Driving Guide
Driving in Cyprus: How to Convert Your Driving Licence (2025 Guide)
Once you become a resident in Cyprus, you can only drive on your foreign licence for a limited time. After six months of residency, you must convert it to a Cypriot one to stay legal on the road. The process varies significantly depending on where your licence was issued. This CyExpats.com guide clarifies the paths for all expats.
The Six-Month Rule: The clock starts ticking from when you establish normal residence in Cyprus (i.e., get your residency permit). After 185 days, your foreign licence is no longer considered valid for driving, which can have serious implications for your insurance coverage in case of an accident.
🚗 Beyond staying legal, it's vital to understand the financial side of driving. Try our Car Ownership & Costs Calculator to estimate your expenses.
Which Path Will You Take?
There are two main routes to getting a Cypriot licence, depending on your country of origin.
Path 1: Direct Exchange
This is the simple route. You surrender your valid foreign licence and receive a Cypriot one without any tests.
Who is eligible?
- Holders of a valid licence from any **EU/EEA Member State**.
- Holders of a valid licence from specific **reciprocal countries**, including:
UK, Switzerland, Australia, USA, Canada, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, UAE, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Georgia, and more.
Path 2: Start from Scratch
This is the more involved route. You must pass both the theory and practical driving tests to get a Cypriot licence.
Who must do this?
- Holders of a licence from any country **not** in the EU and **not** on the reciprocal exchange list.
- Examples include India, Pakistan, China, Brazil, and many others.
Path 1: How to Exchange Your Licence
If your licence is from an EU country or one of the reciprocal agreement countries, the process is administrative. You must have been a resident for at least six months.
- Book an appointment: You must make an appointment at a District Office of the Department of Road Transport (TOM) or a Citizen Service Centre (KEP). Booking is mandatory.
- Complete Form Τ.Ο.Μ. 7Δ: This is the official application form for a driving licence. It is in Greek, but English translations are available online to help you fill it out.
- Gather your documents: This is the most important step. See the detailed checklist below.
- Attend your appointment: Submit all documents, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. Your foreign licence will be taken from you to be returned to the issuing country.
- Receive your licence: You will be given a temporary paper licence on the spot. You'll receive an SMS within a few weeks when your permanent photocard licence is ready for collection.
Document Checklist for Licence Exchange
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Completed Form Τ.Ο.Μ. 7Δ | The main application form. |
| Original Foreign Driving Licence | Must be valid. You will surrender this. Bring photocopies for your records. |
| Passport & a photocopy | To prove your identity. |
| Residency Permit & a photocopy | Your MEU1 (Yellow Slip) or Non-EU residence permit. |
| Proof of 6-Month Residency | Recent utility bills (e.g., EAC) or a rental contract in your name. If bills are in a spouse's name, bring your apostilled marriage certificate. |
| Two recent passport-sized photos | Although they usually take a digital photo, it's wise to have these as a backup. |
| Application Fee | €40 for persons under 65. Free for those 65 and over. |
Path 2: Taking the Cyprus Driving Test
If your licence is not from a recognised country, you must pass the Cypriot driving test. This involves getting a learner's permit first.
- Apply for a Learner's Licence: Visit a TOM office with your passport and residency permit. You must pass a simple eyesight test and a verbal theory test on road signs.
- Take Driving Lessons: It is highly recommended to take lessons with a local instructor. They will teach you the specific manoeuvres required for the test (e.g., reversing into a parking bay, three-point turn) and prepare you for the test routes.
- Book the Practical Test: Your instructor can book the practical test for you. There can be a waiting list, so book it well in advance.
- Pass the Practical Test: The test lasts about 30-35 minutes. If you pass, you can then apply for your full Cypriot licence using the same Form Τ.Ο.Μ. 7Δ.
Official Resources: