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5 programs for Cyprus. Explore the options and get an expert assessment.
Cyprus's flagship national route for hiring highly skilled third-country staff. Companies with significant foreign ownership or investment can register with the Business Support Centre and then employ third-country Directors and Key Personnel under a streamlined permit process, without a labour-market test.
A temporary residence route for non-EU nationals who work remotely for employers or clients based outside Cyprus. The scheme operates under an annual cap and requires proof of stable foreign-sourced income.
Cyprus's implementation of the EU Blue Card for highly qualified non-EU professionals, launched in July 2025. It currently applies to designated sectors (ICT, pharmacy for research, and maritime) and carries an officially set minimum salary.
The standard combined residence-and-employment permit for non-EU workers hired outside the specialist routes. Most applications require a prior labour-market test through the Department of Labour unless the salary exceeds the stated exemption level.
A temporary residence permit for non-EU researchers carrying out research in Cyprus under a hosting agreement with a research organisation approved by the Research and Innovation Foundation. Researchers may stay up to 12 months after the work to seek employment or start a business.
Cyprus launched its EU Blue Card in July 2025 for highly qualified non-EU professionals in designated sectors — ICT, pharmacy for research, and maritime — backed by an officially set minimum salary. It suits degree-holders with a qualifying job offer in those fields.
Cyprus's Digital Nomad Visa is for non-EU nationals who work remotely for employers or clients based outside Cyprus. It operates under an annual cap and requires proof of stable foreign-sourced income of at least EUR 3,500 net per month.
The Researcher Residence Permit is for non-EU researchers carrying out research in Cyprus under a hosting agreement with an approved research organisation. Researchers may stay up to 12 months afterwards to seek work or start a business.
The General Employment (Single) Permit is the standard combined residence-and-employment permit for non-EU workers hired outside the specialist routes. Most applications need a labour-market test unless the salary exceeds the stated exemption level.
It does not grant citizenship directly, but living in Cyprus on the status can build toward eligibility for naturalisation over time, subject to separate residence and language conditions.
No. Cyprus terminated its citizenship-by-investment programme in 2020. Investment routes now lead to residence, not a Cypriot passport.
The Immigration Permit under Category F is a permanent permit for financially independent non-EU nationals — often retirees — who can support themselves from foreign income and do not intend to work or run a business in Cyprus. No minimum property investment applies, but processing is currently very slow.
The Student Residence Permit is for non-EU nationals accepted onto a recognised educational programme in Cyprus. Graduates may apply to stay for up to 12 months to look for work or set up a business matching their level of study.
Take the assessment or ask Acey, our immigration assistant.
Work abroad — Cyprus