Cyprus Work Permit and Entry Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- 4-6 weeks (up to 6 months)
- Fee
- EUR 110
- Validity
- 4 years (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Non-EU citizens require three separate documents to work in Cyprus: (1) Work Permit issued by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD), (2) Work/Entry Visa issued by Cyprus embassy/consulate, and (3) Temporary Residence Permit obtained within 7 days of arrival. EU/EEA citizens do NOT need any work permit or visa. The employer is responsible for sponsoring the work permit and must prove no qualified Cypriot or EU citizens were available for the position (labor market test). For salaries below EUR 35,000, the employer must publish the vacancy in newspapers and wait 6 weeks. For salaries above EUR 35,000, the application is made directly to the Department of Labour. Work role categories: Executive Director (minimum EUR 41,000/year), Middle Management (EUR 21,000-40,000/year), Supporting Staff (only if no EU candidates available). The approved duration of employment is 4 years (6 years for agriculture). Highly skilled personnel in companies with high turnover are exempt from the 4-year limit. International business companies (with >50% foreign ownership or foreign share capital >= EUR 200,000) have additional exemptions. First-time applicants must earn at least EUR 2,000/month. Costs: Work visa EUR 20, Work permit EUR 20, Residence permit EUR 70. Processing time is 4-6 weeks but can take up to 6 months.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Required for all non-EU/EEA citizens seeking employment in Cyprus. EU/EEA citizens have unrestricted right to work.
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Employment
Must have a confirmed job offer from a Cypriot employer who has obtained labor market test approval. First-time applicants must earn at least EUR 2,000/month.
Required status: Confirmed employment offer
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Financial
Minimum monthly salary of EUR 2,000 for first-time applicants. For renewals, must show bank statements with EUR 24,000 in remittances over the past year and a minimum balance of EUR 6,000.
Minimum funds: EUR 2,000/month minimum salary
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
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Photo
Count: 4; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, full face front view, taken within last 6 months
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Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: Full medical coverage
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Varies by consulate location; Amount: EUR 110
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
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Criminal record certificate
Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.
Validity months: 6
How to apply
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Online application
After the work permit is granted, the employee applies for a Cyprus work visa (entry visa) at the nearest Cyprus embassy or consulate. Cannot apply for the visa without an approved work permit.
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Document submission
Submit passport, work permit approval, employment contract, health insurance proof, criminal record certificate, and photos to the Cyprus embassy/consulate.
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Processing wait
Visa processing is typically quick once the work permit has been approved.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with work entry visa.