Cyprus Employment Visa

The criteria for issuing temporary residence and work permits to non-EU nationals, via a Cyprus Employment Visa, have been revised by the Republic of Cyprus to aid the efforts achieving the cause of making Cyprus a high-growth business centre.

Non-EU nationals can now apply to the Cyprus Migration department for a Cyprus Employment Visa which will grant them a temporary work permit via their employment in a Cyprus Company of Foreign Interests.

The proposed amendment of naturalization (obtaining citizenship) rules will also allow a foreign employee to apply for naturalization after 5 years of work and residence in Cyprus.

Successful applicants can also exercise their right to family reunification, whereby, their family members (spouse and minor children) who are also non-EU nationals, can also enter and reside in Cyprus with a temporary residence permit. The spouse of a foreign employee has immediate and free access to the labour market, with remunerated employment in Cyprus.

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Cyprus Employment Visa Criteria

The non-EU national who applies for a Cyprus Employment Visa shall be employed by a company of foreign interest whose majority of shares are owned by non-EU nationals for a minimum employment period of two (2) years.

The non-EU national who applies for an employment visa, among other documents, shall be asked to present a university degree or title or equivalent qualification or provide sufficient evidence of relevant experience of at least 2 years.

From the date that a company is registered with the Business Facilitation Unit as a Company of Foreign Interests, and for a period of 5 years, the maximum number of non-EU nationals that are employed, should not exceed 70% of the total company’s workforce. In the lapse of 5 years in case where the company is unable to employ 30% Cypriot employees, the company’s status will be re-examined.

Cyprus Employment Visa Processing Time & Duration

At the time of submitting the application, the biometric data of the applicant such as a photograph, fingerprints and signature will be captured by the Migration department. For the applicant’s convenience, biometric data can take place up to one (1) week after the submission of the application, at the District Units of the Aliens and Immigration Service of the Police, by presenting the application submission receipt and a valid travel document.

The application is not considered complete and cannot be processed further if this data is not captured. Residence permits are processed and issued within 1 month from the date of filing of the application at the Migration Department with a validity period of 1 or 2 years. Prior to the expiration, the applicant can renew the Residence Permit for another 1 or 2 consecutive years

Staff Categories & Remuneration Criteria

i. Consulting Directors or Partners (as registered with the Registrar of Companies)

ii. General managers of branches and subsidiaries of foreign companies

iii. Departmental managers

Gross Salary: Minimum of €2.500 per month (may be adjusted from time to time according to fluctuations in the salary index)

Maximum Number: The maximum number of Executive Directors that can be employed is 5, unless the company can justify that according to its circumstances a greater number is essential.

Duration: Minimum employment period of two (2) years

i. Directors who are not considered to be Executive Directors

ii. Other Executive / middle-management staff

iii. Other managerial, clerical or technical personnel

Gross Salary: Minimum of €2.500 per month (may be adjusted from time to time according to fluctuations in the salary index)

Maximum Number: The maximum number of persons that can be employed under this category is 10, unless the company can justify that according to its circumstances, a greater number is essential.

Duration: Minimum employment period of two (2) years

Non-EU nationals employed in other positions (professional, managerial, technical, clerical etc.) in Cyprus and do not fall under the abovementioned categories, are classified in the remaining supporting staff.

As a general rule, companies are expected to employ Cypriots or EU Citizens for this category, unless the company can provide sufficient evidence that there are no qualified local personnel available.

There is no maximum number for the employment of third-country nationals under this category, provided that the necessary approvals from the Department of Labor have been obtained.

Gross Salary: Can be less than €2.500 per month, provided that there is an employment contract between the non-EU national and the company which is duly validated by the competent authority in accordance with current legislation

Maximum Number: The percentage of non-EU nationals existing among the support staff shall not exceed 30% of the total employees

Duration: No restrictions on the length of employment

Cyprus Employment Visa Application Fees

Issue of an Entry Permit, Registration, and Issue of a Temporary Residence Permit 1 year Euro 270 – 2 years Euro 400
Issue of an Entry Permit and a Temporary Residence Permit (ARC) 1 year Euro 200 – 2 years Euro 330
Issue of a Temporary Residence Permit and Registration 1 year Euro 200 – 2 years Euro 330
Issue of a Temporary Residence Permit (ARC exists) 1 year Euro 130 – 2 years Euro 260
Renewal of a Temporary Residence Permit (ARC exists) 1 year Euro 130 – 2 years Euro 260
Renewal of a Residence Permit due to Change of Employer (ARC exists) 1 year Euro 130 – 2 years Euro 260