Exchanging a driving licence in Cyprus: a guide for foreigners

A resident can drive on a non-EU licence for six months after getting a residence permit. Licences from countries on the mutual recognition list are exchanged without a test; the fee is about $45.

The short answer: a tourist drives in Cyprus on a valid foreign licence for the whole stay. A resident with a non-EU licence can drive on it for six months after getting a residence permit and must then exchange it for a Cypriot one. Licences from countries on the mutual recognition list are exchanged without a test at a district office of the Road Transport Department; the fee is about $45, and the exchange is free from age 65.

Holders of licences from countries not on the list have to take theory and driving tests. So the first thing to check is whether your country is on the list, and only then plan the timing.

How long you can drive on a foreign licence in Cyprus

While you are in Cyprus as a tourist, you can drive on a valid national or international licence for your whole stay. For residents the clock starts with the residence permit: six months on a non-EU licence, after which a Cypriot licence is needed. EU licences are valid for their full term without an exchange.

Who exchanges a licence without a test

Licences from countries that have mutual licence recognition with Cyprus are exchanged without a test. The list includes EU and European Economic Area countries, the UK and a number of non-EU countries, among them Georgia, Serbia and Ukraine. The licence must be valid, with a Greek or English translation if it is in another language.

Licences from listed non-EU countries

Russia is also on the list of countries whose licences are exchanged in Cyprus without a test. The exchange follows the general rules within six months of getting the residence permit: with a Greek or English translation of the licence and proof of residence. If the six months are missed, driving on the foreign licence counts as driving without a valid licence.

Documents for exchanging a licence

• the official application form;
• a passport and a residence permit or registration certificate;
• the valid foreign licence and a copy;
• a Greek or English translation of the licence if it is in another language;
• proof of residence in Cyprus, such as a utility bill;
• a 45 by 35 millimetre photo;
• a medical certificate and eye test only for applicants over 70.

How the exchange works: steps

1. Check whether the issuing country is on the mutual recognition list.
2. Get a Greek or English translation of the licence if needed.
3. File the documents at a district office of the Road Transport Department or a citizen service centre.
4. Pay the fee and receive the Cypriot licence. The foreign licence is handed in.

How much exchanging a licence costs in Cyprus

Exchanging a foreign licence costs about $45 at the European Central Bank rate of 6 October 2026, and it is free for applicants aged 65 and over. If your country is not on the list and tests are needed, you pay about $35 for a learner permit, about $15 for the theory test, about $25 for the driving test and about $45 for the licence, plus lessons with an instructor.

If your licence has expired

Expired foreign licences are not exchanged in Cyprus: renew them in the issuing country first. If that is impossible, a Cypriot licence is obtained as if for the first time: learner permit, lessons, theory and driving tests.

This topic in other countries

Deadlines, tests and documents for exchanging a licence differ in every country, so it is best to plan the exchange before the move, together with the residence permit: that way you will not spend months on taxis or risk a fine and your insurance.

Exchanging a licence in other countries: Georgia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Turkey, UAE, Portugal, Paraguay, USA, Italy.

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