For many newcomers, driving is one of the first practical questions after arriving in Cyprus. The answer depends on where the licence was issued, how long the driver plans to stay and whether they are considered resident on the island.
Visitors can usually drive on a valid foreign licence
Tourists and short-term visitors can generally drive in Cyprus if they hold a valid driving licence from their home country, provided the licence covers the vehicle category they are using.
For UK visitors, the rule is straightforward. The UK government says a UK photocard driving licence can be used to drive in Cyprus. Drivers who still hold an old paper licence may need to update it to a photocard licence or obtain the correct International Driving Permit.
Drivers should also check the conditions of car rental companies, which may impose their own minimum age, driving experience or document requirements.
EU licences are recognised
Holders of driving licences issued by EU member states do not usually need to exchange them after moving to another EU country, including Cyprus. EU rules allow a driver to keep using a valid EU licence, although they may voluntarily exchange it for a local one in their new country of residence.
There are exceptions. An EU licence may have to be exchanged if it is lost, stolen or damaged, if the driver commits a traffic offence in the country of residence, or in certain cases after two years of residence where the licence has no fixed validity period.
Old-style EU licences remain recognised across the EU, but must be exchanged for the standard EU format by 2033.
UK residents in Cyprus must exchange within six months
The position is different for UK licence holders who live in Cyprus. According to UK government guidance for UK licence holders living in the EU, a UK licence can be exchanged in Cyprus without taking a test, but it must be exchanged within six months of becoming resident.
This distinction is important. A British tourist can drive with a UK photocard licence, but a British resident in Cyprus should not assume the same rule applies indefinitely.
Other non-EU licences depend on recognition
For non-EU licences, Cyprus distinguishes between countries whose licences are recognised as equivalent and countries whose licences are not.
The Road Transport Department says conversion of a foreign licence to a Cypriot one applies to licences from EU countries and other countries included in the relevant official notification. Holders of licences from countries included in that notification are required to exchange their licence after six months of stay in the Republic.
Where a non-EU licence is not recognised for direct exchange, the driver may need to follow the normal Cyprus process for obtaining a driving licence, including the required tests. EU guidance also warns that recognition of non-EU licences varies by member state and should be checked with local authorities.
What documents are usually needed
For conversion of a foreign licence, the Road Transport Department lists the driving licence application form, known as TOM 7D, and a recent photo among the required documents. Guidance on Cyprus licence procedures also refers to proof of residence, with the ordinary driving licence fee listed at €40 and the procedure taking about 30 minutes when all required documents have been provided.
In practice, applicants should expect to provide identification, proof of lawful residence in Cyprus, the original foreign licence and a translation if the licence is not in English or Greek. Drivers aged 70 and over, or those seeking certain heavier vehicle categories, may also be asked for medical documentation.
The safest rule for expats
For short stays, a valid domestic licence may be enough, especially for EU and UK photocard licence holders. For residents, the safer approach is to check early with the Road Transport Department or a Citizen Service Centre and confirm whether the licence must be exchanged.
The key point is that Cyprus does not treat every foreign licence in the same way. EU licences are broadly recognised, UK residents face a six-month exchange rule, and other non-EU drivers depend on whether their issuing country is on Cyprus’ recognised list.
