Following a decision by the Minister of Defence, women citizens of the Republic of Cyprus from the classes of 2017 to 2025 – that is, those born between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2007 – have been invited to present themselves for voluntary enlistment in the National Guard.
The enlistment will take place on 30 and 31 October 2025 at the Limassol Recruit Training Centre (KEN).
Application procedure and deadlines
Interested candidates must submit a Declaration of Intent for Service no later than Friday, 24 October 2025.
- The declaration must be completed, signed, and submitted together with a copy of both sides of the national identity card.
- Applications can be sent electronically to: [email protected], or delivered in person to the local Recruitment Offices of the National Guard.
- Those who submit a declaration will receive an Enlistment Invitation Note via their personal email. This must be presented on the day of enlistment at KEN Limassol, either in printed or electronic form, together with the ID card.
For additional information, interested women may contact the National Guard’s Recruitment Offices.
Κατόπιν Απόφασης του Υπουργού Άμυνας @PalmasVasilis, καλούνται για εθελοντική κατάταξη την 30 και 31 Οκτωβρίου 2025, στο ΚΕΝ Λεμεσού, οι γυναίκες πολίτες της Δημοκρατίας που ανήκουν στις κλάσεις 2017 έως και 2025, δηλαδή οι γεννηθείσες από την 1η Ιανουαρίου 1999 έως και 31… pic.twitter.com/KMCRAQgCt2
— Ministry of Defence 🇨🇾 (@DefenceCyprus) September 29, 2025
Initial response
Since the opening of the application process at the Ministry of Defence website, only one woman has submitted an application, according to SigmaLive reports on 3 October. However, the Ministry has also received numerous telephone enquiries from women seeking clarifications.
The majority of questions have concerned whether those enlisting would be able to serve in their home districts. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Christos Pieris, clarified that camps have been designated across all districts in order to facilitate this request.
Incentives for voluntary enlistment
Women who choose to enlist will benefit from a number of incentives, including:
- Additional points in case of future applications for recruitment as Contracted Soldiers (SYOP).
- Advantage in certain posts for recruitment or promotion within the public service.
- Insurance coverage, as months of service will be counted towards social security contributions.
However, the previously announced incentive of a 50% discount on university tuition fees remains unresolved, as higher education institutions have not yet given their consent.
Looking ahead
Applications remain open until 24 October 2025, with voluntary enlistment set to take place at KEN Limassol on 30 and 31 October 2025.
Although initial participation appears limited, with only a single confirmed application so far, interest expressed through enquiries suggests that more women may take part as the deadline approaches.
The Ministry of Defence emphasises that this initiative represents a new opportunity for women to serve in the National Guard and to benefit from both professional and social advantages linked to military service.
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