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Cyprus - English

Legal Support

Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers are entitled to legal representation throughout the asylum process, from submitting their application and attending their interview to – if needed – submitting a recourse. Cyprus does not provide a government-funded system for free legal assistance during the examination of an asylum application by the Asylum Service or the Administrative Court of International Protection (IPAC). Free legal assistance is available only for cases before the IPAC, following approval of a legal aid application. In the event of arrest and detention, asylum seekers have the right to communicate with a lawyer, a relative, or any other person to inform them of their situation, and the police are required to provide the means to do so.
  • Refugees: Refugees have the right, if arrested or detained, to contact a lawyer, a relative, or any other person, with the police obliged to facilitate this communication. In addition, individuals with refugee status are entitled under Cyprus Refugee Law to apply for family reunification with family members left behind in their country of origin.
  • Migrants: Migrants have the right to access private legal services for any legal matters. This includes advice on employment, residency, contracts, or other civil and administrative issues.
  • Asylum Seekers: Organisations such as UNHCR Cyprus and Cyprus Refugee Council provide advice and support on legal issues, including asylum applications, appeals, legal aid and matters related to detention.
  • Refugees: UNHCR Cyprus and Cyprus Refugee Council can assist with legal issues affecting refugees, such as family reunification and detention.
  • Migrants: Private lawyers are the primary point of support for migrants seeking legal advice or representation.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers have free access to public medical institutions; they are currently not covered by the General Health System (GeSY).
  • Refugees: Beneficiaries of international protection, such as refugees, have access to GeSY under the same conditions as nationals.
  • Migrants: Migrants (EU citizens & third-country nationals) have access to GeSY if a) they are employed, or b) they have acquired permanent residence status, or c) they are a member of the family of a beneficiary or d) they are insured in another EU Member State.
  • Asylum Seekers: The governmental portal provides information on how asylum seekers can access medical care. Organisations such as UNHCR Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council, and Caritas Cyprus can assist with healthcare access, including help with completing applications for a medical card, scheduling appointments, and providing a translator or accompaniment if needed.
  • Refugees: Information is available through the GeSY portal. UNHCR Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council and Caritas Cyprus can support refugees in accessing healthcare services, including assistance with the portal, appointment scheduling, and translation or accompaniment services if required.
  • Migrants: Information is available through the GeSY portal. UNHCR Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council and Caritas Cyprus can support refugees in accessing healthcare services, including assistance with the portal, appointment scheduling, and translation or accompaniment services if required.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers have access exclusively to state-employed psychologists and are not eligible to receive psychological services under GeSY.
  • Refugees: Beneficiaries of international protection, including refugees, have access to psychologists through GeSY as well as to private practitioners, under the same conditions as Cypriot nationals.
  • Migrants: Migrants (EU citizens possessing a „Yellow Slip” & third-country nationals with valid, long-term residence permits) have access to psychologists under GeSY and to private practitioners on equal terms with nationals.
  • Asylum Seekers: Organisations such as UNHCR Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council, and Caritas Cyprus can assist with accessing mental health services, including help with scheduling appointments, and providing a translator or accompaniment if needed.
  • Refugees: Organisations such as UNHCR Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council, and Caritas Cyprus can assist with accessing mental health services, including help with scheduling appointments, and providing a translator or accompaniment if needed.
  • Migrants: Organisations such as UNHCR Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council, and Caritas Cyprus can assist with accessing mental health services, including help with scheduling appointments, and providing a translator or accompaniment if needed.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum-seekers without an income or any other means of subsistence, can apply for social assistance through the Social Welfare office of their district. 
  • Refugees: Once refugee status or subsidiary protection has been granted, refugees who are registered as unemployed become eligible to apply for the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI). Registration with the district Labour Office is required, unless the individual can demonstrate medical incapacity to work. Refugees who are legally employed and registered with social insurance but earn less than the GMI threshold may still apply, in which case the GMI may be provided as a supplementary income, subject to specific calculations.
  • Migrants: Migrants, including EU citizens and third-country nationals holding long-term resident status in the Republic, are entitled to apply for the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI).
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers may be referred to the Kofinou Reception and Accommodation Centre or are entitled to secure private accommodation within the community.
  • Refugees: Beneficiaries of international protection have the right to secure private accommodation within the community.
  • Migrants: Migrants have the right to secure private accommodation within the community.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Primary and secondary education in Cyprus are compulsory. Attendance in the public school system is free of charge for all students and mandatory from the age of 5 to 15. Upon completion of secondary education at age 18, students are awarded a graduation diploma. Instruction in state schools is conducted in Greek, with additional language support available for students who are not native Greek speakers.
  • Refugees: Primary and secondary education in Cyprus are compulsory. Attendance in the public school system is free of charge for all students and mandatory from the age of 5 to 15. Upon completion of secondary education at age 18, students are awarded a graduation diploma. Instruction in state schools is conducted in Greek, with additional language support available for students who are not native Greek speakers. Regarding higher education, Cyprus has a number of state and private universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a wide range of subjects. Various scholarships are also available to support students in their higher education studies.
  • Migrants: Primary and secondary education in Cyprus are compulsory. Attendance in the public school system is free of charge for all students and mandatory from the age of 5 to 15. Upon completion of secondary education at age 18, students are awarded a graduation diploma. Instruction in state schools is conducted in Greek, with additional language support available for students who are not native Greek speakers. Regarding higher education, Cyprus has a number of state and private universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a wide range of subjects. Various scholarships are also available to support students in their higher education studies.
  • Asylum Seekers:  General information regarding education can be found in the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth Guide to Education in Cyprus. Additional information about language classes and programmes can be found here. Organisations such as UNHCR Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council, and Caritas Cyprus can offer additional advice and support.
  • Refugees: General information regarding education can be found in the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Guide to Education in Cyprus. Additional information about language classes and programmes can be found here while  information about higher education in Cyprus, and the opportunities and scholarships available, can be found here. Organisations such as UNHCR Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council, and Caritas Cyprus can offer additional advice and support.
  • Migrants: General information regarding education can be found in the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Guide to Education in Cyprus. Additional information about language classes and programmes can be found here while  information about higher education in Cyprus, and the opportunities and scholarships available, can be found here. Organisations such as UNHCR Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council, and Caritas Cyprus can offer additional advice and support.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers are entitled to work nine months after submitting their asylum application. Employment is permitted in specific sectors, which are listed online
  • Refugees: Individuals granted refugee status or subsidiary protection have immediate access to employment from the date their status is granted. They are entitled to equal treatment with Cypriot citizens regarding wage-earning employment or independent professional activity, in accordance with the regulations governing the profession or public administration. There are no restrictions on the sector or occupation in which they may work.
  • Migrants: Migrants receive equal treatment with Cypriot citizens regarding wage-earning employment or independent professional activity, following the regulations of the relevant profession or public administration. There are no restrictions on the sector or occupation in which they may work.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: There is no specific legislation that restricts or hinders asylum seekers from accessing community centres or organisations that provide support and services.
  • Refugees: There is no specific legislation that restricts or hinders beneficiaries of internal protection from accessing community centres or organisations that provide support and services.
  • Migrants: There is no specific legislation that restricts or hinders migrants from accessing community centres or organisations that provide support and services.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: There is no specific legislation that restricts or hinders asylum seekers from accessing LGBTQI+ specific support or community groups.
  • Refugees: There is no specific legislation that restricts or hinders beneficiaries of internal protection from accessing LGBTQI+ specific support or community groups.
  • Migrants: There is no specific legislation that restricts or hinders migrants from accessing LGBTQI+ specific support or community groups.
  • Asylum Seekers: ACCEPT is a leading LGBTQIA+ rights organisation in Cyprus that advocates for equality, provides support services, and works to combat discrimination and social exclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals. AIDS Solidarity Movement (ASM) has been providing psychosocial support to people living with HIV (PLWH) in Cyprus for over 25 years. ASM promotes combination prevention strategies through initiatives such as Cy Checkpoint, the Information and Prevention Centre for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and Cyprus PrEP Point, the Community Information and Empowerment Centre dedicated to HIV prevention through PrEP. It is also important to acknowledge refugee-led LGBTQIA+ communities, such as the African LGBTIQ Cyprus, which provide peer support, advocacy, and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ refugees and migrants navigating social and legal challenges in Cyprus. Finally, Queer Wave is an initiative that organises an annual LGBTQIA+ film festival in Cyprus, showcasing both local and international films that highlight LGBTQIA+ experiences and issues. The festival serves as a platform for visibility, dialogue, and community engagement, fostering understanding and solidarity within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Refugees: ACCEPT is a leading LGBTQIA+ rights organisation in Cyprus that advocates for equality, provides support services, and works to combat discrimination and social exclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals. AIDS Solidarity Movement (ASM) has been providing psychosocial support to people living with HIV (PLWH) in Cyprus for over 25 years. ASM promotes combination prevention strategies through initiatives such as Cy Checkpoint, the Information and Prevention Centre for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and Cyprus PrEP Point, the Community Information and Empowerment Centre dedicated to HIV prevention through PrEP. It is also important to acknowledge refugee-led LGBTQIA+ communities, such as the African LGBTIQ Cyprus, which provide peer support, advocacy, and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ refugees and migrants navigating social and legal challenges in Cyprus. Finally, Queer Wave is an initiative that organises an annual LGBTQIA+ film festival in Cyprus, showcasing both local and international films that highlight LGBTQIA+ experiences and issues. The festival serves as a platform for visibility, dialogue, and community engagement, fostering understanding and solidarity within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Migrants: ACCEPT is a leading LGBTQIA+ rights organisation in Cyprus that advocates for equality, provides support services, and works to combat discrimination and social exclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals. AIDS Solidarity Movement (ASM) has been providing psychosocial support to people living with HIV (PLWH) in Cyprus for over 25 years. ASM promotes combination prevention strategies through initiatives such as Cy Checkpoint, the Information and Prevention Centre for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and Cyprus PrEP Point, the Community Information and Empowerment Centre dedicated to HIV prevention through PrEP. It is also important to acknowledge refugee-led LGBTQIA+ communities, such as the African LGBTIQ Cyprus, which provide peer support, advocacy, and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ refugees and migrants navigating social and legal challenges in Cyprus. Finally, Queer Wave is an initiative that organises an annual LGBTQIA+ film festival in Cyprus, showcasing both local and international films that highlight LGBTQIA+ experiences and issues. The festival serves as a platform for visibility, dialogue, and community engagement, fostering understanding and solidarity within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ community.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: There is no specific legislation that restricts or hinders asylum seekers from accessing emergency support.
  • Refugees: There is no specific legislation that restricts or hinders beneficiaries of internal protection from accessing emergency support.
  • Migrants: There is no specific legislation that restricts or hinders migrants from accessing emergency support.
  • Asylum Seekers: In case of detention, UNHCR Cyprus and Cyprus Refugee Council can provide assistance. Social Welfare Services are also accessible outside regular working hours through the on-call Social Welfare Officer; individuals can request this support by approaching a police station and asking for the officer to be contacted. During regular working hours, the 1450 hotline is available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition, SPAVO, the national centre for the support and protection of survivors of domestic violence, operates multiple hotlines and shelters, which can be accessed here. For all other emergency services across the European Union, the Single European Emergency Call Number is 112. Additional information on emergency services can be found here.
  • Refugees: In case of detention, UNHCR Cyprus and Cyprus Refugee Council can provide assistance. Social Welfare Services are also accessible outside regular working hours through the on-call Social Welfare Officer; individuals can request this support by approaching a police station and asking for the officer to be contacted. During regular working hours, the 1450 hotline is available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition, SPAVO, the national centre for the support and protection of survivors of domestic violence, operates multiple hotlines and shelters, which can be accessed here. For all other emergency services across the European Union, the Single European Emergency Call Number is 112. Additional information on emergency services can be found here.
  • Migrants: Social Welfare Services are accessible outside regular working hours through the on-call Social Welfare Officer; individuals can request this support by approaching a police station and asking for the officer to be contacted. During regular working hours, the 1450 hotline is available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition, SPAVO, the national centre for the support and protection of survivors of domestic violence, operates multiple hotlines and shelters, which can be accessed here. For all other emergency services across the European Union, the Single European Emergency Call Number is 112. Additional information on emergency services can be found here.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: n/a
  • Refugees: n/a
  • Migrants: n/a
  • Asylum Seekers: The 1455 hotline – operating under the Family Planning Organisation – is free of charge and provides information and support to the public on sexual and reproductive health issues. It is available to individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on young people who wish to discuss personal concerns and questions regarding relationships, sexual activity, adolescence, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancy, and related topics.
  • Refugees: The 1455 hotline – operating under the Family Planning Organisation – is free of charge and provides information and support to the public on sexual and reproductive health issues. It is available to individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on young people who wish to discuss personal concerns and questions regarding relationships, sexual activity, adolescence, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancy, and related topics.
  • Migrants: The 1455 hotline – operating under the Family Planning Organisation – is free of charge and provides information and support to the public on sexual and reproductive health issues. It is available to individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on young people who wish to discuss personal concerns and questions regarding relationships, sexual activity, adolescence, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancy, and related topics.