Cyprus – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Cyprus on their home country licence, and for how long?

Every person who operates a motor vehicle (excluding mopeds) on Cypriot roads must be at least 18 years old and carry a valid driving licence. Depending on the country that issued the licence, some foreign licences are recognised in Cyprus indefinitely, while others are only valid for a defined period.

If you are in Cyprus as a short-term visitor, there is no requirement to convert your licence. Any person holding a valid licence from a foreign country may drive in Cyprus throughout their stay, as long as that licence remains current. Tourists are therefore free to drive using their foreign licence for as long as their legal presence in the country lasts.

European driving licences are formally recognised under Cypriot law and do not need to be replaced (Law 94 (I)/2001). Cyprus residents who hold a valid licence issued by another EU country may continue driving on that licence until it expires, although it is not possible to update the address on an EU licence to reflect an address outside the country that issued it.

Once you take up residence in Cyprus, your foreign licence remains valid for a limited window only. After six months of residency have passed, you are legally obliged to obtain a Cypriot licence to remain road-legal. The countdown begins from the moment you are granted your residency permit. Once 185 days have elapsed, your foreign licence is no longer recognised for driving purposes — a situation that can have significant consequences for your insurance in the event of a collision.

A licence issued by a country outside the EU that is not on Cyprus’s approved list allows the holder to drive in Cyprus for a restricted period. Where an international driving licence is also held, the driver may use it while it remains valid. The permitted driving window depends on the issuing country, and once this period expires, the licence is considered invalid on Cypriot roads.

Does Cyprus have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Under Section 20 of the Cyprus Driving Licence Law 2001–2004, Cyprus acknowledges driving licences from EU member states and from the competent authorities of countries that have ratified the International Conventions on Road Traffic Safety and entered into mutual exchange arrangements. There are three broad categories of licence, each leading to a different outcome.

Holders of a valid driving licence from any EU member state benefit from full recognition under Cypriot law, as their licence is treated as equivalent to a domestic one. After six months of residency in Cyprus, they may voluntarily swap their EU licence for a Cypriot equivalent. Crucially, this exchange is not compulsory until the EU licence expires, or is lost or stolen.

Beyond EU member states, Cyprus also recognises licences issued by: Australia, Canada, China, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zimbabwe.

It is worth noting that conversions from UAE-issued licences are restricted to UAE nationals only. People who obtained their licence while living in the UAE but who are not UAE citizens do not qualify for this exchange route. The list of recognised countries is subject to revision, so always confirm the current position with the Department of Road Transport (DoRT).

Where a reciprocal exchange agreement is in place, the licence holder’s qualification is treated as equivalent to a Cypriot one, making conversion a straightforward administrative matter with no requirement to sit theoretical or practical tests.

Anyone whose licence was issued by a country without such an agreement should contact the Cyprus Road Transport Department and the relevant embassy or consulate directly for guidance. A direct swap is not an option in these cases. If such drivers intend to keep driving in Cyprus, they must qualify for a Cypriot licence by completing all required examinations, including both theory and practical components.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Cyprus?

For licences issued by EU member states or countries that share a mutual exchange agreement with Cyprus, the conversion process is relatively uncomplicated. A driver holding a valid licence from one of these countries can exchange it for an equivalent Cypriot licence by attending either a Citizen Service Centre or a regional office of the Ministry of Transport. The procedure broadly mirrors licence swap arrangements found elsewhere in Europe — it is an administrative conversion rather than a full retest.

The step-by-step process for eligible licence holders is as follows:

1. Book an appointment at your nearest Department of Road Transport (TOM) office or Citizen Service Centre (CSC). Telephone your local Department of Transport office (Τμήμα Οδικών Μεταφορών — ΤΟΜ) to arrange a suitable time.
2. Complete Form TOM 7Δ — the standard application form for a Cypriot driving licence. DoRT staff can offer assistance, as the forms are written in Greek.
3. Gather your documents. You will need: a completed TOM 7 application form; two passport-sized photographs (45×35mm); the original and a copy of your Cyprus residence permit; evidence of lawful residence for a minimum of six months (such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement); and your passport or identity card (original and copy). You must also bring your foreign driving licence along with photocopies of all its pages.
4. Arrange a translation if needed. Where the driving licence is issued in a language other than Greek or English, a certified translation must be obtained either from the Press and Information Office (PIO) or from the embassy of the country that originally issued the licence.
5. Attend your appointment and pay the fee. As of 2025, the applicable fee is €40 for applicants under 65 years of age, and there is no charge for those aged 65 or over. Confirm the current fee with the official DoRT website before attending.
6. Surrender your original licence. Your foreign licence will be taken from you and returned to the authorities in the issuing country. As with most EU member states, Cyprus does not permit a driver to hold two equivalent licences at the same time.
7. Receive your temporary licence. A temporary paper licence is issued on the day of your appointment. You will subsequently receive an SMS notification once your permanent photocard licence is available for collection, typically within a few weeks.

Appointment waiting times average around two weeks, and licence processing adds at least another two weeks on top of that, meaning the entire exchange typically takes approximately one month. Timelines can differ from one district to another, so it is advisable to check with your local TOM office for current estimates.

For most applicants under the age of 70, no medical or eyesight examination is required as part of a standard exchange. Once a driver reaches the age of 70, however, they must submit a completed form TOM 153 signed by a medical professional confirming their fitness to drive.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Cyprus from scratch?

If your home country does not hold an exchange agreement with Cyprus, you cannot simply convert your existing licence. Instead, you must earn a Cypriot licence by completing both the theoretical and practical examinations, in the same way as any first-time applicant. Eligibility to apply or sit a Cypriot driving test is restricted to residents who have been living in Cyprus for at least six months.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Category B (passenger car) licence. The full process unfolds as follows:

1. Apply for a learner’s (provisional) licence. You must present yourself in person at the Department of Transport (DoRT) with the required documentation, including your passport, residency permit, and evidence of at least six months’ residence such as a recent utility bill.
2. Pass the eyesight and verbal theory test. Before a provisional licence is issued, you must clear both an eyesight check and an oral theory examination. The oral test covers road signs and core driving principles. You may be able to sit this test on the same day or make a return appointment.
3. Take driving lessons. Enlisting a local driving instructor is strongly recommended. A qualified instructor will teach you the specific manoeuvres assessed during the test — including reversing into a parking bay and three-point turns — and familiarise you with likely test routes.
4. Wait the mandatory interval. A minimum of 21 days must pass between the date your provisional licence is issued and the date of your practical test.
5. Apply for the driving test using Form TOM 25B. Submit Form TOM 25B to register for the practical examination. The standard test fee is €20. For an additional €34.17, the test can be taken outside regular hours, typically in the afternoon after normal working hours. These figures are correct as of 2025; always verify with DoRT before applying.
6. Take the practical test. The test lasts approximately 35 minutes, takes place on public roads in the local area, and includes manoeuvring exercises such as parallel parking. The examiner will inform you of the result at the end of the assessment.
7. Retake if necessary. Should you be unsuccessful, you must wait a further 30 days before sitting the test again.

If you pass your test in an automatic vehicle, your licence will restrict you to driving automatics. Passing in a manual vehicle grants authorisation to drive both manual and automatic cars. This approach is consistent with standard practice across most European licensing systems.

The Department of Road Transport may impose medical checks based on the applicant’s age or any health conditions that could impair their ability to drive safely. For drivers under 70, the requirements generally extend no further than the standard eyesight check at the learner’s permit stage.

How do you renew a driving licence in Cyprus?

A Cypriot driving licence issued under categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, B1, and BE is valid for fifteen years. Once the holder passes the age of 55, the licence is issued for a period running through to age 70. Drivers aged 70 and above are issued a licence valid for three years and must renew on that cycle thereafter.

Renewal must take place before the existing licence expires, but no earlier than the final month before expiry. Applications are handled in person at local District Offices of the Transport Department, at any Citizen Service Centre (CSC), or through Post Office Citizens Centres (KE.PO.).

From the age of 70, renewal every three years is accompanied by a requirement to undergo a medical examination and submit a form TOM 153 signed by a doctor confirming the driver’s fitness to continue driving. This is comparable to age-related medical assessments for older drivers in other EU countries, including Italy and Spain.

When a resident of Cyprus holds an EU licence that reaches its expiry date, renewal must be processed in Cyprus — a step that functions as a de facto conversion to a Cypriot licence. Prior to issuing the new licence, the Cypriot authorities will contact the licensing authority in the driver’s previous country of residence to verify that the licence has not been restricted, suspended, or revoked.

As of 2025, the standard renewal fee is €40 for drivers under 65, while those aged 65 and over pay nothing. Always consult the Department of Road Transport website for up-to-date fee information before attending your appointment.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Cyprus?

Visitors to Cyprus may drive using either a valid national driving licence or a valid international driving licence, provided the document covers the category of vehicle they intend to operate. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is therefore accepted in Cyprus as a companion document to a valid national licence — it functions as an official translation rather than a standalone authorisation.

Cyprus is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, meaning it recognises IDPs issued under that Convention. Drivers whose national licences are in a language other than Greek or English may find an IDP particularly useful. Holders of a UK photocard licence can drive in Cyprus without additional documentation, though those with older paper licences may wish to upgrade to a photocard or carry the appropriate version of the IDP.

An IDP is most relevant for short-stay visitors and tourists. It does not, however, extend the period during which a non-EU resident may legally drive in Cyprus. Once the six-month residency threshold is reached, conversion to a Cyprus licence is mandatory regardless of whether the driver holds an IDP.

If your licence was issued by a country without an exchange agreement and is not written in Greek or English, carrying an IDP while still within your permitted driving window is strongly recommended. The type of IDP required — issued under either the 1949 or 1968 Convention — may affect whether it is accepted, so check with the issuing authority in your country of origin. Always confirm current IDP acceptance rules directly with the Cyprus Department of Road Transport.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Cyprus?

Driving without a valid licence in Cyprus is a matter for the courts, with the severity of sanctions left to judicial discretion. This means the offence is treated as a criminal matter rather than attracting a standard administrative penalty. Potential outcomes include prosecution, financial penalties, and disqualification from driving.

Continuing to drive on a foreign licence after the permitted six-month residency window has closed is treated in the same way as driving without any licence at all, exposing the driver to identical legal consequences. Beyond the legal jeopardy, driving on an invalid licence may also render insurance policies void — leaving the driver personally liable for any losses arising from an accident.

Cyprus operates a penalty points regime. Any driver who accumulates 12 penalty points faces licence suspension by the courts. Points remain on the record for three years before expiring. Newly qualified drivers who have held their licence for fewer than two years receive double the standard number of penalty points for any offences they commit.

Reckless driving carries a maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of €1,500. Driving offences that cause bodily harm to others can result in up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of €6,000 under the applicable legislation. Current penalty levels should be verified with the Cyprus Police Traffic Department.

Out-of-court penalties must be settled within 30 days of being served. Failure to pay within this period results in a surcharge equal to half the original fine, with a further 15 days allowed for payment. If the fine remains unpaid after 45 days in total, the matter is referred to the courts for criminal prosecution.

When a traffic violation occurs, the attending officer issues a fixed penalty notice using a hand-held computer system. Payment is never collected at the roadside; fines may be paid in person at a police station or electronically through the JCC payment platform.

Where a driving licence is revoked or an application for a licence is refused, the driver is subject to a three-year supervision period during which more stringent conditions and penalties than those ordinarily applicable will be imposed.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Cyprus?

Driving licence matters in Cyprus fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Road Transport, which is also responsible for vehicle registration, roadworthiness testing, and road tax. This department is the primary point of contact for all licence-related enquiries and applications.

The principal agencies and contact points are as follows:

• Department of Road Transport (DoRT / TOM — Τμήμα Οδικών Μεταφορών): The central authority responsible for issuing, exchanging, and renewing driving licences. Applications may be lodged at the Department’s provincial offices in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, or Paphos, or alternatively at any Citizen Service Centre (CSC) or KE.PO. outlet of the Department of Postal Services. The official website is available at mcw.gov.cy.
• Citizen Service Centres (CSCs / KEP): For most applicants, the CSC is the most convenient way to submit a licence exchange application. Centres are located in all major urban areas and are authorised to process applications on behalf of DoRT.
• Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works (MCW): The parent ministry with oversight of the DoRT. Legislative changes and policy updates relating to driving licences are published through this ministry. Website: mcw.gov.cy.
• Cyprus Police — Traffic Department: Responsible for enforcing road traffic law, issuing penalty notices, and administering the penalty points system. Website: police.gov.cy.
• Press and Information Office (PIO): Where a driving licence has been issued in a language other than Greek or English, a certified translation must be obtained from the PIO or from the embassy of the country that issued the licence.

All licence exchange procedures are administered by the Department of Road Transport. Staff at district offices are available to help applicants complete the necessary paperwork, which is primarily in Greek. For the latest information on office locations, opening hours, and appointment booking, visit the official DoRT section of the Ministry of Transport website.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Cyprus immediately after arriving on a foreign licence?

Yes — visitors to Cyprus may drive using a valid national or international driving licence, provided it covers the category of vehicle being driven. Tourists are permitted to drive throughout their lawful stay. Those arriving to take up residence have a window of up to six months from the date they establish residency during which their foreign licence remains valid.

Do I need to retake my driving test in Cyprus?

Whether a test is required depends on whether your country of origin holds a reciprocal exchange agreement with Cyprus. Where such an agreement exists, your licence is treated as equivalent to a Cypriot one and the conversion is purely administrative — no theory or practical test is needed. If your country has no such agreement, you must qualify for a Cypriot licence by sitting and passing both the theoretical and practical examinations.

How long does it take to get a Cyprus driving licence through exchange?

Waiting times for an appointment are typically around two weeks, and processing the licence once applied for takes a further two weeks at minimum, meaning the full exchange process generally spans approximately one month. Timelines vary between districts, and as demand continues to grow it is wise to begin the process well ahead of your six-month deadline.

What happens if my EU driving licence expires while I am living in Cyprus?

An EU licence that expires while its holder is resident in Cyprus must be renewed in Cyprus, and this renewal effectively converts it to a Cypriot driving licence. No driving tests are required. The resulting Cyprus licence is valid for 15 years for standard categories, rather than the shorter validity period that applies in some other EU countries.

Do I need a medical test to exchange my licence in Cyprus?

For the majority of applicants below the age of 70, no medical examination is required as part of a standard licence exchange. Drivers aged 70 and over must submit a completed form TOM 153, signed by a medical practitioner confirming fitness to drive. Medical assessment may also be required where the applicant has a known health condition that could impair their driving ability.

Can I exchange a UAE-issued driving licence for a Cypriot one?

The exchange route for UAE-issued licences is available exclusively to citizens of the UAE. People who obtained their driving licence while residing in the UAE but who do not hold UAE citizenship are not eligible for this exchange. If you fall into this category, you will need to apply for a Cyprus licence from scratch, completing both the theory and practical tests.

What are the consequences of driving on an expired foreign licence in Cyprus?

After 185 days of residency, a foreign licence is no longer recognised as valid for driving in Cyprus. Continuing to drive on such a licence carries the same legal consequences as driving with no licence at all, and can also invalidate your motor insurance — leaving you personally exposed to liability if an accident occurs. The sanctions are set by the courts and may include prosecution, fines, and disqualification. Do not delay starting the conversion process.

Where can I find the official list of countries with driving licence exchange agreements with Cyprus?

The authoritative and current list of countries whose licences are recognised for exchange purposes is published by the Department of Road Transport (DoRT) on the Ministry of Transport website. Because the list is reviewed periodically and agreements can change, you should always verify the position directly with DoRT before proceeding with an application.