Cyprus Ministry of Defense announces recruitment of contract soldiers

The Cyprus Ministry of Defense has officially initiated the recruitment process for new contract soldiers (SYOP) to strengthen the National Guard. A significant change this year is the increase in the maximum age limit for applicants from 35 to 38 years old. This expansion aims to attract a wider range of candidates to professional military service.

The application window opened on October 5, 2026, and will remain open until October 23, 2026, at 14:00. All submissions must be made electronically through the government portal gov.cy, requiring a verified profile via eBanking or other identification systems. The ministry expects to fill over 500 positions, as 400 vacancies have become available following the promotion of existing personnel to officer roles.

Successful recruits will be offered an initial one-year contract. Compensation is tied to the A2 salary scale, with starting annual earnings of 17,422 euros, reaching up to 21,267 euros at the top tier, excluding additional allowances. The recruitment initiative is part of a broader strategy to professionalize and modernize the National Guard forces.