Newsroom
A Cypriot tattoo artist’s efforts to formally register in the country’s official registry of apprentice tattooists and body piercers have exposed significant gaps in the nation’s regulatory framework, according to a recent report by the Ombudsman.
The complaint, filed in April 2024, detailed nearly a year of delays and unclear communication from the Ministry of Health and the Registration Council. The applicant, who had been practicing tattooing professionally, submitted all required documents in March 2023. Yet he received no formal written response about the status of his application.
Investigations revealed that the Ministry cited deficiencies in the applicant’s training certificate, which came from an unrecognized institution, and pointed out that no tattoo studios have been officially approved for practical training, a legal requirement. As a result, even qualified professionals are effectively barred from legally practicing the craft.
The Ombudsman’s report criticized both the Ministry and the Council for failing to provide timely, written decisions, a cornerstone of transparency and good governance. It also highlighted public health risks: studios currently operate without licenses, oversight, or standard inspections, leaving clients and staff vulnerable.
Authorities are reportedly working on legislative reforms to streamline licensing and training requirements, but the prolonged delays have left the profession in regulatory limbo. “Without approved studios or proper oversight, neither professionals nor the public are fully protected,” the report states.
