What are the working hours and overtime rules in Cyprus?
It depends: a 48-hour cap including overtime; no general statutory premium. Under Law 63(I)/2002, average weekly working time must not exceed 48 hours including overtime, over a reference period of up to 4 months. Standard hours are 38–48/week depending on the sector. Daily rest: at least 11 consecutive hours per 24 hours. Weekly rest: at least 24 consecutive hours per 7 days. Break: at least 30 minutes after 6 consecutive hours. There's no general statutory overtime premium — it's set by collective agreements. In short: 48 hours maximum, with rest.
📋 The rules
- Max 48 hours/week incl. overtime (4-month average)
- Daily rest 11 hours per 24 hours
- Weekly rest 24 hours
- Break 30 minutes after 6 hours
- No general statutory overtime premium
🔓 Exceptions
- Overtime pay set by collective agreements/contract
- Retail/shops: their own overtime rules
- Night workers: additional limits
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The hard ceiling is 48 hours/week averaged over up to 4 months; breaches are enforced by the Department of Labour Inspection. Beware a myth: "Cyprus law guarantees time-and-a-half for overtime" is false for most of the private sector; outside regulated sectors like retail, any overtime premium depends entirely on the contract or collective agreement. Tip: check your sector's collective agreement for the overtime rates (e.g. 1.5x weekday, 2x Sunday/holiday).
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How many hours can I work?
Average weekly working time, including overtime, must not exceed 48 hours, calculated over a reference period of up to four months. Standard hours range from 38 to 48 a week depending on the sector and collective agreement.
Am I entitled to overtime premium?
Not under general law. There's no general statutory overtime premium in Cyprus. Overtime rates, for example 1.5x weekday or 2x Sunday and holiday, are set by collective agreements or individual contracts, not by general legislation.
How much rest am I entitled to?
You're entitled to at least 11 consecutive hours of daily rest in every 24 hours, and at least 24 consecutive hours of weekly rest per seven days, in addition to the daily rest. For work over six consecutive hours, you get a break of at least 30 minutes.
Do some sectors have special rules?
Yes. Certain sectors, such as retail and shops, have their own working-time and overtime rules. Night workers and some higher-risk sectors have additional limits on working time.
Who enforces the limits?
The 48-hour ceiling, averaged over up to four months, is enforced by the Department of Labour Inspection under working-time and health-and-safety legislation. Breaches of the limits can be prosecuted.
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