Security Guard Services in Cyprus

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Cyprus

Security guards and private security services companies in Cyprus are licensed by the Chief of Police under the Private Security Services Companies Law of 2007 (Law 125(I)/2007, as amended). Guard licenses are valid for five years, and company licenses for one year.

Regulator: Chief of Police, Cyprus Police. Law: Private Security Services Companies Law of 2007, Law 125(I)/2007, as amended by Laws 54(I)/2009, 101(I)/2011 and 179(I)/2014. gov.cy

Requirements

• Citizen of the Republic of Cyprus or another EU member state (Article 7)
• At least 18 years of age (Article 7)
• Military service obligations fulfilled, unless lawfully exempted for reasons not related to health (Article 7)
• Medical certificate from a government medical officer, submitted with the application (Article 6); the application is refused if the applicant suffers from a serious mental illness that may prevent the applicant from performing the duties (Article 7)
• No conviction for offenses listed in the law, such as offenses involving violence, drugs, weapons, trafficking and gambling, as well as offenses involving dishonesty (Article 7)
• Not dismissed from the public service or similar bodies for a disciplinary offense involving dishonesty, and not holding a position in the public sector (Article 7)
• No use of illegal drugs, not a manufacturer of or dealer in weapons, ammunition or explosives, and judged suitable by the Chief of Police (Article 7)
• The Chief of Police may require an examination before the license is issued (Article 7)
• Security companies train guards before they take up duties, under a training program and examination syllabus approved by the Chief; the Chief may require self-employed private guards to attend a seminar (Article 16)

Application Steps

1. Submit an application to the Chief of Police and pay the prescribed fee, giving personal details, qualifications and experience (Article 6)
2. Attach a medical certificate from a government medical officer (Article 6)
3. State whether the applicant will work as a self-employed private guard or for a security company; private guards also state the activities they will offer (Article 6)
4. Pass the examination, if the Chief requires it (Article 7)
5. The Chief issues the license on payment of the fee (Article 7)
6. Refusal, non-renewal and revocation are notified in writing with reasons and may be appealed to the Minister within 30 days; the Minister decides within 30 days (Article 12)

Agency Licensing

Anyone who wishes to establish a private security services company applies to the Chief of Police with a fee and the details of the applicants, the name, address and category of the company, and a declaration that there are no conflicting business interests (Article 9). The partners, directors, secretary, shareholders and manager of the company must meet the requirements of Article 7, the Chief may require an examination, and any change in these persons must be notified (Article 11). Companies are classified as general security services, special security services or private investigations only (Article 5). Companies submit an annual activity report every February (Article 17), include the phrase “private security service” in their name, show the license number on their documents, avoid any impression of being a public authority and operate a central office staffed 24 hours a day (Article 19).

Licenses to possess, use, acquire or carry firearms, offensive weapons, ammunition or explosives are not issued to guards, private guards, company staff or company license holders, partners and directors, except for Category D firearms under the firearms legislation (Article 18). Batons require the prior approval of the Chief and may not be electrified (Article 19).

Guard and private guard licenses are valid for five years and are renewable. An employed guard’s license is valid only for the company that employs the guard. Company licenses are valid for one year and are renewed annually. Licenses may be suspended for up to six months for noncompliance, or revoked or not renewed on specific grounds (Article 13).

Sources

• Consolidated full text of Law 125(I)/2007, CyLaw (Cyprus Bar Association)
• Law 125(I)/2007 index and amending laws, CyLaw
• Law 125(I)/2007 original PDF, CyLaw

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the official regulator before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.