industries to facilitate student internships. You can also get valuable work experience and professional exposure.
To be able to work as an intern in Cyprus, you must be enrolled in a full-time study programme at a recognised university and work only in the sectors allowed by the government. You are also required to have a valid study permit. The working hours for international students during studies should not exceed 20 hours per week to avoid negatively impacting academic performance.
If you are an EU/EEA national, you can work in Cyprus without a specific permit. However, non-EU interns must comply with specific work rights and regulations. It is important to investigate the specifics of your chosen internship, as stipulations can differ based on the employer, industry, and prevailing policies. Knowing some Greek can be advantageous, especially if you are outside the main cities.
For students pursuing degrees in tourism and hospitality management, internship opportunities are commonly offered as part of their curriculum, providing valuable work experience in their chosen field of study. During internships, students are allowed to work specific hours in hotels and restaurants.
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Post-graduation work
International students in Cyprus can explore post-study work opportunities. However, post-graduation work permits are not easily attainable. Students must exit Cyprus within 60 days of completing their study programme. If they secure an employment contract from a Cyprus-based firm, they can re-enter the country with a work permit. The work permit is submitted by the employer, who must fulfil the requirements of inviting a foreign employee according to Cypriot law. The employee will then apply for a work permit at the Cypriot Embassy in their home country and submit the required documents for approval. If approved, the candidate will be issued a temporary residence permit, valid for one year initially and renewable annually. After five years of living in Cyprus on a temporary residence permit, the candidate can apply for a permanent residency visa.
Students who entered tertiary education institutions in Cyprus before 31 October 2022 and were residing in the country can work under the previous terms of employment. Working hours during studies should not exceed 20 hours per week to avoid negatively impacting students' academic performance.
Master's students who have recently finished their postgraduate degrees in Cyprus are eligible for one year of employment, with the possibility of extension if offered a contract renewal. Employers must obtain a work permit from the labour office.
According to Cypriot law, international students working in Cyprus have similar rights as natives of the country. They are entitled to minimum wage law and labour rights. The Ministry of Labour has designed a special employment contract for international students, outlining the terms that should be followed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in Cyprus for up to 20 hours per week during term time, and 38 hours per week during the holidays. However, they must have been in the country for at least 6 months and can only work in certain sectors.
International students are allowed to work in hotels and restaurants, and in occupations relevant to their program of study.
To obtain a work permit, you will need:
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of a valid residence permit
- An employment contract
- Your university/college timetable
- A work permit from the immigration office
If you are found to be working without a permit or in violation of your contract, you may be deported, fined, or imprisoned.
