Residency & Visas
Your Guide to Cyprus Visas & Residency Permits (for EU & Non-EU)
One of the first and most important steps in your relocation journey is securing the legal right to live in Cyprus. The path you take depends entirely on your nationality and your purpose for staying. This CyExpats.com guide breaks down the main residency options for both EU and non-EU citizens to help you understand the requirements.
The Golden Rule
Regardless of the route, you must apply for residency within the first few months of your arrival. For EU citizens, this is within 4 months. For non-EU citizens on a long-stay visa, it's typically within 7 days. Do not delay this process.
Cyprus Residency Pathways at a Glance
Permit Type | EU Citizen (Yellow Slip) | Non-EU Visitor (Pink Slip) | Digital Nomad Visa | Permanent Resident (Investor) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Who is it for? | EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying over 90 days. | Non-EU nationals wishing to reside in Cyprus for over 90 days without working (e.g., retirees, financially independent persons). | Non-EU nationals working remotely for companies outside Cyprus. | Non-EU investors making a significant financial contribution to the Cypriot economy. |
Right to Work? | Yes, full rights to work or be self-employed. | No right to work. | No, you can only work for employers or clients based outside Cyprus. | No, not based on the investment. You can be a Director in the company you've invested in. |
Key Requirement | Proof of employment, self-employment, or sufficient funds & health insurance. | Proof of adequate annual income from abroad (e.g., €24,000+) and a Cypriot bank account. | Proof of stable monthly income of at least €3,500 after tax. | Minimum investment of €300,000 in real estate, company shares, or funds. |
Validity | Indefinite (does not expire). | 1 year, renewable annually. | 1 year, renewable for up to two more years. | Permanent (for life). |
Application Form | MEU1 | MVIS6 | (Specific Digital Nomad Form) | MIP1 |
Detailed Breakdown of Each Permit
1. For EU Citizens: The "Yellow Slip" (MEU1)
This is a straightforward registration process for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals. You must apply at your local district's Immigration Unit within four months of arrival. You'll need your passport/ID, a stamped rental agreement, proof of your status (e.g., employment contract for workers, or proof of sufficient funds and health insurance for those not working), and a fee of €20. The permit itself does not expire.
2. For Non-EU Visitors: The "Pink Slip" (Temporary Residence)
This is the most common permit for non-EU retirees or other financially independent individuals who do not intend to work in Cyprus. The key is proving you can support yourself with funds from abroad.
- Main requirements: Proof of an annual income of at least €24,000 (this increases by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child), a Cyprus bank account, a one-year rental agreement, and private health insurance.
- Process: You must submit the application (Form MVIS6) in person at the local Immigration Unit. A bank guarantee may also be required depending on your nationality. The permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
- Note (2025 Update): The processing time for the first permit is approximately 6 months.
💡 Can You Afford to Retire or Live Here?
Assessing your finances is crucial for the Pink Slip. Use our tools to see if your income is sufficient for the lifestyle you want.
3. For Remote Workers: The Digital Nomad Visa
Cyprus actively encourages remote workers. This visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Cyprus while working for employers or clients located abroad.
- Main requirements: Proof of a stable net monthly income of at least €3,500, a clean criminal record, and health insurance.
- Process: Applications are submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia. The initial permit is for one year and can be renewed twice for a total stay of three years. Family members can join but cannot work locally.
4. For Investors: Permanent Residency by Investment
This is a fast-track route to a lifetime permanent residency permit for non-EU nationals who make a significant investment in the country.
- Main requirements: A minimum investment of €300,000 (+VAT) in one of several categories: new residential property, commercial real estate, shares in a Cyprus company with a physical presence and employees, or units in a Cypriot Investment Fund (AIF). Applicants must also prove a secure annual income from abroad of at least €50,000.
- Process: This is a more complex application (Form MIP1) submitted directly to the CRMD in Nicosia, almost always handled by a lawyer. The processing time is approximately 2-3 months. The permit is permanent but requires the holder to visit Cyprus at least once every two years.
🧮 Calculate Your Investment Costs
If you're considering the real estate investment route, it's crucial to understand all the associated costs, not just the purchase price.
Official Resources
Note: The links provided are the most current official resources as of 2025. However, please verify their accessibility and content directly on the government websites.