If your company is exploring opportunities for international growth, you might consider Cyprus for a variety of reasons. This Mediterranean island nation has one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union. However, any employees who plan to move to Cyprus to make this transition with your company will need to obtain the necessary visas and work permits beforehand.
Types of Work Visas in Cyprus
Like any other country, Cyprus has a variety of visas available to foreign nationals who plan to travel within its borders, and one of them is a work visa. The work visa allows foreigners to enter Cyprus to live and work there. However, it’s important to note that the work visa itself does not allow foreign nationals to seek employment in Cyprus. The visa only grants entry into the country.
Foreign employees will require three separate documents if they plan to relocate to Cyprus to work for your company. They’ll need to apply for:
- A Cyprus work permit, which gives the holder authorization to work in Cyprus
- A work visa, which allows the holder to travel to Cyprus to work
- A residence visa, which is necessary for any foreign national who plans to live in Cyprus for more than 90 days
Requirements to Obtain Cyprus Work Visas
To obtain a work permit, applicants will need to provide the following documents:
- Application forms completed by the employer
- A valid passport
- An employment contract with a company based in Cyprus
- The employer’s tax clearance certificate
- A criminal background check from the applicant’s country of residence
- Medical certificates showing that the applicant is in good health
- Payment of the application fee
The requirements for a Cyprus work visa include:
- A valid passport
- A completed application
- Medical and police clearance certificates
- Proof of travel health insurance
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- An employment contract with a company in Cyprus, sealed by the Department of Labor
Application Process
Foreign employees who plan to move to Cyprus will need a work permit first and foremost, and it’s the employer’s responsibility to apply for this permit on the worker’s behalf. The employer will need to prove that there are no eligible job seekers in Cyprus who could fill the position. They’ll also need to get a letter of recommendation from the Department of Labor. After acquiring the necessary letter, the employer should apply for the permit at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
After obtaining the work permit, the employee should visit the embassy or consulate in their country of residence to apply for a work visa. The applicant can travel to Cyprus as soon as the relevant officials issue the visa.
An international employee will need to apply for a residence permit within one week of arriving in Cyprus. To do so, they should visit the local police department or the Central Offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department. Applicants will need to provide a signature and biometric data.
As of January 2023, first-time applicants must also submit proof of income, earning at least EUR 2,000 per month. This requirement increases for spouses and children. For workers renewing their residence permits, they must submit one year of bank statements showing remittances totaling at least EUR 24,000. Additionally, their bank balance should be at least EUR 6,000.
After obtaining all three of these documents, the employee can legally live and work in Cyprus.
Other Important Considerations
Cyprus is a member state of the European Union (EU). As a result, citizens of EU member states and countries that exist within the European Economic Area (EEA) do not face visa requirements when they travel to the country, as they are exempt. That said, foreign employees from these countries will still need to register their stay in Cyprus with the appropriate authorities.
Partner With G-P
Don’t let borders be boundaries as your business grows. At G-P, we make international expansion fast and easy, and we can help your company onboard employees in more than 185 countries around the world. Contact us today to learn more about the advantages of our comprehensive solution for global employment.