Documents in Cyprus Checked: no change to the rule has been established since the check
- up to €5to certify the signature on a consent
- up to 7 yearsin prison for removal without consent or failure to return on time
In short
- Who it applies to
- Parents of minors when they cannot both travel with the child: one parent, a grandparent, friends or a school are taking the child. It applies to holidays and to moving abroad, whatever your citizenship.
- What it costs
- Certifying a signature on a one- or two-page document costs at most €5, plus at most €2 for each further signer. Stamp duty may be added; the certifying officer will tell you the amount.
- How long it takes
- Certification happens on the spot, and you must sign in front of the officer. If the other parent refuses, only the Family Court can give permission, so apply early: the court needs time.
- Where to apply
- The signature is certified by a πιστοποιών υπάλληλος (one is appointed in every area) or by a community leader. Bring a valid passport or ID. The text can be handwritten or typed.
- If your case differs
- There is no single official form. The destination country and the airline have their own rules and may ask for more, such as a translation or their own form.
Your case
The child travels with both parents
Cypriot rules do not call for a separate paper: the child just needs travel documents.
One parent travels and both share parental care
You need the other parent’s written consent with a certified signature. Married parents share parental care (γονική μέριμνα), so this applies even to an ordinary holiday. Name the child, route and dates: keeping the child abroad past the agreed date is unlawful retention.
Another adult takes the child: a grandparent, friends, a school
The Police require the consent of both parents. One document with two certified signatures will do: you may sign on different days, and the officer certifies after the last signature. If the child flies alone, the airline has its own rules and forms.
Only you hold parental care
You do not need the other parent’s consent. This happens under a court decision, after the other parent’s death, or, where the parents never married, until the father has recognised the child. Carry a document proving it. After divorce the court decides who holds parental care: go by the judgment, not by the divorce itself.
The other parent refuses or cannot be reached
The child can leave only under a Family Court decision, for a holiday or for good. Either parent can apply. If the court has banned travel, the child cannot leave without written consent or the court’s permission: the ban goes on the lists at airports and crossing points.
Deadlines and conditions
- certifying a signature costs at most €5Κ.Δ.Π. 48/2024, para. 2(1)(i): 1–2 page document, one signer — maximum €5.
- at most €2 for each further signerSame paragraph: each further signer — maximum €2.
- up to 7 years in prisonCap. 154, s. 248: abduction is a felony, seven years; s. 248A: unlawful retention abroad — up to seven years.
Destination country and airline rules
Requirements for a child’s entry or transit are set by each country. Before buying tickets, ask that country’s consulate and the airline whether a translation, apostille or their own form is needed.
The other parent is abroad
We did not find a verified rule on which certification from another country is accepted at the Cypriot border. Ask the police at your departure airport or a lawyer before you travel.
Sources
- Cap. 154, Criminal Codewww.cylaw.orgSs. 245A, 248, 248A: removal without consent and retention abroad.
- Law 216/1990 on parents and childrenwww.cylaw.orgSs. 5, 7, 9, 14–16: who holds parental care, court decision in a dispute.
- Law 165(I)/2012 on certifying officerswww.cylaw.orgS. 7: signing before the officer, proof of identity.
- Κ.Δ.Π. 48/2024, certification feeswww.cylaw.orgMaximum fees and signing on different days.
- European e-Justice Portal, Cypruse-justice.europa.euWhen consent is needed, court decision, no set form.
- Cyprus Police press office reply, Politisen.politis.com.cyConsent of one or both parents, certification, court ban, stop lists.