Cyprus (CY)
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island nation and EU member state situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Cyprus.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
EU/EEA citizens have free movement rights and can live and work in Cyprus without a visa. Citizens of 100+ countries can visit Cyprus visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days (varies by nationality). Cyprus is an EU member but NOT part of the Schengen Area — it has its own visa regime. Schengen visa holders may still need a separate Cyprus visa; check the CRMD website.
Cyprus is NOT part of the Schengen Area. This means: (1) Schengen visa holders may need a separate Cyprus visa. (2) Time spent in Cyprus does NOT count toward your 90/180 Schengen days. (3) EU citizens have full freedom of movement. The CRMD (Civil Registry and Migration Department) handles all residence permits. For the 60-day tax residency rule, maintain records of days spent in Cyprus and elsewhere. The combination of Non-Dom status + 60-day rule makes Cyprus uniquely attractive for mobile international professionals.
EU Registration Certificate (Yellow Slip)
EU/EEA citizens residing in Cyprus
2–6 weeks at CRMD (Civil Registry and Migration Department)
- ✓Valid EU passport or national ID
- ✓Proof of employment, self-employment, or sufficient financial means
- ✓Proof of health insurance (if not employed)
- ✓Completed MEU1 application form
- ✓Proof of Cyprus address
Category E — Employment Permit
Non-EU citizens with a confirmed job offer from a Cyprus employer
2–4 months
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Confirmed employment contract from Cyprus employer
- ✓Employer registration and proof of need
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Medical certificate
- ✓Passport photos
Category F — Self-Employed / Financially Independent
Non-EU citizens who are self-employed in Cyprus or financially independent
2–4 months
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Proof of self-employment activity or investments in Cyprus
- ✓Proof of sufficient income (minimum €30,000/year from non-Cyprus employment or investments)
- ✓Health insurance coverage
- ✓Proof of rented or owned accommodation
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Bank statements
Category M — Student Permit
Non-EU students enrolled at a Cyprus educational institution
4–8 weeks
- ✓Proof of acceptance at a recognised Cyprus institution
- ✓Financial proof (€430/month living costs)
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Passport
Long-Term Resident Permit
Non-EU citizens with 5 years legal and continuous residence in Cyprus
3–6 months
- ✓Proof of 5 years continuous legal residence
- ✓Stable income (average minimum wage equivalent)
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Passed language and civic knowledge test (or exemption)
Digital Nomad Visa Cyprus
Digital NomadNon-EU citizens working remotely for employers or clients outside Cyprus
4–8 weeks
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts outside Cyprus
- ✓Minimum monthly income of €3,500 net
- ✓Health insurance for Cyprus
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Cyprus
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Application submitted to CRMD
EU Blue Card (Cyprus)
Blue CardNon-EU nationals with a recognised higher education qualification (university degree, 3+ years) and an employment contract with a Cyprus-registered employer at a gross annual salary of at least 1.5× the average gross annual salary in Cyprus (approximately EUR 45,000–47,000/year gross in 2026; verify the current threshold at migration.gov.cy before applying).
2–4 months at CRMD (Civil Registry and Migration Department)
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓University degree (3+ years) recognised in Cyprus or under EU recognition procedures
- ✓Employment contract with Cyprus employer for at least 6 months
- ✓Gross annual salary meeting the Blue Card threshold (1.5× national average; approximately EUR 45,000–47,000/year gross in 2026)
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Clean criminal record
Visa & Immigration
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