The Social Insurance Number in Cyprus is mandatory for all individuals working in the country, whether employed or self-employed. This number is required to receive social benefits, medical care, and participate in pension programs. Below, we will outline the step-by-step process of obtaining a social insurance number in Cyprus, the necessary documents, and important aspects to consider.
Contents
Who Should Obtain a Social Insurance Number?
The following individuals are required to obtain a social insurance number:
- EU citizens working in Cyprus;
- Foreign nationals registered in the country and working under an employment contract;
- Self-employed individuals conducting business activities in Cyprus;
- Employers hiring staff are also obligated to ensure their employees’ registration in the social insurance system.
Required Documents
To obtain a social insurance number, the following documents are required:
- A copy of the ID card or passport for EU citizens;
- A residence permit issued by the Department of Civil Registry and Migration for third-country nationals;
- If you are self-employed, you may also need to provide documents confirming your activity, such as contracts with clients or receipts for services rendered. For example, for work as a nanny, letters from parents confirming payment for services should be submitted.
Application Submission
The application for a social insurance number must be submitted in person at one of the district offices of the Social Insurance Fund. You will need to complete the appropriate form, which is available on the official website of the Ministry of Labor of Cyprus. The form and instructions may only be available in Greek, so if you face difficulties, you can seek assistance from professionals familiar with the process.
A social insurance number is typically issued on the day of the application, which speeds up the process. Once registered in the system, you are obligated to start paying insurance contributions.
Social Insurance Fund Contributions
Once you have received your social insurance number, you will be required to make monthly contributions to the Social Insurance Fund. The amount of contributions varies depending on your status:
- For employees, the contribution is 8.3% of the salary. The employer, in turn, pays an additional 8.3%.
- For self-employed individuals, the contribution is higher and amounts to 15.6% of income. This percentage increases by 1% every five years until it reaches 19.6%.
Contribution Reduction
Self-employed individuals can apply for a reduction in contributions if their actual income is lower than the minimum amount set for their professional category. To do this, a separate application must be submitted with a statement of actual income. It is important to note that the contributions you make affect your pension and other social benefits in the future.
Additional Contributions
In addition to contributions to the social fund, Cyprus also requires mandatory payments to the National Health System Fund (GESY). These contributions are:
- For employees — 2.65% of earnings;
- For self-employed individuals — 4%.
GESY contributions allow access to medical services in public institutions in Cyprus and some private clinics participating in the system.
Penalties and Liability
It is important to note that late submission of the application for a social insurance number or failure to pay contributions may result in fines. For example, a penalty of €85 is charged for each month of delay. Employers are also required to register their employees in the social insurance system and make timely contributions.
Social Insurance Fund Offices
In Cyprus, the Social Insurance Fund offices are located in each major city. Here is a list of the main offices by city:
Nicosia:
- Main Office:
Address: Prodromou 2 & Vyzantiou 8, Strovolos 2063
Phone: +357 22 401401
Limassol:
- Limassol Social Insurance Office:
Address: Themidos 28, Limassol 3036
Phone: +357 25 829129
Larnaca:
- Larnaca Social Insurance Office:
Address: Gr. Afxentiou 37, Larnaca 6031
Phone: +357 24 805300
Paphos:
- Paphos Social Insurance Office:
Address: Karaiskaki 24, Paphos 8010
Phone: +357 26 804122
Ayia Napa and Famagusta:
- Famagusta Social Insurance Office (serving Ayia Napa):
Address: Eleftherias 64, Paralimni 5280
Phone: +357 23 200000
Office Hours:
Offices are typically open Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 13:00.
Please note that these addresses may change, so it is recommended to check the latest information on the official website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance of Cyprus before visiting.
Obtaining a social insurance number in Cyprus is a mandatory and relatively simple process that requires a personal visit to a social insurance office and the submission of necessary documents. Regular payment of contributions is important for securing rights to healthcare, social benefits, and accumulating future pension benefits.
