Youth Centres and the European Youth Card in Cyprus: A Parents' Guide

The Youth Board of Cyprus is the public body that looks after young people in Cyprus, and it is worth knowing about as soon as your child turns 13. It issues the free European Youth Card, runs a youth centre in every district, funds projects that young people organise themselves, and offers counselling for young people and their parents. Most expat families never hear about it, so here is what it does and how to use it.

What is the Youth Board of Cyprus?

The Youth Board of Cyprus (in Greek Οργανισμός Νεολαίας Κύπρου, shortened to ONEK) was set up in 1994 as a public legal entity under the Youth Board Law (33(I)/94). Its main job is to advise the government on youth policy, and it runs youth projects approved by the Council of Ministers. You will see it called ONEK on its website and in schools, and some newer materials translate the name as the Cyprus Youth Organisation.

Its central offices are at 104 Athalassas Avenue (Sofocles Tower), Strovolos, Nicosia, telephone 22 402600.

How do you get the European Youth Card in Cyprus?

The European Youth Card is a discount card for young people, coordinated across Europe by the European Youth Card Association. In Cyprus the Youth Board issues it free of charge to young people aged 13 to 30. Cardholders get discounts and offers at more than 100,000 businesses in Cyprus and in about 40 European countries, in categories such as culture and entertainment, restaurants and bars, education and training, shops, health and beauty, sport, hotels, travel and services. The card's social media channels also run giveaways.

Step by step

1. Download the app. Search for "European Youth Card Cyprus" on Google Play or the App Store.
2. Choose "Get your card" and follow the option to obtain the European Youth Card or Student Card.
3. Fill in the form with your teenager's full name, date of birth, email and phone number.
4. Attach the documents requested. If your teenager is under 18, download the parental consent document from the card's website, sign it as parent or guardian and upload it.
5. Wait for the card number. It arrives in the following days.
6. Create an account in the app with a username and password, and add the e-card.

If you get stuck, the European Youth Card team can be reached on 22 402626 or at europeanyouthcard@onek.org.cy. To see who gives discounts, browse the partner businesses on the card's website.

The Student Card

Older teenagers who go on to college or university can get the Student Card instead. It is for students on evaluated and accredited higher-education programmes in Cyprus, and for Cypriot students studying abroad, up to age 30. It includes all the European Youth Card discounts plus 50% off bus fares in Cyprus. Students upload a certificate of studies, a student ID or, in the first year, a letter of acceptance. See our guide to public transport in Cyprus for bus routes.

Where are the Youth Multicentres?

The Youth Board runs Youth Multicentres in every district. They are local contact points where young people can get information on Youth Board and European programmes, training and mobility, see a career guidance counsellor, and join events, talks, seminars and hands-on workshops. Some also run sign language workshops.

The website does not list opening hours, so call before you visit, or follow the centres' social media for upcoming events.

What programmes can teenagers join?

Careers and entrepreneurship

The Youth Board's career guidance service includes career guidance counsellors, career academies and youth entrepreneurship and financial literacy counsellors, and the Youth Multicentres give access to the career guidance counsellors. Older teenagers with a business idea can also look at the Youth Entrepreneurship scheme and the Entrepreneurship Development Programme, which is hosted at the Larnaca Makerspace. Other programmes listed on the website include STEAMers, Young Cities and e-participation, so it is worth browsing the programme pages with your teenager.

Counselling and support

The Youth Board runs the 1410 line, listed by the Ministry of Education as counselling and support for children and parents, and an E-Counselling chat with a counsellor, confidential and open regardless of age. The chat runs Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 23:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 15:00 to 23:00. It does not replace face-to-face therapy, but it is an easy first step for a teenager who would rather type than talk.

What other youth discounts and clubs are there?

• Youth Culture Card: The Deputy Ministry of Culture, the Youth Board and Bank of Cyprus have offered young people a digital prepaid card worth €220 (€200 from the state and €20 from the bank) to spend on concerts, theatre, cinema, exhibitions, museums, archaeological sites, festivals and bookshops. The 2025 round was for residents who turned 18 to 21 that year, through the Bank of Cyprus app or a branch, and the card is valid for 12 months. Check the Bank of Cyprus page to see whether a new round is open.
• Youth clubs: The Cyprus Youth Clubs Organisation (KOKEN) links more than 70 volunteer-run youth clubs in towns and villages, set up by young people for young people aged 13 to 35. They run workshops, activities and volunteering.

Tips for expat families

• Get the card at 13. It costs nothing and is useful as soon as your teenager starts going out with friends.
• Carry ID. Keep an ID card or passport handy in case a business asks for proof of age.
• Ask about the language. Check whether an event or workshop is in Greek or English. Greek-language events are good practice for teenagers learning the language and a way to make local friends.

Related guides

• After-school activities and clubs for kids in Cyprus
• Building a social network in Cyprus
• Top universities in Cyprus for international students
• Public transport in Cyprus