Unlike most other countries, the paperwork for travelling to Cyprus isn’t very difficult. EU citizens and visitors from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) can enter the country without a visa. Even though the Republic of Cyprus is not yet a part of the Schengen area, holders of a Schengen visa can still travel to the island. Otherwise, visitors would need to apply for a Cypriot visitor’s visa. There are several types available so do the proper research to determine which is best for you.

Cyprus has recently announced the new Visa incentives. 

If you want to work in Cyprus and you are non-EU and non EFTA citizen you will need to obtain a work permit before. In that case you will need a Cypriot company to sponsor you, the company is responsible for the process with the relevant depatments. In order to apply for a work permit you will need to have the following documents:

• Passport copies
• Employment contract
• Police certificate of your clean record
• Medical certificate
• Health Insurance

If you are a Self employee, the authorities may request more documents from you. Since this is based on each individual please contact us to assist you further.

Cyprus Immigration Process: 

The Yellow Slip, Permanent Residency and Citizenship

EU nationals/residents & European Economic Area (EEA) Citizen ( Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland): 

If you are a EU resident you can enter and stay freely for the first 3 months, after that period you need to apply for a Registration Certificate, commonly known as yellow slip. Once you obtain the yellow slip you can benefit from taxes, medical scheme or your kids can enroll to schools etc 

How Do I Get the Yellow Slip?

Step 1: Within the first 4 months of your stay, you should apply for the yellow slip. You can submit an application in your local immigration office (these are located in all the districts of Cyprus).

Step 2: You need to book an appointment with the immigration offices in advance (once your 3 month period ends). Our network of professionals can book an appointment for you and accompany you to help you apply for this permit. However, you must submit the application personally.  

Documents You’ll Need to take to the appointment

You will  fill out a copy of the MEU51 form in the immigration office and present the following documents:

• Proof of employment
• Proof of address (e.g. copy of your lease agreement)
• Your valid passport or ID and photocopies
• Two passport-size photographs
• Application fee of €20
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance in the Republic (if asked)

Non-EU citizens in order to travel for business or leisure should apply for a short stay visa which is valid for 90 days. In case that a non-EU resident decides to stay for up to 4 years in Cyprus they need to obtain  a Temporary Residence Permit often known as the pink slip

There are 3 pink payslip categories for Non-EU citizens:

► Pink Slip for Students

This visa is for students coming from outside of the EU and are enrolled in one of Cyprus universities or any educational institution for long-term studies. The application process starts at their home through a Cyprus embassy or Consulate.

► Pink Slip for Employees

Cyprus companies seek specific qualifications and skills for workers from abroad. The employer submits an application in the district office of the Aliens and immigration department of the police or through the Registry and Migration Department. 

► Pink Slip for Visitors

There are a lot of limitations for Pink Slip for Visitors, since they can’t work here and they need to submit a lot of documents to obtain this visa. Who is eligible to obtain Pink Slip as a visitor is below:

Married to a Cyprus citizen

• A citizen’s parents-in-law
• A foreign-born child
• A person who does not need a work permit (have enough funds not to work in Cyprus)

Pink Slip: What Documents Do You Need?

Fill a  MCYV2 or MVIS2 form at the immigration office  to apply for a temporary residency and, depending on the purpose of the request, submit the following documents:

• Photocopies of: the first page of your passport and the page showing the last entry stamp
• Bank statements (proof of funds or sources of income)
• Copy of an employment contract
• Marriage certificate with apostille translation
• Children’s birth certificate with apostille translation
• 4 photographs
• Medical insurance
• Application fee of €140

The procedure is complicated in order to avoid paying extra costs. You need to contact us to assist you further. 

Foreign citizens or nationals who meet specific legal requirements can be granted permanent residency A non-EU resident needs to get an Immigration Permit to stay in Cyprus permanently. However, the individual needs to fall into the following categories:

Categories A-D: A non-EU member who plans to work as self-employed in agriculture and related areas, miming enterprises, trade or profession, science.

Category E: An individual who was offered permanent employment, which will not create undue competition.

Category F: An individual who has an annual income of at least €9568 and  €4613.22 for each dependent person,  can live decently without having to work. 

Permanent Residency permit: What Documents Do You Need?

In order to obtain the permit you need to submit the M.67 permit and the documents required according to the circumstances above and the category.