In January 2022, a tragedy happened in Limassol when a 15-month-old baby boy died after choking on food while being fed. He was in the home of a nanny hired by his parents. The Ministry of Welfare strongly advises parents to always check whether the individuals who offer to babysit their children, claiming to be experienced babysitters, are licensed. Police found that the woman did not have a license to carry out such activities.
How can I check if a nanny has a license?
You can ask the applicant if she is licensed as a nanny, or you can search for her name and contacts in the register on the website of the Ministry of Welfare. It is easy to check, as the registry only has 53 names, meaning that most nannies in Cyprus don’t have a license to provide their services. Another way to check if a nanny is licensed is to call the Ministry of Welfare and ask them (telephone number 22 406600).
How can I get a nanny license?
A nanny license can be issued to a Cypriot national between 18-65 years old who has no health problems, and is qualified and experienced in childcare. One nanny may take care of a maximum of 3 infants up to 2 years of age, or 6 children from 2 to 6 years (including her own children) at a time.
Applicants for a license must provide copies of the following:
1) Certificates of training courses for babysitters
2) Medical certificates on the state of health of themselves and their family members
3) A clean criminal record for themselves and their family members
4) Certificates from the police on the absence of crimes related to sexual harassment or exploitation of children, possession, and distribution of child pornography in their biography and the biography of their family members.
