Summer and winter working hours of government offices in Northern Cyprus
In Northern Cyprus, starting from September 18, 2023, a unified working schedule for government institutions operates throughout the year: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday — 08:00–15:30, Thursday — 08:00–12:30 and 13:00–17:30, Saturday and Sunday — closed. Emergency services and on-duty departments operate on separate schedules. On official holidays, most government offices are closed.
- Current working schedule of government institutions
- Previous system: summer and winter schedule
- Who the schedule applies to
- How to plan a visit to a government institution
- Frequently Asked Questions
Current working schedule of government institutions
Since September 18, 2023, Northern Cyprus has implemented a unified working day (39 hours per week) for government institutions year-round. This generally means that the “summer” shortened schedule no longer exists as a separate period.
| Day of the week | Working hours | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00–15:30 | No separate "evening" shift |
| Tuesday | 08:00–15:30 | Regular working day |
| Wednesday | 08:00–15:30 | Regular working day |
| Thursday | 08:00–12:30 and 13:00–17:30 | Split into morning and evening hours |
| Friday | 08:00–15:30 | Regular working day |
| Saturday | Closed | Most institutions are closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Most institutions are closed |
Previous system: summer and winter schedule
Before the changes that took effect on September 18, 2023, Northern Cyprus had separate summer and winter working schedules for government institutions.
Who the schedule applies to
The unified schedule applies to most government institutions (municipal services, departments, offices accepting documents). It does not apply to emergency and on-duty services.
- Not under this schedule: usually hospital reception departments, on-duty police units, fire brigades, and rescue services.
- On official holidays, most government offices are closed, even if the holiday falls on a working day.
How to plan a visit to a government institution
Steps
- Determine which institution you need to visit and in which city of Northern Cyprus it is located.
- Plan your visit in the first half of the day if the matter is urgent or depends on queues.
- If you prefer the afternoon, consider Thursday (13:00–17:30), when many institutions have evening hours.
- Check in advance if the date coincides with an official holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate summer schedule for government institutions in Northern Cyprus?
There was a separate summer schedule before, but since September 18, 2023, a unified schedule is in effect year-round.
Which days have the longest working hours?
Typically Thursday: 08:00–12:30 and 13:00–17:30.
Do government institutions work on weekends?
Usually not. Saturday and Sunday are non-working days for most government offices.
Does this schedule apply to hospitals and police?
No. Emergency services and on-duty units operate on separate schedules.
Are government institutions open on official holidays?
Usually not: most government offices are closed on official holidays.
When is the best time to visit to resolve an issue in one trip?
It is usually most convenient to come in the morning on a weekday and allow time for queues. For afternoon visits, Thursday is preferable.
Author
I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…
You may also be interested in:
- Where to buy firewood in Northern Cyprus: prices, contacts, tips
- Fire services in Northern Cyprus: phone numbers and addresses
- Freight transport and moving services in Northern Cyprus — list of companies, tips, and contacts
- What to pay attention to when installing an air conditioner
- Where to find a dry cleaner in Northern Cyprus