Cyprus launches childcare subsidy program for 2026-2027

The Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare in Cyprus has officially opened applications for the Childcare Subsidy Scheme for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative, part of the national Recovery and Resilience Plan, covers children over four years old until they reach the mandatory free preschool age, as well as children under four through a separate subsidy and nutrition scheme. The program is available to families legally residing in areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, provided they have at least one dependent child meeting the age criteria as of August 31, 2026.

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official government portal (gov.cy) or the Welfare Benefits Management Service website using a verified account. A key deadline is September 30, 2026; families who apply by this date will receive retroactive coverage starting from September 1 or the actual start date of school attendance. Applications submitted from October onwards will only receive benefits starting from the month of submission.