Boxing Day in Cyprus
Boxing Day is observed in Cyprus on 26 December, the day after Christmas Day. The date appears on official holiday lists, while employment rules distinguish between workers with paid holiday entitlements and other employees whose time off depends on their agreements.[1][2]
A date on Cyprus’s holiday calendar
The Office of the Financial Commissioner lists Boxing Day among Cyprus’s official state holidays and says its office closes on those days. Its list places Boxing Day on 26 December, alongside Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.[1]
Who gets paid time off
Cyprus employment guidance says time off in most workplaces is regulated by individual employment terms, agreements or collective agreements. That means the holiday listing alone does not establish that every private-sector employee has the day off.[2]
The guidance specifically includes 26 December among paid holidays for employees in retail shops, hotels and leisure centres. It also sets additional compensation rules for hotel and leisure-centre employees who work on a listed holiday. For hotel staff, the guidance describes compensation as an extra day’s wage, paid in cash or as time off in lieu; leisure-centre employees receive overtime compensation at a rate of 1:2.[2]
Planning around the holiday
The Central Bank of Cyprus has published a bank-holiday notice stating that all banks would close on Boxing Day. Since opening information can depend on the institution and the year, check your bank’s current notice before making an in-person visit.[3]
Retail employees have paid holiday entitlements, but check directly with shops and transport operators for their Boxing Day hours and services.[2]
Boxing Day in Cyprus: common questions
When is Boxing Day in Cyprus?
It is observed on 26 December, according to the official holiday list published by the Office of the Financial Commissioner.[1]
Is Boxing Day a day off for everyone?
Not necessarily. Cyprus guidance says time off in most workplaces is governed by employment terms or collective agreements; retail, hotel and leisure-centre employees have specific paid-holiday provisions that include 26 December.[2]
Are banks open on Boxing Day?
The Central Bank has published a notice listing Boxing Day as a closure day for all banks. Check your bank’s current holiday notice for its arrangements.[3]
Do shops and buses operate as usual?
Check with the relevant shop or transport operator before setting out.
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Cyprus:
- Public Holidays- Office of the Financial Commissioner (Ombudsman), Republic of Cyprus
- Terms of Employment Defined by Law or Decree (working time, paid leave, right to time off, overtime work, dismissals)- Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, Republic of Cyprus
- Bank holidays- Central Bank of Cyprus