📖 Worker Guide · Cyprus

Can I Be Fired Without Warning in Cyprus?

Being dismissed suddenly with no warning or explanation is frightening — but in Cyprus, after 26 weeks of employment you have significant legal protection. Here is what the law says about fair dismissal and what you can do if yours was not.

The Short Answer

Cyprus Law

After 26 weeks of continuous employment, your employer must have a fair reason to dismiss you and must follow a fair process. Dismissal without warning, without explanation, or in retaliation for asserting your rights may constitute unfair dismissal under the Termination of Employment Law (Cap. 20). The time limit to make a claim is 3 months.

When Is Dismissal Potentially Unfair?

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No reason givenYou were told to leave with no explanation, or a vague one. After 26 weeks, your employer must be able to show a fair reason for dismissal.
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Dismissed after complainingYou raised a concern about wages, conditions, or your rights — and were dismissed shortly afterwards. This may be unlawful retaliation under the Whistleblower Protection Law 2022.
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No disciplinary processFor dismissal related to conduct or performance, a fair process normally involves warnings and an opportunity to respond before dismissal.
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Genuine redundancyRedundancy can be a fair reason for dismissal — but the process must still be fair and you may be entitled to redundancy compensation.

What You Can Do — Act Quickly

3-month time limit — criticalYou must apply to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal within 3 months of your dismissal. This deadline is strict. Do not wait.
1.
Note the date of dismissalThe clock starts from the date you were told you were dismissed — not from your last working day.
2.
Gather your evidenceKeep any dismissal messages, WhatsApp communications, and notes about what was said. A timeline of events is important.
3.
Write a formal letterRequest the reasons for your dismissal and any outstanding payments in writing. WorkerShield generates this for €10.
4.
Apply to the IDTThe Industrial Disputes Tribunal (Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos) handles unfair dismissal claims. No filing fee, and you can self-represent.

Frequently Asked Questions

After 26 weeks of continuous employment, your employer must have a fair reason and follow a fair process to dismiss you. Dismissal without warning or explanation may constitute unfair dismissal under the Termination of Employment Law (Cap. 20).

You must apply to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal within 3 months of your dismissal. This time limit is strict — do not delay.

No. Dismissing an employee for asserting their employment rights or filing a complaint is unlawful retaliation. The burden of proof shifts to the employer to show the dismissal was for an unrelated reason.

The Industrial Disputes Tribunal can award up to 2 years salary for unfair dismissal. The actual amount depends on your length of service and circumstances.


Not sure where you stand?

Ask Niki free — or get a full Employment Rights Assessment for €10.


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