On Wednesday 26 March, the Cyprus Ministry of Immigration and International Protection announced the start of visa applications under the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme.
The scheme is designed to attract non-EU and EEA professionals who work remotely for overseas companies or clients using digital technology.
To qualify for the visa, applicants must
- Submit an application form indicating the address of residence in Cyprus (rental agreement or apartment reservation).
- Confirm employment abroad.
- Confirm your income, which must be at least €3,500 after tax (plus 20% for your spouse and 15% for each minor dependent).
- Take out health insurance of at least 30,000 euros.
- Submit a certificate of good conduct.
- Pay the registration fee.
The cost of issuing or renewing a digital nomad visa in Cyprus is 70 euros. Documents are processed within 5-7 weeks.
Cyprus is seeking to strengthen its position as a digital services centre. Attracting remote specialists will create a favourable business environment and have a positive impact on the economy," the ministry said.
It should be remembered that Cyprus is one of the most attractive and, above all, affordable countries in which to live.
To stay legally in the island state, it is not necessary to have a residence permit or Cypriot citizenship, it is enough to have a Digital Nomad Visa. The Digital Nomad Visa is issued to IT professionals who are citizens of third countries for a period of 1 year (with the right to extend for a further 2 years) and allows them to work remotely in Cyprus as a representative of a foreign company or as a freelancer.
Family members of the Digital Nomad Visa holder (spouse and minor children) are allowed to reside in the country for the same period for which the Nomad Visa was issued, but without the right to work or engage in any economic activity. However, applicants are considered to be tax residents of Cyprus if they stay in the country for more than 183 days in the same tax year (provided they are not tax residents of another country).
More information on the programme can be found on the official website of the Department of Immigration.