Revised Guidelines Reshape Employment For Foreign Students In Cyprus

Decree Overview

The Cyprus Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEV) announced that a revised decree regulating the employment of foreign students from third countries has been published in the Official Gazette of the Republic. The decree defines the sectors and professions in which these students are permitted to work.

Employment Conditions For Foreign Students

Foreign students may begin employment only after completing their first academic semester and registering for the following one. The requirement is intended to ensure that employment does not interfere with their academic studies.

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Obligations For Employers

Businesses employing foreign students must submit several documents as part of the hiring process. These include a certificate confirming full-time study and proof of enrollment from a recognized educational institution, as well as a monthly work schedule prepared by the employer. A valid copy of the student’s residence permit must also be provided.

Employers are also required to submit a certified employment contract endorsed by the Department of Labour that outlines the main terms of employment.

Ensuring Compliance

The OEV urged businesses to familiarize themselves with the revised framework and comply with the guidelines set out in the decree. The organization said the measures are intended to regulate the employment of foreign students while maintaining their academic commitments.

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Cyprus Expected Working Life Reaches 39.5 Years, Above EU Average

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 20, 2026

People in Cyprus are expected to spend 39.5 years in the workforce, around two years longer than the European Union average of 37.5 years, according to the latest Eurostat data for 2025.

The figure places Cyprus among the EU countries with the longest expected working lives.

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Cyprus Ranks Above EU Average

Only a handful of member states recorded higher figures than Cyprus. The Netherlands topped the ranking at 44 years, followed by Sweden at 43.4 years, Denmark at 42.6 years, and Estonia at 41.5 years.

At the other end of the ranking were Romania with 32.7 years, Italy with 33.0 years, Bulgaria with 34.6 years and Greece with 35.3 years.

Gender Gap Remains Wider Than EU Average

Men in Cyprus are expected to remain in work for 42.1 years, compared with 36.7 years for women. The gap of 5.4 years exceeds the EU average gender gap of 4.1 years.

Across the bloc, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were the only countries where women were expected to spend longer in employment than men. Finland recorded the smallest positive gender gap at 0.7 years.

Italy posted the widest gap at 8.9 years, followed by Romania at 6.9 years, Greece at 6.7 years and Malta at 6.3 years.

Working Lives Continue To Lengthen

Between 2016 and 2025, expected working life in Cyprus increased by 3.5 years, placing the country among the strongest performers in the EU over the period. Men’s expected working life rose by 3.3 years, while women’s increased by 3.6 years.

Across the EU, every member state recorded an increase. Malta posted the largest gain at 4.9 years, followed by Hungary and Ireland at 4.2 years each, and the Netherlands at 4.1 years.

Malta’s increase was driven largely by women, whose expected working life rose by 7.8 years, the biggest increase recorded across the bloc.

By comparison, Romania, Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria recorded gains of two years or less over the same period.

Women’s Working Lives Increase Faster Across Europe

Women’s expected working life increased faster than men’s in most EU countries. Denmark, Romania, Sweden and Greece were the main exceptions.

In Cyprus, gains for men and women were broadly similar, alongside Bulgaria, Belgium and Slovenia.

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