001 Licence required
Real Estate Agency
Registration of the legal entity and an annual licence.
Regulator Real Estate Agents Registration Council
Do You Need a Licence in Cyprus: List of 100 Types of Activity
A directory to quickly check your activity and understand whether it is worth looking further before you launch a business
71out of 100: licence almost certainly required
19out of 100: depends on the business model
10out of 100: separate permit most likely not required
Registering a company in Cyprus does not automatically give you the right to carry on any activity. For many fields you must separately obtain a licence, register in the relevant register or go through approval, and this is worth checking before launch, not after the regulator gets in touch. For more on why registration is not the last step, read the article “Business Licensing in Cyprus: What to Check Before Launch”.
Below are 100 common types of activity grouped by sector. Find yours (or one close to it) and look at the status of the card.
Licence requiredA special licence, registration or permit is usually mandatory before work starts.
Needs checkingThe set of permits depends on the specific services, premises or product category, so it must be reviewed for your business model.
Most likely not requiredWe found no separate sector permit for the standard model. General premises and hiring requirements may apply.
Important. This is a guide for a first self-check, not a legal opinion on your situation. The exact set of requirements depends on the business model and may change, so check it with us before launch.
Types of activity by sector
Showing: 100 of 100
Real estate
066 Needs checking
Property developer
A separate universal developer licence is not confirmed here. Planning/building approvals per project.
Regulator District Local Government Organisation; Contractors Council; ETEK
067 Needs checking
Property management
Administrative services for the owner.
Regulator Real Estate Agents Registration Council for brokerage; local authority for the premises
068 Needs checking
Short-term rental management
Check the registration of each self-service property, the manager’s right to act as operator and the nature of the intermediation.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism; Real Estate Agents Council for brokerage
Construction
002 Licence required
Building contractor (individual)
Registration in the Contractors’ Register and an Annual Contractor Licence of the appropriate category and project class.
Regulator Contractors Council
003 Licence required
Building contracting company
Company registration and an Annual Contractor Licence.
Regulator Contractors Council
004 Licence required
Architect / civil engineer
Registration with ETEK and an annual professional licence. For an engineering firm, the firm’s registration is also checked.
Regulator ETEK
005 Licence required
Electrical installation company
Operating Licence for the business.
Regulator Electrical & Mechanical Services (EMS)
069 Needs checking
Construction project management
Coordination of timing/budget separately from engineering design, signing of technical documents and contractor execution.
Regulator ETEK / Contractors Council / DLGO
070 Needs checking
Interior design
Decor and selection of materials differ from an architectural project, changes to load-bearing structures and signing of plans.
Regulator ETEK / DLGO for construction changes
Professional services
006 Licence required
Law firm / Lawyers’ Company
Prior approval of the Legal Council and entry in the Register of Lawyers’ Companies.
Regulator Legal Council / Cyprus Bar Council
007 Licence required
Practising lawyer
Entry in the register and an Annual Practising Licence.
Regulator Legal Council / Cyprus Bar Council
008 Licence required
Audit firm
Authorisation as a statutory audit firm.
Regulator CyPAOB; ICPAC within delegated powers
009 Licence required
Auditor (individual)
Approval as a statutory auditor and the relevant practising certificate.
Regulator CyPAOB / ICPAC
010 Licence required
Fiduciary / corporate / administrative services
ASP authorisation or the regime provided by law for regulated lawyers/ICPAC members.
Regulator CySEC / CBA / ICPAC
011 Licence required
Private employment agency
Licence to Operate a Private Employment Agency.
Regulator Department of Labour
Finance
012 Licence required
Forex / Cyprus Investment Firm
CIF authorisation for investment services in financial instruments.
Regulator CySEC
013 Licence required
Investment advice
Permission for investment advice within the scope of CIF authorisation or another status permitted by law.
Regulator CySEC
014 Licence required
Investment portfolio management
Authorisation for portfolio management.
Regulator CySEC
015 Licence required
Alternative fund manager / AIFM
AIFM authorisation.
Regulator CySEC
016 Licence required
UCITS management company
UCITS management company authorisation.
Regulator CySEC
017 Licence required
Alternative investment fund / AIF
AIF/AIFLNP authorisation or RAIF registration under the conditions provided.
Regulator CySEC
018 Licence required
Payment institution
PI authorisation for certain Annex I services.
Regulator Central Bank of Cyprus
019 Licence required
Electronic Money Institution / EMI
EMI authorisation for issuing electronic money.
Regulator Central Bank of Cyprus
020 Licence required
Bank / credit institution
Banking authorisation for taking deposits and providing banking services.
Regulator ECB / Central Bank of Cyprus
021 Licence required
Currency exchange / Bureau de Change
Bureau de Change authorisation.
Regulator Central Bank of Cyprus
022 Licence required
Insurance company
Authorisation as an insurance/reinsurance undertaking for the relevant classes of insurance.
Regulator Superintendent of Insurance / Insurance Companies Control Service
023 Licence required
Insurance broker / intermediary
Entry in the relevant Insurance Intermediaries Register.
Regulator Superintendent of Insurance
024 Licence required
Crypto-asset service provider / CASP
MiCA authorisation under Articles 59–63 or the regime in Art. 60 for already regulated entities.
Regulator CySEC; CBC for certain overlapping payment services
Food and retail
032 Licence required
Restaurant
Operating Licence catering establishment.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism; local and sanitary authorities
033 Licence required
Café
Operating Licence of the appropriate category.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism
034 Licence required
Bar / pub
Catering/entertainment establishment licence plus a Retailer’s Liquor Licence.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism / Municipality or District Administration
035 Licence required
Retail / wholesale of alcohol
Retailer’s Licence or Dealer’s Licence depending on the trade.
Regulator Municipality / District Administration
036 Licence required
Tobacco product trade
Licence for Sale of Tobacco Products.
Regulator Municipality / District Administration; Customs for excise
065 Licence required
Winery
Prior sector approval when registering the company.
Regulator Department of Agriculture; Registrar; Customs for excise
071 Needs checking
Jewellery shop
For gold/silver, check registration of the trade participant, permitted fineness marks and hallmarking.
Regulator Cyprus Assay Office; local authority
072 Needs checking
Jewellery manufacturing
Manufacturer registration and sponsor/maker’s mark, hallmarking where applicable.
Regulator Cyprus Assay Office; local/environmental authorities
073 Needs checking
Bakery
Food establishment registration under Art. 6 of Regulation 852/2004, HACCP under Art. 5, sanitary and building conditions.
Regulator Public Health Services; local authorities; Veterinary Services where applicable
074 Needs checking
Cake making / confectionery
Food-business registration, hygiene/HACCP and permitted premises.
Regulator Public Health Services / local authority
075 Needs checking
Catering / ready meal production
Food-establishment registration.
Regulator Public Health Services; Deputy Ministry of Tourism where applicable
076 Licence required
Butcher shop
Butchery registration/operating approval.
Regulator Veterinary Services
077 Needs checking
Food import / distribution
Registration of the food operator and warehouse.
Regulator Public Health Services / Veterinary Services / Customs
078 Licence required
Food supplements shop
Operating Licence Food Supplements Shop.
Regulator Public Health Services
079 Needs checking
Cosmetic products
Responsible Person, safety assessment, PIF and CPNP.
Regulator Ministry of Health; EU CPNP
Tourism and entertainment
025 Licence required
Casino
Casino licence and concession regime.
Regulator National Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission
026 Licence required
Bookmaking
Class A / Class B bookmaker licence, depending on the land-based or online model.
Regulator National Betting Authority
027 Licence required
Travel agency
Licence for Establishment and Operation.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism
028 Licence required
Tour guide
Tourist Guide Licence.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism
029 Licence required
Hotel
Hotel Operating Licence and classification.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism
030 Licence required
Tourist apartments / tourist establishment
Operating Licence of the appropriate tourist establishment category.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism
031 Licence required
Short-term self-service accommodation
Entry of the specific property in the Self-Service Accommodation Register and a registration number.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism
083 Needs checking
Commercial swimming pool
Under the new Law 137(I)/2025, first determine Type 1/2/3 or private use.
Regulator Competent local authority by law; Ministry of Interior
084 Needs checking
Event venue
Public Performance/Premises Licence depending on the type of event.
Regulator Municipality / Community Council; other authorities by service
085 Licence required
Nightclub
Entertainment/catering operating licence and alcohol.
Regulator Deputy Ministry of Tourism / local authority
086 Licence required
Amusement park / amusement arcade
Special operating permission for the venue/attractions.
Regulator Municipality / District Administration depending on the applicable regime
087 Licence required
Water sports
Licence/permission to use the beach for water sports.
Regulator Municipality / Community Council; maritime authorities for vessels
Health and beauty
042 Licence required
Private hospital / inpatient facility
Establishment and Operating Licence under the private hospitals regime.
Regulator Ministry of Health / Registrar of Private Hospitals
043 Licence required
Pharmacy
Registration/permit of the pharmacy and a registered responsible pharmacist.
Regulator Pharmacy Board / Pharmaceutical Services
044 Licence required
Wholesale medicine seller
Wholesale Distribution Authorisation.
Regulator Pharmaceutical Services
045 Licence required
Optician shop
Operating Licence optical store.
Regulator Opticians Registration Council
046 Licence required
Dentist / dental practice
Entry of the dentist in the register and the right to practise.
Regulator Dental Council
047 Licence required
Physiotherapist
Registration and practising licence of the physiotherapist.
Regulator Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Establishments Registration Council
048 Licence required
Psychologist
Registration in the relevant register.
Regulator Psychologists Registration Council
049 Licence required
Beautician / regulated aesthetic services
Beautician registration.
Regulator Beauticians Registration Council
050 Licence required
Hairdresser / barber
Entry in the professional register and a licence to practise.
Regulator Hairdressers and Barbers Registration Council
051 Licence required
Hair salon / barbershop
Operating Licence of the salon/barbershop.
Regulator Hairdressers and Barbers Registration Council
080 Needs checking
Massage studio
Wellness massage is assessed according to its actual content.
Regulator Local authority; Physiotherapists/Beauticians Council where applicable
081 Needs checking
SPA / wellness centre
Draw up a list of procedures: beauty, physiotherapy, pool, medical interventions and nutrition may involve different mandatory permits.
Regulator Local authority / professional councils / Ministry of Health
082 Licence required
Tattoo / piercing studio
Special registration regime for tattoo/piercing professionals and laboratories under Law 20(I)/2021.
Regulator Tattoo, Body Piercing and Laboratories Registration Council / Ministry of Health
Education
037 Licence required
Private school
School registration/approval.
Regulator Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth
038 Licence required
Private university
Licence to establish and operate.
Regulator Ministry of Education / CYQAA
039 Licence required
Private higher education institution / college
Entry in the register and operating authorisation.
Regulator Ministry of Education / CYQAA
040 Licence required
Kindergarten / nursery
Kindergarten under the education regime.
Regulator Ministry of Education / Social Welfare Services
041 Licence required
Gym / private sports school
Operating Licence Private School of Gymnastics.
Regulator Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA)
Transport
052 Licence required
Self-drive car rental
Vehicle Hire / Driverless Rentals licence and relevant permits for the fleet.
Regulator Road Transport Department
053 Licence required
Taxi
Professional driving licence plus permission to use the vehicle as a taxi.
Regulator Road Transport Department
054 Licence required
Bus / passenger transport
Road Passenger Transport Operator authorisation.
Regulator Road Transport Department
055 Licence required
Road freight transport
Road Haulier authorisation.
Regulator Road Transport Department
056 Licence required
Vehicle technical inspection centre
Authorisation of a Vehicle Technical Inspection Centre.
Regulator Road Transport Department
057 Licence required
Car repair technician
Motor-vehicle technician licence in the relevant specialty.
Regulator Road Transport Department
058 Licence required
Driving school
Driving School Licence and professionally approved instructors.
Regulator Road Transport Department
Industry
088 Needs checking
Data centre
Planning/building use, fire and, where necessary, environmental/energy approvals.
Regulator DLGO / Fire Service / environmental and energy authorities
089 Needs checking
Factory / production
Planning/building approvals, workplace safety.
Regulator DLGO / Department of Labour Inspection / Department of Environment
090 Needs checking
Warehouse / logistics centre
Permitted warehouse use and fire conditions.
Regulator DLGO / local authority; Customs and sector authorities where applicable
Aviation and media
059 Licence required
Aircraft maintenance organisation
Part-145 approval or another applicable maintenance-organisation regime.
Regulator Department of Civil Aviation / EASA within their competence
060 Licence required
Flight training organisation
ATO approval or DTO declaration for a permitted programme.
Regulator Department of Civil Aviation
061 Licence required
Radio / TV broadcaster
Broadcasting licence.
Regulator Cyprus Radiotelevision Authority; Department of Electronic Communications for spectrum
Animals
062 Licence required
Zoo
Zoo Operating Licence.
Regulator Veterinary Services
063 Licence required
Pet shop with live animals
Certificate of Animal Welfare Assurance Conditions for premises with animals.
Regulator Veterinary Services
064 Licence required
Dog and cat breeding / boarding kennel
Permit/registration of the relevant breeding/boarding establishment.
Regulator Veterinary Services
Ordinary services
091 Most likely not required
Software development
No separate sector licence was identified for ordinary software development.
Regulator No sector regulator identified for the stated model
092 Most likely not required
IT consulting
Ordinary IT consulting.
Regulator No sector regulator identified for ordinary IT consulting
093 Most likely not required
SaaS
Ordinary access to software.
Regulator No special regulator for ordinary SaaS; CySEC/CBC where there are financial functions
094 Most likely not required
Marketing agency
Ordinary marketing services.
Regulator Local authority for outdoor structures; sector authorities for regulated advertising
095 Most likely not required
Social media agency
Account management and content.
Regulator No special agency regulator identified; competent authorities for content/data
096 Most likely not required
Graphic design studio
Visual design and branding.
Regulator No sector regulator identified for the stated model
097 Most likely not required
General business consulting
Organisational/commercial consulting.
Regulator No sector regulator for the stated model; CBA/ICPAC/CySEC when crossing the line
098 Most likely not required
Management consulting
Strategy, processes and management support.
Regulator No sector regulator for the stated model; CySEC/CBA/ICPAC for ASP services
099 Most likely not required
Online shop selling ordinary goods
Sale of unregulated goods, for example clothing.
Regulator Consumer Protection Service; sector authority for goods where applicable
100 Most likely not required
Software licensing / B2B IT services
Sale of licences for ordinary software and technical services.
Regulator No sector regulator identified for the stated model
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We will check which licences and permits your business model in Cyprus needs, and what to do before launch.
Message us on WhatsAppPrepared on the basis of the public procedures of the Cyprus Point of Single Contact, pages of sector regulators and the texts of Cypriot laws as of October 2026; for reference only.
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