Working in Cyprus
With the changes in the laws recently in Cyprus, we can now assist you to set up a local business, an off shore business, purchase a franchise or just to work. Please go to the
Start a business section for further information on these services.
Residence Permit
The Cypriot regulations regarding visas depend on the nationality of the visitor. For example, due to major disagreements betweent the Greek and cypriot governments, those with passports endorsed by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will find themselves subject to restricted entry.
A valid passport without visa will provide a stay of up to 90 days or three months for all bona fide visitors. There will be changes to these regulations now Cyprus is a member of the European Union. Check first!
Travellers arriving in Cyprus may enter only through the legal ports of entry, Larnaca Port or Airport, Limassol Port and Paphos Airport or Port. In order to remain in Cyprus for longer than 90 days, an application must be made for a Temporary Residence Permit, which is similar to most E.U. states.
Getting married in cyprus requires authorisation from the Britsh consul. This generally entails the consul performing a background check to ascertain validity of marital status.
People wishing to retire in Cyprus must make an application to the Chief Immigration Officer in Nicosia for an Immigration Permit. Under the current legislation, a short Curriculum Vitae is required along with documentary evidence that access is available to a secured annual income such as a pension or dividends from investments. This annual income must be at least CYP5600 per person plus CYP2800 per dependent. Once the immigration permit is approved a retired person is not allowed to engage in any form of business profession or occupation, whether paid or unpaid whilst residing in Cyprus.
Those coming to live and work will need to obtain Residency if they are not holders of Cypriot passports. However, the regulations about starting or owning a business in Cyprus have now been relaxed and you can have a local company without the requirement for a Cypriot partner. Our associated Lawyer can assist with all the necessary documentation and finding of business and franchises. Please go the the business section for further information. The address for Immigration is Migration Department, Ministry of the Interior, 1457 Nicosia. Tel; +357 22 804502. E-mail
The policy on employment is relaxed for European Union nationals only. You do not require a work permit but must have a social insurance number from the labour office. This is quite easy to obtain, just visit the relevant office for your town of residence. You must also apply for residency at the immigration office in your area again an easy thing to do once you have got through the queue!
For non European Union nationals other regulations apply, please check with either the Cyprus Embassy in your country or the Cyprus Government directly.
Offshore employees coming to Cyprus have different legislation. Executive and Managers must apply for a Temporary Residence and Employment Permit through the Central Bank of Cyprus with a form obtained from their lawyer or accountant. Permits are granted quite readily in these instances. Non Executive staff however, must apply through their relevant District labour Office and often permits are only granted if there are no qualified Cypriots available.
All information was as far as we are aware, correct at time of print. we are not respnsible for any out of date or incorrect information. Ideally you should check everthing first with the correct Cyprus goverment body.