Cyprus approves new rules on employment of third-country nationals

On Wednesday 19 February, the Cypriot Ministry of Labour, Social Insurance and Insurance approved an innovation aimed at speeding up the employment process for third-country nationals. Thanks to this initiative, foreigners will be able to obtain a work visa in one month, instead of the current six months.

It is worth noting that this decision was prompted by constant complaints from local employers about the lack of labour in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, trade, services, recycling and cleaning. The new strategy is expected to attract foreign workers to these sectors more quickly.

The new procedure provides for:

1. The establishment of an advisory committee to monitor the situation in the Cypriot labour market. Interestingly, if unemployment among Cypriots rises, the extension of work visas for foreigners may be frozen.
2. Employers will be obliged to look first to Cypriots and EU citizens for staff. To do this, they will have to post the vacancies they need on the employment service's website and advertise in local newspapers for at least two weeks.
3. Foreign workers in a number of professions will have to improve their qualifications and undergo various training courses, otherwise they will not be able to renew their work visas.

Also in March 2025, the agency plans to launch an electronic platform for applying for work visas, which will further simplify the process. Simplifying bureaucratic procedures will help Cypriot businesses to find the right specialists more quickly and foreign workers to get a job faster.

It is important to note that the changes will not affect third-country nationals who are spouses of Cypriots:

1. Spouses of Cypriots and EU citizens;
2. EU Blue Card holders;
3. Long Term Residence Permit (LTRP) holders;
4. Holders of temporary residence and work permits with free access to the Cypriot labour market;
5. Employees of companies with foreign interests (international companies);
6. Holders of status with the right to work within the framework of intra-corporate transfers;
7. Political refugees, asylum seekers or holders of humanitarian status;
8. Holders of an immigration permit;
9. Seasonal workers;
10. Students.