Tattoo and Piercing in Cyprus: Ban on Home-Based Work and Mandatory Medical Examinations

Cyprus is preparing for major changes in the field of tattoos and piercings. The Ministry of Health has presented a draft law establishing new rules for studios and practitioners. The document is based on four years of experience with the current law and aims to strengthen control and protect clients' health.

According to the draft, all tattoo and piercing studios must comply with strict sanitary and technical requirements, as well as have equipment for proper sterilization. Working at home or in residential premises will be prohibited. In case of complaints or violations, police and inspectors will be able to shut down illegal workshops.

Special attention is given to organizing events: tattoo and piercing sessions in public or private spaces will only be possible with written permission. If sanitary standards are violated, the studio may be temporarily suspended and required to correct the violations. In addition, the draft allows the creation of mobile studios — for example, in specialized vans — but only with a temporary license.

The new rules will also affect foreign specialists: masters from EU countries will be allowed to work in Cyprus for up to 30 days a year, provided they have the appropriate permit. For local masters, mandatory medical examinations are introduced. When applying, a document proving tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, as well as a chest X-ray, will be required. The applicant must be at least 20 years old, have no criminal record, and especially no offenses related to child pornography.

As for qualifications, masters are required to confirm their training. This may be a diploma in the relevant field, a certificate of training (at least 90 hours in an accredited center and practice with a registered master), or an 18-month internship in a licensed studio.

The draft law also introduces a unified digital register of masters and studios, clear definitions of key terms, and regulates administrative fees for licensing. If adopted, the tattoo and piercing industry in Cyprus will undergo a major transformation: some studios will be forced to modernize, while masters will need to confirm their qualifications and undergo regular medical checks.