If you want to know how to move to Cyprus then here is the best place to get all the guide. Whether your desire lies in savoring exceptional cuisine, relaxing on pristine white sandy beaches, accessing top-notch healthcare options, or discovering echoes of Greek mythology at every turn, Cyprus offers it all.
Furthermore, Cyprus possesses an enchanting allure, with its picturesque and charming villages, bountiful orchards and vineyards, and time-honored architectural wonders nestled amidst unspoiled waters. This Mediterranean gem provides a high quality of life at an affordable cost, making it an ideal destination for embarking on a fresh chapter in life.
Do I Need a Visa to Relocate to Cyprus?
Your visa requirements hinge on your country of residence:
- If you originate from an EU/EEA nation, Cyprus welcomes you with open arms; you only need a valid passport or an equivalent travel document.
- If you hail from a non-EU/EEA country, a Cyprus visa application is mandatory for entry.
How to Relocate to Cyprus as an EU Citizen?
EU/EEA citizens can reside in Cyprus for more than three months (90 days) without the need for a visa. Cyprus’ EU membership guarantees you the same rights as fellow EU citizens.
Should you wish to extend your stay beyond 90 days, you must complete your registration at the Civil Registry and Migration Department and obtain a Registration Certificate, commonly known as a Yellow Slip.
Read More: Moving To The Bahamas
How to Relocate to Cyprus as a Non-EU Citizen?
Non-EU/EEA nationals must secure a long-stay visa (national visa) to relocate to Cyprus. The visa application process occurs at the nearest Cypriot embassy or consulate in your home country. Within seven days of your arrival in Cyprus, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at either:
- The Civil Registry and Migration Department, if you intend to reside in the Nicosia District.
- A District Immigration Unit, if your chosen residence is in another district.
You can legally reside in Cyprus for more than three months by selecting one of these avenues:
- Employment.
- Education.
- Family reunion.
Relocating to Cyprus for Employment
For those aspiring to work in Cyprus, the following steps are imperative:
- Acquire a work permit: Once you secure employment in Cyprus, your employer will initiate the work permit application on your behalf.
- Secure a work visa: Following the issuance of your work permit, you can apply for a Cyprus work visa at the nearest Cypriot embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- After entering Cyprus, apply for a temporary residence permit within seven days. Registration is mandatory with the local District Office of the Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police Department or the Central Offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia. After five years under a temporary residence permit, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Moreover, if you are a remote worker, you have the option to apply for a digital nomad visa, allowing you to work remotely from Cyprus.
Relocating to Cyprus for Study
To pursue educational opportunities in Cyprus, you must hold a student visa. Acceptance by a Cyprus educational institution is a prerequisite before applying for a Cyprus student visa. Your school will facilitate the visa application process.
Upon your arrival in Cyprus with a student visa, you must promptly apply to the Cyprus Migration Department for a temporary residence permit. This permit grants you the legal right to reside and study in Cyprus for more than 90 days.
The temporary residence permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually for the duration of your academic program.
Relocating to Cyprus for Family Reunification
Moving to Cyprus to reunite with a family member requires obtaining a family visa. Eligibility for the family visa entails meeting the following criteria:
- The family member in Cyprus, who also serves as your sponsor, must have legally resided in Cyprus for at least two years.
- At the time of family reunification application, the sponsor must hold a valid residence permit with a minimum duration of one year.
- You must be the spouse of the sponsor, and your marriage should predate the application by at least one year.
- Alternatively, you can be the sponsor’s minor and unmarried child.
Additionally, within seven days of entering Cyprus, you must register with the Civil Registry and Migration Department, which will issue a residence permit. The residence permit remains valid for one year, subject to renewal, but cannot exceed the duration of the sponsor’s permit.
Acquiring Permanent Residency in Cyprus
To obtain permanent residency in Cyprus, it is essential to meet the following criteria:
- Residing in Cyprus for five years under a temporary residence permit.
- During this period, you should not have left Cyprus for more than three months.
- You must hold a work contract for a minimum of 18 months or have an open-ended work arrangement.
- Purchasing property in Cyprus valued at a minimum of €300,000.
- It is necessary to provide evidence of using funds from outside Cyprus for the property purchase.
- Maintaining an annual income of at least €30,000 received from outside Cyprus.
- Depositing €30,000 in a Cypriot bank account, which will be frozen for three years.
- Entering Cyprus at least once every two years.
- If you have dependents:
- An additional annual income of €5,000 is required.
- Dependent children should be between 18 and 25 years old and not intend to engage in paid employment in Cyprus.
- For dependent parents, an annual income of €8,000 per year for each parent is necessary.
Note: The application for a permanent residence permit should be submitted at a central office of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Attaining Citizenship in Cyprus
For individuals without any familial ties to Cyprus, gaining citizenship is possible after residing in the country for a specified period. To qualify for full Cypriot citizenship, you must meet these conditions:
- Be over 21 years of age.
- Maintain a clean criminal record.
- Maintain continuous residency in Cyprus for the year immediately preceding your citizenship application.
Cyprus’ Policy on Dual Citizenship
Cyprus permits dual citizenship, meaning you can hold Cypriot citizenship without having to register or renounce your existing citizenship. However, it is advisable to verify with your home country’s authorities whether they allow dual citizenship before proceeding with obtaining Cypriot citizenship. As long as both your home country and Cyprus permit dual citizenship, you can pursue it without conflict.
