Doctor recognition in Cyprus versus Greece for non-EU graduates
Cyprus is an EU member, but recognition of a degree from outside the EU is handled by national bodies, so Cyprus and Greece do not follow one common route. This guide compares the two based on official Cyprus sources and the DOATAP exam. Rules change, so confirm every point with the Cyprus Medical Council and DOATAP before you apply. This is not legal advice, and Iatrós is not affiliated with either body.
Who registers doctors in Cyprus, and what is the basic route?
Doctors must be entered in the Cyprus Medical Register by the Cyprus Medical Council. The Council assesses a file of documents, may invite the applicant to an interview, and states that it decides within three months of receiving a complete application.
Is there an exam in Cyprus like the Greek DOATAP exam?
On the official pages we read, no licensing exam is described for registration. The Council assesses the documents and may hold an interview. In Greece the route runs through the DOATAP exam, taken in Greek. Ask the Council in writing whether anything has changed for your case.
What must a non-EU graduate show to the Cyprus Medical Council?
The diploma must come with a certificate of equivalence and correspondence from the Cypriot body KYSATS, or an equivalent from another authority. Since 1 June 2021 graduates of non-EU schools must have their diploma, any specialist title and good-standing certificate verified through Intealth EPIC. The listed fees are €300 for registration and €200 for recognising a specialisation title.
Does Greek recognition help in Cyprus, and the other way round?
The Council form and the EPIC instructions both say the equivalence certificate can come from KYSATS or from DOATAP in Greece, so DOATAP recognition appears to be accepted as a basis for the Cyprus file. We found no confirmation that Cypriot registration is accepted for the Greek exam route, so assume it is not and ask DOATAP.
Is Greek required in Cyprus as well?
The Council page states that knowledge of Greek is necessary and asks for a Greek certificate at level C1 from the Ministry of Education or an equivalent. That page is written for the general application, so check with the Council whether your case differs. In Greece the DOATAP exam itself is in Greek.
What about a work permit and employment in Cyprus?
We could not confirm work permit rules for doctors in Cyprus. The Council page does not cover them. Ask the Civil Registry and Migration Department of Cyprus (moi.gov.cy) and your future employer, since registration and the right to work are separate steps.
What else is required, such as practice or specialisation?
Without a recognised specialisation, the Council page asks for proof of service: 12 months including six in internal medicine (one official page says pathology) and six in surgery, or 30 months in a hospital approved by the Council. A CV must explain any gap longer than five months after graduation. Applications can be challenged within 20 days with the Minister of Health or within 75 days at the Administrative Court.
What should I check before choosing Cyprus or Greece?
Check three things in writing: which equivalence certificate and EPIC steps the Council wants from you, whether the Greek C1 certificate applies to your file, and how long each route realistically takes for your documents. If you choose Greece, prepare for the exam in Greek; Iatrós offers practice questions in the exam format for that.
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Iatrós is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with ΔΟΑΤΑΠ. Check official announcements for exam rules and dates. Last updated 2026-10-31. Contact: [email protected]