Permits and VISAs

For EU Citizens who wish to reside in Cyprus due employment activities, it is fairly easy to obtain a Cyprus residence permit (yellow slip) as minimal formalities are required. His family members are also eligible to be registered in Cyprus and legally reside.

For third country nationals, section 5 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations 1972 allows for the issue of immigration permits on the basis of:

Category A: Persons who intend to work as self employed in agriculture, cattle breeding, bird breeding or fish culture in the Republic, provided that they have in their possession adequate land or a permit to acquire same, they have fully and freely at their disposal capital of approximately €430,000 and such an employment should not negatively affect the general economy of the Republic.

Category B: Persons who intend to work as self employed in mining enterprises in the Republic, provided that they have in their possession a relative permit, they have fully and freely at their disposal capital of approximately €350,000 (CY£200,000) and such an employment should not negatively affect the general economy of the Republic.

Category C: Persons who intend to work as self employed in a trade or profession in the Republic, provided that they have in their possession a relative permit, they have fully and freely at their disposal capital of approximately €260,000 and such an employment should not affect negatively the general economy of the Republic.

Category D: Persons who intend to work as self-employed in a profession or science in the Republic, provided that they have academic or professional qualifications, for which there is demand in Cyprus. Possession of adequate funds is also necessary.

Category E: Persons who have been offered permanent employment in the Republic, which will not create undue local competition.

And the Category F immigration permit (add link to Residency).

Long term residency permits can be given to third country nationals upon proof that they have legally resided in Cyprus for 5 continuous years whereas short term residency permits can be issued to third country nationals in the basis of their employment in Cyprus under certain conditions.