Travel to Cyprus for work

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Cypriot embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Cyprus to work (or theany other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

IfCyprus is not in the Schengen area. However, if you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-relatedbusiness-related thingsactivities without needing a visa or work permit, such as attend business meetings. These are usually covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Cyprus isn’t in the Schengen area. It applies a separate 90-day limitrule.

If you’re goingstaying for longer, or for other types of workwork, you may need a visa,visa work permit or residence permit. Cyprus’s

The Cypriot authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

If you’re working in more than one countrycountry, you’llyou need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Cyprus. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Cypriot authoritiesembassy or embassyimmigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• translated
• ‘legalised’ (apostillised)(with an apostille) or notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Cyprus, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Cyprus’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

Cyprus isn’t in the Schengen area. The Schengen area countries apply the 90-day visa waiver rule as a group.

This means if you visit one or more of the Schengen area countries within a 180 day-period, it all counts towards the Schengen 90-day limit.

Cyprus applies a separate 90-day limit. It doesn’t apply the 90 days as a group with the Schengen area countries.

This means you can spend up to 90 days in a 180-day period in other European countries and it won’t affect how long you can spend in Cyprus. You’ll still be able to stay in Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

You don’tdo not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Cyprus for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for:for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

• attending seminarstrade orfairs, conventionsseminars or trade fairsconventions
• attending and speaking at conferences
• running or attending job interviews
• negotiating, signing or executing deals or contracts
• meeting with clients, customers or colleagues
• meeting with contractors or vendor
• providing and receiving classroom-based or on the job-training
• shadowing someone’s job
• providing legal advice to a client
• internal auditing
• fact-finding visits
• attending kick-off meetings
• installing or upgrading software, machinery or hardware
• testing related to product delivery, IT acceptance testing and troubleshooting and software upgrades
• attending board meetings

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• health insurance that covers your stay
• proof of your accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip
• an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Cyprus’ exemptions

Certain types of work and activities in Europe do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

The following may not require a visa or permit in Cyprus for up to 90 days in a 180-day period:

• technical experts installing software or machinery or completing technical maintenance, repairs and training

• those with an EU intra company transfer (EU ICT) permit from another country

Employees on temporary assignment

You do not need a visa or permit if you work for a company based in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and they send you to work in Cyprus for up to 1 year.

Your employer has to notify the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance at director@dl.mlsi.gov.cy at least 15 days before your assignment starts.

Exemptions are covered by the visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

• an assignment letter
• an employment confirmation
• a contract or after-sales agreement
• proof of required qualifications, such as degree and professional certificates
• CV

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Cypriot embassy or immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the Cypriot embassy or immigration authorities or embassy.

Taking your family

You won’t be able to get dependant visas for any family members if you’re working on one of the short-term permits. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the visa waiver rules. They can also apply for a temporary residence permit.

There mayare be different rules for taking families if you have a longer-term residence permit. You can apply for permits for your family members, as long as:

• you’ve lived in Cyprus for at least 2 years
• you’re holding a residence permit with a duration of at least 1 year
• you have a reasonable chance of getting the right of permanent residence

Find out about family reunification.

Short and long-term residence and employment permits

You need a temporary residence and employment permit if you’re in Cyprus for up to 6 months because you’re:

• working in oil and gas
• an athlete or coach of individual or team sports
• installing machinery, equipment and operating systems
• an artist
• a journalist

You can extend it if you need to stay longer.

You need a temporary residence and employment permit if you’re in Cyprus because you’re:

• transferring long term from a UK-based company to a branch in Cyprus
• working for a company in Cyprus on a Cypriot contract
• working for a ‘company of foreign interests’
• founding or investing in a company in Cyprus
• conducting scientific research work
• carrying out self-employed work

A temporary residence and employment permit is valid for up to 4 years depending on which one you need.

Short-term work for an oil or gas company

You need a short-term temporary residence and employment permit if you’re working for up to 6 months in the oil and gas sector.

To qualify you must have the relevant education and professional experience.

This permit can take 36 to 48 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 6 months. You can extend it for up to 4 years.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer needs to get approval from the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance to employ you.

2. Your employer submits your residence and employment permit application ( MNSP2 form) to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus.

3. You register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus.

4. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport, valid for at least 9 months
• degree or other qualification certificate approved by the Cypriot authorities
• CV
• medical certificate
• bank guarantee to cover deportation expenses, if needed
• employment contract
• health insurance cover
• police clearance certificate

Working short term in professional sports

To qualify for a short-term work and residence permit as a sports professional you must:

• be registered with a relevant sports association in Cyprus
• have an employment contract with the sports association

This permit can take 12 to 24 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year. You cancannot extend it for up to 4 years.it.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits your residence and employment permit application (MGEN2 form) to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus.

2. You register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus.

3. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport, valid for 2 years
• degree or other qualification certificate
• CV
• bank guarantee to cover deportation expenses, if needed
• certificate of registration with the relevant sports association in Cyprus
• approved employment contract, stamped and sealed by the relevant sports association
• health insurance cover
• copy of the athlete’s health card
• police clearance certificate
• medical certificate
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus

Short-term installation work

You can apply for a short-term work and residence permit if you need to install specialised machinery, equipment or operating systems.

To qualify you must have the relevant education and professional experience.

This permit can take 4 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 3 months and you can’tcannot extend it.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer needs to get approval from the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance to employ you.

2. Your employer submits your residence and employment permit application (MGEN2(MNSP2 form) to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus.

3. You registercan atenter theCyprus localafter police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus.

4. You collect your residence permit onceis approved.issued.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport, valid for the duration of the permit plus 16 yearmonths
• degree or other qualification certificate
• CV
• bank guarantee to cover deportation expenses, if needed
• copy of employer’s passport

Working in the arts

You can apply for a short-term work and residence permit if you’re a creative artist, a performing artist, or someone assisting them.

To qualify youone of the following must apply. You must:

• have the required education and at least 2 years’ professional experience
• have been able to support yourself from your income as a creative artist, performing artist, or their assistant for at least the past 2 years, or years
• be well-established in the UK or internationally, as an individual or part of a group

If you’re in a group most of the members should have been part of the group for at least the past 2 years.

If you’re supporting staff you’ll be allowed to stay in Cyprus for a limited time for specific performances or events. Group and support staff applications should be submitted at the same time as for the artist.

This permit can take 12 to 24 weeks to get. It’s valid for the duration of the performance or event.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You or your employer needs to get approval from the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance to employ you.

2. You or your employer submits your residence and employment permit application (MGEN2 form) to the Civil Registry and Migration Department (MGEN2 form) in Cyprus.

3. You register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus.

4. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport, valid for 2 years
• copy of your employer’s passport, if they’re a person rather than a company
• bank guarantee to cover deportation expenses, if needed
• approval from the Special Administrative Commission of the Employment Department of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, if applicable
• approved employment contract, stamped and sealed by the Cypriot Labour Department, if applicable
• confirmation of registration with the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance
• health insurance cover
• police clearance certificate
• medical certificate
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus

Journalists and correspondents

You can apply for a short-term work and residence permit if you’re a UK-based journalist or media correspondent and wantare assigned to work in Cyprus.

To qualify you must have a journalist identity card or certificate from the UK media company for your assignment in Cyprus.

This permit can take 12 to 24 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 4 years.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits your residence and employment permit application (MNSP2 form) to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus.

2. You register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus.

3. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport, valid for the duration of the permit plus 16 yearmonths
• bank guarantee to cover deportation expenses, if needed
• journalist identity card
• health insurance cover
• medical certificate
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus

Transferring long term from a UK-based company to a branch in Cyprus

You need an intra-corporate transfer (ICT) permit if your UK-based employer moves you to a branch in Cyprus to work for:

• up to 3 years
• 1 year if you are a trainee

To qualify you must:

• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• have the education and professional experience required for the role
• have specialist knowledge in the field
• have worked for the UK company for at least 12 months (or 6 months for trainees)
• keep your UK employment contract
• stay on UK payroll

An ICT permit can take 4 to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 3 years if you’re a manager or specialist.

You can only apply for a new ICT permit once you’ve spent 6 months outside of Cyprus.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits proof of your qualifications to the Department of Labour and proof that the branch in Cyprus and the UK company belong to the same group.

2. Your employer submits your ICT permit application to Cyprus’ Civil Registry.

3. You register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus.

4. You collect your ICT permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of the transfer
• Bachelor’s degree or other qualification certificate approved by the Cypriot authorities
• CV
• UK employment contract, stamped and sealed by the Cypriot Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance
• signed assignment agreement with your employer
• signed employment contract with your UK employer
• organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between the UK company and branch in Cyprus, approved by the Cypriot authorities
• evidence you’ve been employed by your UK employer for at least 12 months
• birth certificates for you and any dependants
• marriage certificate, if applicable
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• health insurance cover for you and any dependants
• police clearance certificate for you and any dependants aged 16 and over (legalised with an apostille)
• medical certificate for you and any dependants
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus

Working for a company in Cyprus on a long-term Cypriot contract

To qualify for a temporary residence and employment permit you must:

• have an employment offer from a company in Cyprus for at least 1 year
• be placed on Cypriot payroll
• meet minimum salary requirements for your role in Cyprus
• have a university degree
• have relevant education and professional experience

The company in Cyprus must:

• be able to show that they have not been able to recruit anyone locally (from Cyprus or the rest of the EU)
• have most of its shares held by Cypriot or EU nationals

This permit can take 12 to 24 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 4 years.

You may be able to extend it for up to 6 years or indefinitely but would need to check with the authorities. This permit type can lead to permanent residency if you meet the criteria.

YouIf won’tyou behave ablea to get dependant visas for any family members.they They may be able to join you forwith upthis topermit 90type daysafter under1 theyear. visaFind waiverout rules.about Theyfamily can also apply for a temporary residence permitreunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer may be asked to carry out a labour market test for 63 weeks – this depends on the sector and salary.

2. Your employer needs to get approval from the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance to employ you.

3. Your employer submits your residence and employment permit application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus.

4. You register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus.

5. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed application formforms
• UK passportpassport, for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years
• bachelor’s degree or other qualification certificate
• CV
• approved employment contract, stamped and sealed by the Cypriot Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance
• marriage certificate, if applicable
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• health insurance cover
• police clearance certificate
• medical certificate
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus

Working long term for a ‘company of foreign interests’

To qualify for a temporary residence and employment permit for ‘employees in a company of foreign interests’ you must:

• have an employment offer from a company in Cyprus with foreign interests
• be placed on a Cypriot payroll
• meet minimum salary requirements for your role
• have a relevant degree levelor education
• have educational and professional experience relevant to the role

The Cypriot company is usually considered to have ‘foreign interests’ if:if one of the following applies:

• theover majority50% of its shares are held by non-EU nationals
• directthe capitalpercentage investmentsof haveforeign beenheld madeshare capital is equal to itor outsidegreater Cyprusthan €200,000

The company will be registered at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

This permit can take 46 to 248 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 23 years. You may be able to extend it forindefinitely, up to 6 years, or indefinitely but you would need to check with the authorities. This permit can lead to permanent residency if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer gets confirmation from the Civil Registry and Migration Department that their company is ‘of foreign interest’.

2. You submit your work and residence permit application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus.

3. You register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus.Cyprus, if you arrived with an entry permit.

4. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years
• degree or other qualification certificate or proof of relevant experience
• CV
• signed employment contract with your employer in Cyprus
• marriage certificate, if applicable
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• health insurance cover for you and any family members
• police clearance certificate for you and any family members
• medical certificate for you and any family members
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus

Founding or investing in a company in Cyprus

You can apply for a Startup Visa if you want to set up, run and develop a start-up company with high growth potential in Cyprus.

There are start-up schemes for individuals and for teams.

To qualify you must:

• be the sole originator or one of the founders of the start-up (there can be a maximum of 5 founders)
• have access to sufficient funds which can include venture capital funding, crowdfunding or other sources
• have a high level of proficiency in Greek or English
• submit a business plan which should confirm that the head office and tax domicile of the company will be in Cyprus
• have an innovative start-up – its research and development costs should represent at least 10% of its operating costs in at least 1 of the 3 years before you apply, as certified by an external auditor

A Startup Visa can take 12 to 24 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for another year. You may qualify for permanent residency if the business is successful.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a Startup Visa application to establish, operate and develop a start-up company in Cyprus to startup.visa@mof.gov.cy.

2. You apply for an entry visa at the Cypriot embassy if applying from the UK, or to the Civil Registry and Migration Department if applying from Cyprus.

3. You register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

4. You collect your permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years
• approved entry visa
• degree or other qualification certificate
• CV
• employment contract, if applicable
• bank guarantee to cover deportation expenses, or a declaration that any repatriation expenses will be covered, if needed
• business plan
• bank statement confirming access to sufficient funds
• recent audited accounts for the past 1 to 3 years if your company is already established in the UK
• birth certificates for you and any dependants
• marriage certificate, if applicable
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• health insurance cover for you and any family members
• police clearance certificate for you and any family members
• medical certificate for you and any family members
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus

Scientific research work

To qualify for an entry permit and residence permit for the purpose of scientific research you must:

• be invited by a research organisation or company in Cyprus to conduct scientific research
• have specialist knowledge in the field
• have a minimum monthly income of €2,000 (for postgraduate/predoctoral researchers) and €2,500 (for postdoctoral researchers) - both amounts increase by €500 per month if the application includes family members

The research permit can take 6 to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for at least 1 year or for the duration of your contract. You may be able to extend it for up to 6 years or indefinitely but would need to check with the authorities. This permit can lead to permanent residency if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits your permit application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus.

2. You register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus.

3. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years
• degree or other qualification certificate
• CV
• signed employment contract or hosting agreement with your employer in Cyprus
• statement from the research organisation or company taking on financial responsibility for you while you’re in Cyprus
• birth certificates for you and any dependants
• marriage certificate, if applicable
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• health insurance cover for you and any dependants
• police clearance certificate for you and any dependants
• medical certificate for you and any dependants
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus

Self-employed work

You need one of the following types of immigration permit for carrying out self-employed work in Cyprus:

• Category A for working in agriculture, cattle or bird breeding, or aquaculture
• Category B for working in the mining industry
• Category C for working in a trade or a profession and meeting capital requirements
• category D for working in a profession that’s in demand in Cyprus

Category A

To qualify for a Category A immigration permit for agriculture, cattle or bird breeding, or fish culture you must have:

• adequate land or a permit to acquire land in Cyprus
• have the required amount of accessible funds

The Category A permit can take 12 to 24 months to get. You’ll automatically get permanent residency. Permanent residency will remain valid for as long as you continue to meet the conditions for which the permit was granted.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a permit application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

2. YouOnce approved, you register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

3. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years
• valid residence permit if already living in Cyprus
• degree or other qualification certificate
• CV
• income tax returns for all the years you’ve been self-employed, if applicable
• statement of social insurance contributions for the previous year, if applicable
• bank account statement confirming you have the required accessible funds
• declaration of income from sources other than employment, such as property rental, investments or pensions
• birth certificates for you and any dependants
• marriage certificate, if applicable
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• health insurance cover
• police clearance certificate
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus, such as rental agreement or property ownership title

Category B

A Category B immigration permit is for self-employed work in the mining industry.

To qualify you must:

• have a permit or licence to work in the mining industry
• have the required amount of accessible funds

The Category B permit can take 12 to 24 months to get. You’ll automatically get permanent residency. Permanent residency will remain valid for as long as you continue to meet the conditions for which the permit was granted.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a permit application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

2. YouOnce approved, you register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

3. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years
• valid residence permit if already living in Cyprus
• degree or other qualification certificate
• CV
• income tax returns for all the years you’ve been self-employed, if applicable
• statement of social insurance contributions for the previous year prior to filing the application, if applicable
• bank account statement confirming you have the required accessible funds
• declaration of income from sources other than employment, such as property rental, investments or pensions
• birth certificates for you and any dependants
• marriage certificate, if applicable
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• health insurance cover
• police clearance certificate
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus, such as a rental agreement or property ownership title

Category C

A Category C immigration permit is for self-employed work in a trade or a profession.

To qualify you must:

• have a relevant permit or licence to work in your trade or profession
• meet capital requirements and have instant access to it

The Category C permit can take 12 to 24 months to get. You’ll automatically get permanent residency. Permanent residency will remain valid for as long as you continue to meet the conditions for which the permit was granted.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a permit application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

2. YouOnce approved, you register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

3. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years
• valid residence permit if already living in Cyprus
• degree or other qualification certificate
• CV
• income tax returns for all years of self-employed work, if applicable
• statement of social insurance contributions for the previous year, if applicable
• bank account statement confirming you have the required accessible funds
• declaration of income from sources other than employment, such as property rental, investments or pensions
• birth certificates for you and any dependants
• marriage certificate, if applicable
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• health insurance cover
• police clearance certificate
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus, such as a rental agreement or property ownership title

Category D

A Category D immigration permit is for self-employed people working in a profession that’s in demand in Cyprus.

To qualify for a category D immigration permit you must have:

• the academic and professional qualifications that are in demand in Cyprus
• access to adequate funds to support yourself and your family and to support your self-employment

The Category D permit can take 12 to 24 months to get. You’ll automatically get permanent residency. Permanent residency will remain valid for as long as you continue to meet the conditions for which the permit was granted.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Cypriot authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a permit application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

2. YouOnce approved, you register at the local police District Office of Aliens and Immigration Unit or the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

3. You collect your residence permit once approved.

Application documents

The Cypriot authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years
• valid residence permit if already living in Cyprus
• degree or other qualification certificate
• CV
• income tax returns for all years, if applicable
• statement of social insurance contributions for the previous year, if applicable
• bank account statement confirming you have the required accessible funds
• declaration of income from sources other than employment, such as property rental, investments or pensions
• birth certificates for you and any dependants
• marriage certificate, if applicable
• evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• health insurance cover
• police clearance certificate
• proof of your accommodation in Cyprus, such as a rental agreement or property ownership title

Cypriot government guidance

Read official Cypriot government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check travel advice for Cyprus, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.