Immigration Permits: Secure your entry to Cyprus
Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is a member of the European Union with easy access to the rest of Europe. Its many benefits for relocation, whether personal or business, make it a popular destination for immigration. To make the process of obtaining citizenship, residency, or a visa smooth and successful, it is essential to choose reliable Cyprus immigration permits lawyers who can guide you through the necessary procedures.
Cyprus is a great place to relocate to with family due to its high-quality education facilities, which can provide a foundation for further study at universities overseas. It also has a comprehensive healthcare system that is readily available to citizens and residents, a low crime rate, and a relatively low cost of living.
In addition to its other benefits, Cyprus is a thriving business hub with strong government and tax incentives that make it an attractive location to start or move a business. The AVZ Law Office’s immigration lawyers are highly skilled and can provide detailed information on the various programs available to those interested in becoming a Cyprus tax resident.
One particularly appealing option is the government’s scheme to attract foreign investment, which grants access to the other 27 EU states and visa-free travel to many countries, without requiring prior residency on the island as some other EU member states do.
The lawyers at our firm are available to assist clients throughout the process and provide expert guidance on the specific requirements of Cyprus Immigration Law for each individual case, taking care of all necessary permit and citizenship procedures.
Our legal services assist individuals who wish to migrate to Cyprus, work in Cyprus, become a tax resident in Cyprus, purchase property on the island, or establish a business in Cyprus
Moving to Cyprus Guide
The process of obtaining an immigration permit differs and depends on various factors, such as for example the country of origin of the applicant, the years of residence in Cyprus or abroad, the citizenship of his family members, the income of the applicant from abroad and many others factors that may affect the process of submitting an application for obtaining an immigration permit.
Are you a non-EU or EU national national looking for a permit to reside on the island? Perhaps you are a digital nomad considering relocating to Cyprus or a business owner interested in moving your company to Cyprus. Our team can advise you on the best and most straightforward residency permit option based on your needs and goals, including the rights it confers.
We will also provide a clear overview of the process and necessary documents, as well as all associated costs, to help you plan and make informed decisions about things like enrolling in the Cyprus General Health System (GESY), becoming a non-domiciled tax resident in Cyprus, and establishing a business on the island.
Tip: Ask for Online Consultation with our Immigration Lawyers in Cyprus before your arrival to Cyprus, in order to get an advice on necessary documents you need to prepare in your country of residence.
Non-EU citizens can seek a variety of visas for admission into Cyprus, including short-stay visas, visitor’s visa, working visa, student visa, temporary residency permits, immigration permits, and residence permits for family members.
SHORT-TERM VISA
If you are visiting Cyprus for business or leisure (not for immigration purposes), and your stay will be shorter than three months, you must apply for a short-term visa. A short-stay visa can be given as a multiple-entry or single-entry visa, allowing you to visit Cyprus several times.
If you visit Cyprus regularly for business or pleasure, you can acquire a multiple entry visa for one year, albeit the total number of trips must not exceed 90 days, beginning with your first visit during each six-month term.
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT (PINK SLIP)
Non-EU individuals who travel to Cyprus for long-term purposes without work rights, need TO get special temporary permissions, popularly referred to as a “Pink Slip”. This sort of permission is valid for one to four years (with a limitation of absence period not more than 4 months). A “Pink Slip” might be awarded for 1-2 years upon first application and readily renewed for another 1-2 years following.
Tip: If you reside in Cyprus for a period of Seven (7) Years legally, for example by renewing your Temporary Residence Permit, you can apply for a Cypriot Citizenship.
Available options of Temporary Residence Permits in Cyprus
1. Visitor Visa
Applicants who fall into the following categories are frequently granted visitor visas:
- Third-country spouses married to Cypriot citizens/or third-country parents-in-law/or minor children of foreigners (under the age of 18) who have applied for family reunion and a residency permit
- Third-country citizens who apply for a visit visa extension and have adequate funds from outside to support themselves (or foreigners who set up enterprises in Cyprus)
- Applicants who have obtained temporary entry permits from Cyprus consular authorities overseas with the term FINAL on them may request an extension in exceptional circumstances (e.g., humanitarian grounds, homeowners with property in Cyprus, etc.)
3. Employment Visa
A temporary residency visa – Employment Visa for third-country nationals who want to work for a foreign-interested Cyprus firm that can hire a third-country citizen.
The Cypriot employer must apply for Entry and Temporary Residence and Employment Permits through the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia. Prior to recommending the employment of third-country nationals, applications should be submitted along with the contract of employment certified by the Department of Labor of the Ministry of Employment and Social Insurance, which is the competent Department for ensuring that there are no Cypriots or citizens of Member States of the European Union available or adequately qualified for the specific job or post.
The applicant must then register with the District Office of the Police Aliens and Immigration Unit. In most circumstances, the maximum period of work is four years (exemptions may apply).
Corporations that fulfill the criteria for classification as Company of Foreign-Interests in Cyprus must meet the following requirements:
- The majority of the company’s shareholders should be foreigners, and in the case of shareholders whose ultimate owners are foreign companies, the physical persons behind those foreign companies should be declared;
- The company should have its own self-contained offices in Cyprus that are not part of a private residence or another office;
- New businesses must demonstrate direct foreign capital investment of at least EUR 171,000, as proven by banking and other Documents. This Capital shall be brought to Cyprus legally from foreign sources.
Tip: Shareholders and their family members can be also employed at Cyprus Foreign Interest Company.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT (YELLOW SLIP)
Non-EU nationals may obtain the Cyprus Permanent Residency by several different ways. Our Immigration Lawyers suggest the Main 4 Common ways which allow you to reside in Cyprus without the obligation to renew your residence permit. Of course after 7 years of Residing in Cyprus, you can apply for Cyprus Citizenship.
1) Permanent Residency by Investment
This is the fastest way to get a Cyprus Permanent Residency for non-EU nationals, however it requires the capital of €300 000 (plus some extra charges). The process can be done in approximately 2 Months and the residence permit can be obtained for all Family members of the applicant. The three (3) main investments we suggest to our clients:
a) Buying a NEW House or Apartment worth of €300 000 + VAT from a Developer Company in Cyprus
b) Buying other types of Real Estate such as Offices or Shops, from a Company or Individuals with total of €300 000
c) Investing in the capital of a Cyprus Company the amount of €300 000
Any of the above 3 options, requires also the proof of €30 000 Annual Income from Abroad (income not generated in Cyprus)
You can find more Information about the Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment program
2) Permanent Residency for Pensioners (Retired)
This permanent residence permit also known as “Category F” refers to individuals with a secured annual income of approximately €10,000. It’s important to note that this Residence permit prohibits applicants from engaging with any business, profession or trade.
The process can take up to 1 year, depending on the number of applications. Our advice is to proceed with Category F, only if processing time is not an important aspect for you.
Find more details about “Category F” Cyprus Residence Permit for Retired
3) Permanent Residency by Marriage
Non-EU nationals who marry in Cyprus, to a any person which has obtained a Permanent Residence Permit, can also apply for their Residence Permit as well as their family members (children under 18 years old and Parents). This process again can take 1 to 2 years and the Immigration Department can carry out various checks to establish the authenticity of the marriage. Of course you can also apply for Second Citizenship, the citizenship of your spouse.
More on Cyprus Residence Permit by Marriage for non-EU
4) Long Term Residence
Non-EU citizens who have lived lawfully and consistently in Cyprus for five years prior to making the application and have had a valid Cyprus temporary residence card for the whole five-year period are eligible to apply for the so-called long-term residence permit.
5) Permanent Residence Permit by Foreign Interest Company
These 2 Categories of Residence Permit is for foreign-interested company owners and employees:
The first one is also known as “Category C” and refers to Investors who work for their own company, provided they bring a capital of around €260,000 from overseas to be utilized for their company’s activities in Cyprus. The Company shall be registered as a Cyprus Foreign Interest Company under the requirements provided by Law.
Read more about Cyprus Foreign Interest Company, Requirements and Benefits
LOOKING FORWARD TO MEET YOU IN CYPRUS
We will be glad to take care of the whole process, of your Immigration Permit and helping you moving to Cyprus.
Legal Aid Available
Legal aid is available to any natural person, including citizens and foreigners, who can demonstrate an inability to pay for legal costs without compromising their basic needs or obligations to their family