Residency Options

Helping you relocate and settle smoothly in Cyprus with expert guidance

Temporary Residence

For Non-EU/Third-Country Nationals

1. Visitor Temporary Residence Permit (Pink Slip)

This is the most common route for long stays beyond 90 days if you don’t plan to work locally.

✔ Who it’s for:

• Non-EU nationals who want to live in Cyprus (e.g., retirees, long-term visitors, remote workers not earning inside Cyprus, property owners, family dependants).
  ✔ Duration: Typically issued for 1 year and renewable annually.
  ✔ Work rights: No employment rights in Cyprus under this permit — you must support yourself from abroad.
  ✔ Key requirements:

• Proof of stable income from abroad (e.g., around €24,000/year for a single applicant; higher for spouses and children).

• Accommodation in Cyprus (lease or property).

• Health insurance and basic medical checks.

• Often a minimum deposit (~€10,000) into a Cyprus bank account is recommended for documentation.

This permit is ideal for long-term stays, retirement, or planning future permanent relocation. Some people use it as a stepping stone toward long-term residency after several years.

2. Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers earning income from outside Cyprus.

✔ Purpose: Live in Cyprus while working remotely for clients or employers outside Cyprus.
✔ Income requirement: Around €3,500 net per month, with extra amounts for dependants.
✔ Duration: Usually valid 1 year and renewable (often up to a total of 2–3 years depending on rules and quota).
✔ Limitations: You cannot work for Cyprus-based employers.

3. Student Temporary Residence Permit

For third-country nationals enrolled in a Cypriot educational institution.

✔ Who it’s for: Full-time students in universities, colleges, or recognised programmes.
✔ Duration: Usually valid for the duration of the course (renewable annually).
✔ Rights: Students can often work limited hours per week under specific conditions.
✔ Application: Non-EU citizens usually must obtain a visa/entry permit first, then apply for the residence permit in Cyprus.

4. Work-Linked Temporary Residence Permits

These permits tie residence to employment.

✔ Sponsored Employment Permit:

• Issued when a Cyprus employer offers a job and obtains a work permit for the applicant.

• The residence permit (“pink slip”) usually matches the work contract duration.
  ✔ EU Blue Card:

• A special residence and work permit for highly skilled non-EU workers with a job offer and sufficient salary, often offering easier family reunification and movement within the EU.

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency allows you to live in Cyprus indefinitely and is available through several routes for both EU/EEA citizens and non-EU citizens.

1. Fast-Track Permanent Residency (Category F) – Non-EU Citizens

• Who it’s for: Non-EU/EEA citizens who wish to live permanently in Cyprus without working locally.

• Requirements:

  • Purchase residential property in Cyprus worth at least €300,000 + VAT.

  • Maintain the property for at least 5 years.

  • Proof of stable annual income from abroad (minimum €30,000 for applicant, plus €5,000 per dependent, €8,000 per parent).

  • Health insurance covering all family members.

  • Clean criminal record.

• Benefits:

  • Permanent residency for applicant, spouse, children under 18, and dependent parents.

  • Right to live in Cyprus indefinitely.

  • Can combine with business or investment activities.

• Processing time: Typically a few months if all requirements are met.

2. Permanent Residency for EU/EEA Citizens

• Who it’s for: EU/EEA citizens who have legally resided in Cyprus for 5 years or more.

• Requirements:

  • Continuous legal residence in Cyprus for 5 years.

  • Proof of sufficient income to support yourself and dependents.

  • Health insurance valid in Cyprus.

• Benefits:

  • Permanent residency status without property purchase requirement.

  • Access to social services and benefits similar to Cypriot citizens.

3. Permanent Residency via Investment / Business – Non-EU Citizens

• Who it’s for: Non-EU/EEA citizens who invest in business or real estate in Cyprus.

• Requirements:

  • Investment in a business, company, or financial instruments in Cyprus (amount varies, often €300,000+ for real estate).

  • Proof of sustainable income and financial stability.

  • Clean criminal record and health insurance.

• Benefits:

  • Permanent residency for applicant and immediate family.

  • Right to live in Cyprus indefinitely.

  • Opportunity to conduct business locally.

4. Retirement / Financially Independent Individuals – Non-EU Citizens

• Who it’s for: Non-EU citizens retiring in Cyprus or living off foreign income.

• Requirements:

  • Proof of stable, sufficient income from abroad to support yourself and dependents.

  • Purchase a property or long-term rental in Cyprus.

  • Health insurance covering all family members.

• Benefits:

  • Permanent residency for applicant and family.

  • Quiet and secure retirement in Cyprus.