Cyprus
Introduction
The Republic of Cyprus is situated in the eastern Mediterranean sea. It is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is a former British colony. Cyprus joined the European Union in May of 2004.
Living and Working in Cyprus
EU/EEA citizens
While certain formalities must be observed (registering with the Cyprus government, etc), EU/EEA citizens do not require a work permit to start a business or take employment in Cyprus.
If and EU/EEA citizen wishes to stay in Cyprus and take up employment, they must:
- apply within 8 days for an Alien Registration Certificate (ARC) at the local Immigration Branch of the Police, which costs approximately 35 euros.
- apply for a social insurance number upon taking employment in Cyprus
- apply for a residence permit in case the worker intends to stay longer than 3 months. This application must be submitted before the expiration of this 3-month period to the Civil Registration and Migration Department through the local Immigration Branch of the Police. There is a fine for non-compliance.
Residence permits can take up to six months to be issued from the date of the application. While waiting for a residence permit to be issued, EU/EEA citizens may commence employment.
Applicantion forms can be obtained from the Civil Registry and Migration Department, Ministry of Interior and from the local Immigration Branch of the Police.
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Work Permits
Third country citizens wishing to live and work in Cyprus are required to have a work permit, applied for by the Cyprus-based employer, or come to Cyprus as a self-employed person such as an entrepreneur (see Residence Permits below).
As with many other EU member states, in the case of work permits, the employer must show that an eligible Cypriot or EU/EEA citizen could not be found to fill the job vacancy.
All foreigners working in Cyprus are required to contribute to the social security system.
An interesting note is that non-EU/EEA citizens who are married to citizens of Cyprus have no special rights in this regard and must apply for residence and work permits under the same requirements as other non-EU/EEA nationals.
For permanent employment, a Category E residence permit must be applied for (see below).
Residence Permits
Cyprus has six different categories of residence permits, otherwise known as Immigration Permits:
Category A
People who intend to be self employed in agriculture, cattle breeding, bird breeding or fish culture in Cyprus, provided they own adequate land or a permit to acquire adequate land, they have capital of CY £250,000 (approximately USD $625,000) and the work will not negatively affect the economy of Cyprus.
Category B
People who intend to be self employed in mining enterprises in Cyprus, provided that they have a relative permit for such activities, that they have capital of CY £200,000 (approximately USD $500,000) and the work will not negatively affect the economy of Cyprus.
Category C
People who intend to be self employed in a trade or profession in Cyprus, provided that they have a relative permit for their activities, that they have capital of CY £150,000 (approximately USD $373,000) and the work will not negatively affect the economy of Cyprus.
Category D
People who intend to be self employed in a scientific profession in Cyprus, provided that they have the required academic or professional qualifications demanded in Cyprus. Possession of adequate funds is also necessary, though not specifically specified.
Category E
People who have been offered permanent employment in Cyprus, which will not create undue local competition.
Category F
Persons who have a secured annual income which is enough to give them a decent living in Cyprus without having to engage in any business, trade or profession. The annual income required should be at least CY £5,600 (approximately USD $14,000) for a single applicant and and at least an additional CY £2,700 (approximately USD $6800) for every dependent person. However, the Immigration Control Board may demand additional amounts as necessary. Most applicants come under Category F, the majority being pensioners or retired persons.
Applications
Application must be submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) directly or through the District Aliens and Immigration Branches of the Police (DAIBP). The application should be submitted along with the appropriate documents required by each Category.
Applicants who are not in Cyprus may submit an application directly to the CRMD or the DAIBP in Cyprus or through the local Consular Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus. The applications will be examined by the Immigration Control Board which submits its assessment to the Minister of the Interior where a decision will be made.
Further Information
Work permits and residence permits