Cyprus (CY)
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island nation and EU member state situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.
Social Security in Cyprus
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
Cyprus's social security system is administered by the Social Insurance Services (Υπηρεσίες Κοινωνικών Ασφαλίσεων). It is funded by contributions from employees (8.8%), employers (8.8%), and the state. The system provides a pension, sickness benefit, maternity allowance, unemployment benefit, and work injury compensation. GESY (healthcare) is separately funded but operates under the same broad framework. Cyprus is an EU member and participates in the EU Social Security Coordination Regulation (883/2004).
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Αριθμός Κοινωνικών Ασφαλίσεων (ΑΚΑ)
Apply at the District Labour Office (Επαρχιακό Γραφείο Εργασίας) in your district. Bring your passport, residence permit (MEU1/ARC), and employment contract or proof of self-employment. For employed workers, the employer can also arrange this. Processing time: 1–2 weeks.
- Employment and payroll (your employer needs this)
- Social Insurance benefits (pension, sickness, maternity)
- GESY health system registration
- Tax registration link (TIC is separate but related)
- Unemployment benefit registration
Benefits & Support Payments
Unemployment Benefit
Επίδομα Ανεργίας
Weekly cash benefit for registered unemployed persons.
Must have made at least 26 weeks of SI contributions in the 2 years before becoming unemployed. Must be available for and actively seeking work. Must register as unemployed at the District Labour Office.
Register as unemployed at your District Labour Office within 3 days of losing your job. Bring SI card, ID, and employment termination documentation.
Sickness Benefit
Επίδομα Ασθενείας
Cash benefit during periods of illness that prevent work.
Minimum 26 weeks of SI contributions. Certified by a doctor. Cannot work.
Submit medical certificate to Social Insurance Services. Employer may handle initial notification.
Maternity / Paternity Allowance
Επίδομα Μητρότητας / Πατρότητας
Income replacement during maternity (16–20 weeks) and paternity leave (2 weeks).
Must have paid SI contributions for at least 16 weeks before the expected birth date.
Apply at Social Insurance Services with doctor's certificate of pregnancy/birth.
Old Age Pension
Συνταξιοδότηση
Monthly pension on reaching retirement age after sufficient contribution years.
Retirement age: 65 (women and men, equalised). Minimum contribution period: 3 years for a reduced pension; 10+ years for full entitlement.
Apply to Social Insurance Services 3 months before planned retirement age.
Work Injury Benefit
Επίδομα Εργατικού Ατυχήματος
Cash benefit and medical compensation for workplace injuries.
Any employed person who sustains a workplace injury or occupational disease.
Report to employer and Social Insurance Services immediately after the incident. Medical certification required.
Minimum Guaranteed Income (EEE)
Ελάχιστο Εγγυημένο Εισόδημα (ΕΕΕ)
Means-tested minimum income support for households below the poverty line.
Low-income Cyprus residents who meet residency (5 years for non-EU) and means test criteria. EU citizens: 3 months residence + job-seeking or employed.
Apply at Social Welfare Services (Υπηρεσίες Κοινωνικής Ευημερίας).
Contribution Overview
Total Social Insurance contribution: 17.6% of gross salary (8.8% employee + 8.8% employer). GESY: +2.65% employee + 2.90% employer. Redundancy Fund: +1.2% employer only. Annual SI contribution ceiling 2026: €68,904 (source: taxsummaries.pwc.com/cyprus). Contributions accrue pension points, sickness and unemployment entitlements.
International Social Security Agreements
Cyprus has social security coordination agreements with EU/EEA countries (under EU Regulation 883/2004 — contribution periods are aggregated). Bilateral agreements with non-EU countries include: UK (post-Brexit UK-Cyprus agreement), Canada, Egypt, and others. Check with Social Insurance Services for your country.
Cyprus Social Insurance benefits are generally lower than Northern European equivalents. The pension system requires additional private provision for a comfortable retirement. Self-employed persons pay a combined employee+employer rate and must monitor their declared income to ensure adequate future benefits.
Social Security
Unlock the complete Social Security guide for Cyprus — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere