The First Licensed Tattoo & Piercing Studio in Cyprus | Gorilla Tattoo Paphos
We’re proud to share that Gorilla Tattoo Paphos is the first tattoo and piercing studio in Cyprus to be officially licensed by the Republic of Cyprus through the Ministry of Health under the new national law N.20(I)/2021.
This licence means that our entire team and studio were thoroughly examined, checked, and approved by the government. Not only for the art we create, but for our hygiene, safety, and the way we run everything down to the smallest detail. It was a long and demanding process to reach this qualification, but it marks a big step forward for tattooing and piercing in Cyprus. We’re proud to be the first to achieve it, a licence so strict to obtain that it is recognised across all European countries.
What the New Law Means for Tattooing and Piercing in Cyprus
In 2021, the Republic of Cyprus introduced Law N.20(I)/2021, a national law that officially regulates how tattoo and piercing studios operate. This law was created to protect clients and artists by setting high standards for hygiene, safety, and professional training.
Every licensed studio must:
- Be a separate, enclosed space used only for tattooing and piercing
- Have non-porous, easy-to-clean surfaces and sensor or foot-operated sinks in the sterilisation area.
- Install medical-grade sterilisation systems such as autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners
- Use sterile, single-use materials where appropriate
- Keep detailed records of sterilisation and cleaning
- Work only with qualified artists and piercers with approved training and health certificates
- Use EU-approved inks and materials with labels of when they were opened.
Before a licence can be issued, inspectors from the Ministry of Health must visit the studio in person and verify that all requirements are met.
Our Inspection and Licensing Process
Before receiving our licence, inspectors from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus visited our premises to check every part of our studio. They reviewed our sterilisation process, tools, cleaning systems, safety setup, and all documentation for the shop and each artist. After confirming that we fully meet the new national standards, the Republic of Cyprus issued both Tattoo Licence No. 1 and Piercing Licence No. 1, officially recognising Gorilla Tattoo Paphos as the first fully licensed studio in the country.
Certified and Qualified Artists
Every artist at Gorilla Tattoo Paphos is professionally trained and certified in infection control and safety.
Our team holds the following official qualifications:
-
Tattoo Infection Control Level 2 (VTQ)
-
Prevention of diseases and blood-borne pathogens
-
Decontamination and sterilisation of medical tools
-
Blood-borne pathogens and cross-contamination control
-
Pathogen awareness and infection control
-
Laboratory management systems
-
First Aid Certificate
All our artists also have:
-
A clean criminal record
-
A medical certificate of good health
-
Proven experience working in professional tattoo studios
All documents are verified by the Ministry of Health as part of the licensing process.
What This Means for Our Clients
For anyone looking for a trusted, licensed tattoo or piercing studio in Paphos, this licence is your guarantee of safety and professionalism. It means that every tattoo and piercing we do follows the highest hygiene standards set by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union.
All materials are sterile and single-use, our equipment is medically sterilised, and our environment is regularly disinfected. You can feel completely confident that your tattoo or piercing is performed by qualified professionals in a studio that meets all health and safety laws.
A New Standard for Tattooing in Cyprus
Becoming the first officially licensed studio in the country is more than a milestone. It’s proof of our dedication. We believe that tattooing and piercing deserve the same respect as any professional craft, combining medical-level safety with art. Our goal is to set a positive example for other studios in Cyprus and show that high standards build trust and elevate our industry as a whole.
FAQ | Tattoo and Piercing Law in Cyprus
How can someone get a tattoo licence or piercing licence in Cyprus?
In Cyprus, there are two types of licences under the national law. The first is a tattoo artist licence, which allows you as an individual to work legally and perform tattoos or piercings inside a licensed studio. The second is a shop licence, which is required if you plan to open and operate your own tattoo or piercing studio. If you’re starting as an apprentice, you must also be registered from the beginning of your apprenticeship at a licensed shop.
Before applying, you can read the N.20(I)/2021 law to make sure you are eligible. For official information, contact the Ministry of Health or the Tattoo & Piercing Association Cyprus (Official) for details about the application process.
Who issues tattoo and piercing licences in Cyprus?
All licences are issued by the Republic of Cyprus through the Ministry of Health, after full inspection and approval of the studio and its staff.
How strict are the inspectors and the process?
It’s extremely strict. The committee and inspectors from the Ministry of Health check absolutely everything and if you don’t meet the full criteria down to the last requirement, the application won’t get approved. But when you have everything in order and meet all the standards, you will get licensed! It’s a tough process, but it ensures that only artists and studios with the highest hygiene and safety levels are officially approved.
Are licensed tattoo studios inspected regularly?
Yes. Licensed studios can be re-inspected unannounced by the Ministry of Health to make sure all hygiene and safety standards continue to be met.
Is tattooing safe in Cyprus?
Yes, as long as it’s done in a licensed studio that follows the Ministry of Health’s rules for sterilisation, hygiene, and professional certification. The official licence issued under the new national law N.20(I)/2021 is recognised across all of Europe, meeting the highest quality and safety standards for tattooing and piercing.
I’m a tattoo artist, do you accept artists at the shop?
We’re open to working with other artists, but it depends on the timing and our current schedule. If you’re interested, send us a message with your portfolio and we can discuss possible collaboration or guest spots. We often host guest artists at the studio, so there’s always a chance to join us for a short or long-term stay.
