For a foreigner to vacation, live, study or work in Cyprus, he or she needs to obtain the appropriate authorization from the authorities. A tourist or visitor visa may be enough for some, while others need a permanent or temporary residence permit. We will talk about the latter.
What gives a residence permit of Cyprus
The Cypriot document, which means a residence permit, has many names. It makes sense to list them all, so that in the future do not get confused with the terminology:
- TRP - abbreviation for "residence permit",
- Temporary Residence Permit - official name in English;
- Pink Slip, or Pink Slip - a colloquial name that comes from the outdated way of printing a document on a pink slip.
This permit is required for those foreigners who plan to stay on the island for longer than 3 months. The reason can be for study, medical treatment, work, business, etc. Pink-slip allows a non-resident to stay in the country for up to 1 year with the possibility of further annual renewal.
Important: This is only for the Republic of Cyprus. In the northern (occupied) part of the island, foreigners have no right to stay and even less to reside.
What advantages gives a foreigner a Cyprus residence permit:
- The ability to stay legally on the island and carry out certain activities (depending on the type of permit, see below) for a year.
- Can freely leave and return to the country without additional visas and permits.
- A Pink Slip can be easily obtained or renewed locally, and subsequently - to obtain a Permanent Residence Permit and even citizenship on its basis (this process is called naturalization).
- Obtaining an EU ID card, which will facilitate the issuance of visas to European and some other countries.
Temporary Permit should not be confused with Permanent Residence Permit and citizenship: it does not allow visa-free travel, living and working in EU and Schengen countries. Yes, the permit helps to move to Cyprus and conduct certain activities here, but it does not give its holder the same rights as a citizen of the island. To have these rights, you need to naturalize and get a local passport.
It is important to remember that the pink slip does not allow a non-resident to be absent for more than 3 consecutive months. If this happens, the document is canceled.
It is also worth taking into account that if a foreigner is in Cyprus for half a year or more (183 days), he automatically becomes a tax resident of the republic. For Russians, absence in Russia for the same period entails an increase in income tax from 13% to 30%, if a person conducts his activities as an individual.
Methods of obtaining a residence permit
The method directly depends on the type and category of residence permit, which the applicant will formalize. Who and on what basis can get a pink-slip:
- A financially independent person who receives income not from Cyprus - that is, does not conduct business activities and does not work on the island. Family members of this person are also eligible to receive a similar visa. In this case, the applicant must show a certain level of income for himself and all dependents. As a rule, these are people and families who have long vacations on the island, have their real estate here, undergo medical treatment or recovery after surgery, etc. This can also include "digital nomads", i.e. freelancers with a high level of income.
- An employee who is officially employed by a company based in Cyprus. This can also be a foreign firm, the main thing is its location. There is also a separate type of worker - at home, for them, there is a separate type of Temporary Permit.
- Students who study in Cypriot educational institutions. Schoolchildren move with their parents, students can stay in the country alone.
- Relatives of citizens and non-residents. Spouses, children or parents of Cypriots, EU citizens, or just those who have a residence permit or a permanent residence permit are entitled to a residence permit next to family members. Usually, the period of their stay is equal to the period of stay of a relative already legally on the island.
- Certain categories of professionals and businessmen: people in high demand in the Republic of Cyprus professions (athletes, journalists, engineers, etc.), volunteers, interns, scientific researchers, and startup businessmen.
As a rule, employees/assistants (e.g. researchers or visiting specialists) of companies do not handle the paperwork themselves. The organization itself helps in almost all stages of getting a pink slip.
Types of Cyprus residence permit, cost, and required documents
The basis on which a Russian or any other third-country foreigner enters Cyprus to live for a long time, determines the type of his Permanent Residence Permit. It also affects the final package of documents, but the standard set is as follows:
- a copy of the passport;
- a copy of the page of the passport with a mark of entry to the island and visa;
- a certificate of no criminal record;
- medical insurance for the entire period of stay;
- in most cases - an open account in a Cypriot bank;
- in most cases - medical tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis and fluorography;
- for children - a copy of their birth certificate.
To this package are added other documents that confirm the reason for the request for prolonged stay in the country. They are submitted to the Migration Department, the waiting period for a response to the application can be up to 6 months.
Important: some certificates and certificates require translation into English, certification by a Cypriot notary or mukhtaris, apostilization and/or payment of fees and government charges. There may also be an affidavit - a statement made under oath.
All temporary residence permits can be roughly divided into four broad categories:
- Visitor visas (Visitors Permit);
- Work visas (General Employment);
- Student visas (Student);
- specific categories ("digital nomads", start-up workers, volunteers and researchers).
The visitor visa does not entitle the applicant to engage in employment in Cyprus or to receive money here. All income of the applicant and his/her family must come from abroad. Other types of pink-slip leave the possibility of earning, except for the volunteer visa - but there may be issued money for pocket expenses.
It is impossible to name the cost of registration in advance, as it includes many factors. And if the cost of filing the application itself (i.e. the fee) in the state sources is specified openly, then the prices for translation and certification of documents, as well as statements from banks and other institutions can fluctuate greatly and change constantly. The best way to find out the exact amount is to make a list of all necessary documents, choose the offices that work with them, and ask each of them for a price. Another option is to contact lawyers who are constantly doing this and know the approximate cost of each type of residence permit.
Financially Independent Persons (Autonomus Visitor Permit)
This category includes people who earn income not in Cyprus and not from a Cypriot company. The income must not be less than the established threshold, fully legal and confirmed.
The conditions for this type of residence permit are among the simplest:
- income per applicant - at least 2000 euros per month;
- income for a dependent spouse - 20%, that is, not less than 400 euros per month;
- income for a dependent child under the age of 18 - 15%, i.e. at least €300 per month;
- deposit in a Cypriot bank not less than 10 thousand euros for each adult member of the family, for each child - 5 thousand euros;
- a place for permanent residence - it is a rented or purchased housing.
The easiest way for Russians is to rent real estate in Russia. True, the housing must be elite, as the "entry threshold" for the amount is not so small. Another option is own a business outside the island or remote work in a non-Cypriot company. The most important thing is to confirm that the applicant and his family have the means to live and will not work in the country.
The package of documents, apart from the basic ones, is as follows:
- bank statements of income for the applicant and dependents;
- a statement from a Cypriot bank account stating that a deposit account has been set up and confirmation that money has been deposited;
- a letter of guarantee from a Cypriot bank;
- marriage certificate - copy and original;
- for children - birth certificate, copy and original;
- rental agreement certified by a mukhtaris - or ownership documents for an apartment or house in Cyprus.
The above documents must be accompanied by receipts evidencing the payment of stamp/government/registration fees and duties.
Family reunification where one member is a Cypriot citizen (Family members of Cypriot citizen Visa).
This type of residence permit is usually used when marrying a person who holds a Cypriot passport. In addition to the Cypriot spouse, his/her minor children and even parents are entitled to it. The basic documents are accompanied by:
- a certificate of the concluded marriage;
- Proof of cohabitation - usually a certificate from the mukhtaris or an affidavit signed by the spouses and certified by the same mukhtaris;
- Proof that the spouses entered into the marriage while single: for the Cypriot citizen it is a certificate of dissolution of the previous barque or an affidavit, for his new spouse - the same documents, but instead of an affidavit it may be another certificate, which is issued in his home country;
- a copy of the passport of the Cypriot citizen with whom the applicant wishes to be reunited;
- permission to reside in Cyprus from the second parent for minor children (if it is a child from the first marriage).
- It should be noted that the applicant's passport must be "fresh", i.e. valid for at least 2 years.
Employment (General Employment)
With the registration of a work pink-slip usually helps the receiving company, it also submits documents to the Migration Department. The basic package includes a diploma of education and a certificate that the employee has worked in a similar position for at least 2 years. The employing company has the right to request from the future employee and other evidence of his professionalism and achievements, but this is not a prerequisite for obtaining a General Employment pink-slip.
The documents are required to be provided to the company itself: it is an employment contract for up to 6 years, insurance of the employee for the entire term of the contract, permission of the Ministry of Labor to hire foreign employees, a copy of the passport or ID of the employer.
Not only the employee but also his family members: spouse and minor children can move to Cyprus on a work pink-slip. The validity period of their residence permit will be equal to the validity period of the applicant's residence permit.
Domestic worker visa (Domestic worker visa)
A domestic worker visa is a separate visa. As a rule, it is quite specific and is intended for a certain circle of people. It is issued for a long period (up to 4 years) with the possibility of extension. Interestingly, this pink-slip terminates if the domestic worker leaves the family without its signed authorization, and has to leave the island.
The host family must open a local bank account for the domestic worker and transfer the monthly wages there, but the cost of tickets/accommodation/meals/documentation cannot be deducted from this amount. Also, the employer gives an undertaking to pay for the return ticket to the home country when the employee is dismissed or the visa expires.
Startup businessman (Startup visa)
This program operates in Cyprus to attract foreign businessmen with fresh ideas and the opportunity to expand a previously undeveloped field. It is open to individuals and teams of up to 5 people. It is mandatory to submit the following documents:
- business plan and resume;
- all founders must be proficient in Greek or English (proof/certificate) and have a minimum of a bachelor's degree (diploma of education);
- confirmation that there is a capital of 20 thousand euros (for an individual entrepreneur) or 25 thousand euros (for each of the founders);
- proof that the applicant or founders have a majority of shares (all founders together - more than 50%).
The team will also need to prove that their startup is innovative and that they have spent at least 10% of the total costs on R&D for 1 out of 3 years before applying for the Startup visa. It is common practice to be invited for an interview. It takes a fairly short time to review the application - about 5 weeks.
The good news is that the Cypriot authorities are ready to support start-up businessmen with promising projects in every possible way and give them incentives. Another option is to take part in grants of Cypriot or even European level.
"Digital Nomad Visa" (Digital Nomad Visa).
The plus side of this residence permit is in the simplicity and high speed of obtaining it for freelancers, the minus - it will not be suitable for naturalization, as it is issued for a year and can be extended for another 2 years. So after 3 years, you will have to look for another basis for a residence permit, if there is a desire to obtain local citizenship.
To the main package of documents need to attach only confirmation of income from 3500 euros and above. If together with the applicant wants to receive a residence permit for his family members (spouse and children), their documents will also be needed.
An important point - it is not possible to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa remotely: you must be present in person to submit biometric data. This is a photo and fingerprints. For children under 6 years of age, only a photo is required. Russians will have to apply for a national visa to enter the island, as the electronic pro-visa is not valid now. If there is an unopened Schengen, the task is somewhat simplified.
Student Visa
This type of Temporary Permit allows you to stay in the republic based on full-time study. It gives the right to work, but with part-time employment: the number of working hours is limited.
A student needs to submit the following documents for the final visa application:
- cover letter from the university on enrollment;
- statements from the local bank that there are enough funds in the account for the student's accommodation for the declared period of study;
- photographs;
- a special application form;
- parental consent to live in another country if the student is under 18 years of age.
- The passport must be valid for at least 2 years from the date of the Student Visa.
It should be noted that the universities of Cyprus are distinguished by a good educational program with a rather low, by European standards, cost of education. A Russian who has studied in a Cypriot university will have a wide range of employment opportunities in Russia, Europe, and other countries of the world.
Researchers, volunteers and trainees (Researchers, Trainees, Volunteers visa)
Certain categories of activity allow you to obtain a residence permit if it will last for a long time. As in the case of employment, the host organization submits the documents to the Migration Board. It provides information about the activities that the person will perform and confirms that it will provide him/her with a place to stay and means of subsistence.
Hint: today not every volunteer organization accepts applications from Russians, but most of them maintain a tolerant attitude towards all nationalities.
Employment in Cyprus to obtain a residence permit
The Russian language has long been in demand in Cyprus. According to some data, the Russian-speaking population is up to 10%, their main concentration, of course, is in large cities. Therefore, some companies are in dire need of specialists who speak this language.
Also, the Cyprus market feels a shortage of people with education in the following areas:
- medicine and beauty sector;
- architecture and engineering;
- IT-technology;
- finance and economics.
Russia is good at training specialists in these areas. Therefore, it will not be difficult to find them a job on the island.
You can look for vacancies on the spot, but remotely it is quieter to do it - at least time to search and realize more. An important point - the chances of those who have a good command of English are many times more than those who speak it poorly or do not speak at all.
Addresses of immigration services in Cyprus
Usually, the application for a residence permit is submitted directly to the Migration Department of Cyprus or, more rarely, through the consulate or embassy of Cyprus in the country of residence of the applicant. The head office is located in Nicosia, the capital of the island. Its address and other contact details:
Civil Registry and Migration Department
Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, 90,
1077, Nicosia, Cyprus
E-mail: migration@crmd.moi.gov.cy
Fax: 22308742
Telephones: country code (+357) 22-30-88-08, 22-30-88-11
After submitting the basic documents, a personal appointment may be scheduled for an interview and/or biometrics. If you are not in the capital, you will be invited to the Police Aliens and Immigration Units. These are known as immigration offices for short. Be careful: they usually only speak Greek. Their addresses are:
Nicosia
Address: 6 Agamemnonos, Egkomi, 2411, Nicosia
Phones: 22-802332 / 22-802353 / 22-802341
Fax: 22-775551
Limassol
Address: 223 Franglinou Rousvelt, Zakaki "D. Nikolaou" building, 2nd floor, 3046 Limassol
Telephones: 25-805210 / 25-805212 / 25-805650
Fax: 25-805651
E-mail: limetiseis@police.gov.cy
Larnaca
Address: 34 Tasou Mitsopoulou, 6027 Larnaca
Telephones: 24-804233 / 24-804223 / 24-804231
Fax: 24-304216
Paphos
Address: 22 El. Venizelou & Kanigos corner 2nd floor 8021 Paphos
Telephones: 26-806222 / 26-806214 / 26-806211 / 26-806215
Fax: 26-911219
Famagusta neighborhood - Paralimni
Address: 31 G. Papadopoulou, 5282, Paralimni
Telephones: 23-803286 / 23-803290 / 23-803287 / 23-803285
Fax: 23-811308
The opening hours of all offices are from 07:30 to 14:30 on weekdays.
How to obtain Cypriot citizenship
Obtaining Cypriot citizenship through a residence permit is the longest process as it is based on naturalization. Non-resident must fulfill a number of conditions to obtain a Cypriot passport and become a full-fledged citizen of the European Union with all the advantages (easy Schengen, visa-free entry to EU countries, etc.):
- to live legally on the island for a total of 7 years, the last 12 months before applying for naturalization - without leaving the island;
- the first 5 years can be lived under the residence permit, then apply for permanent residence and live for another 2 years;
- marriage to a Cypriot citizen can allow naturalization in 5 years, not 7 years;
- it is necessary to pass an exam for knowledge of the language, history and culture of the country;
- it is required to confirm a stable income, no criminal record and in general the absence of offenses on the island;
- in the final stage you need to wait for the application to be processed (it can take from six months to a couple of years) and issue a Cypriot passport.
The main disadvantage of the Pink Slip, unlike the Yellow Slip (Permanent Residence Permit), is that you cannot leave the island for a long time. This option may be difficult or even impossible for those who intend to live "for two countries": for example, the family is divided into parts or business is conducted in branches in different states. Therefore, many businessmen and wealthy people choose Permanent Residence, as it gives greater freedom of movement.
It was mentioned above that a Permanent Residence Permit can be obtained on the way to naturalization, but only after 5 years of legal residence. This process can be accelerated by using the program for investors: it allows you to obtain a permanent residence permit simplified, without taking exams and long consideration of applications.
To do this, you need to invest in the island's economy, and most often foreigners choose to buy primary real estate. It is enough to buy housing or commercial property in the amount of 300 thousand euros (excluding VAT tax) - and this is the total amount of all real estate. It is allowed to buy, for example, an apartment and a house, several apartments, an apartment and an office, etc.
Also, the applicant should deposit in a Cypriot bank in the amount of 30 thousand euros and confirm the income of himself and his dependents (if they are). In the vast majority of cases, developers provide services for advice and registration of residence permits for real estate investments.
Let's summarize
The residence permit of Cyprus, temporary residence permit, or pink-slip, can be issued on a large enough number of grounds. To move to the island in this way is quite easy, but to live with it permanently is not very convenient: it restricts movements outside the country and does not give all the rights of foreigners. At least now it is very difficult for Russians to get a Schengen, and many people need it very much. And Cyprus, according to some reports, wants to become part of the Schengen zone - which will give its citizens unimpeded movement and even residence without special permits.
Therefore, many dream of a passport of Cyprus, which today can be obtained only by naturalization. The residence permit is only the first part of this long journey, and it can be a great start.
WARNING: The rules and conditions for obtaining a Residence Permit often change, and the most current information can be found only on the website of the Migration Department (Civil Registry and Migration Department) in the section Third country nationals (for persons from third countries).
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