Work permits and visas in Cyprus: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Cyprus? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work permit rules.

Understanding which type of visa applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Cyprus. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of Cyprus work visas and residence permits, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work visa in Cyprus?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Cyprus, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s visa and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Cyprus

Who needs a Cyprus work visa?

The following groups of people do not need a work visa:

• Cypriot citizens (even if they currently live abroad)
• Permanent residents
• Citizens of European Union (EU) countries
• Citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries

Note that EU and EEA workers must still obtain a registration certificate (i.e., the “yellow slip”) within three months of entering Cyprus.

All non-EU citizens and other third-country nationals require a work visa and a residence permit, although some categories of special workers may be exempt.

Note that Remote’s Relocation service can help advise on whether your employee is eligible to work in Cyprus, and provide tailored guidance on visa and immigration requirements. Learn more.

Types of work visas in Cyprus

Cyprus offers several types of work visa, including:

Long stay visa (Type D)

The long stay (Type D) visa (sometimes referred to as the Cyprus work visa) allows non-EU/EEA nationals to remain in Cyprus for periods longer than 90 days. For employers, this visa is particularly relevant when hiring international employees who will be based in Cyprus for medium- to long-term assignments.

To obtain a Type D visa for employment, the role must meet Cyprus’s eligibility criteria and, in most cases, the employer must secure prior approval from the Cyprus Department of Labour. Once granted, the visa enables the employee to enter Cyprus and apply for a temporary residence permit (often referred to as a “pink slip”) through the Civil Registry and Migration Department, which formalises their right to live and work in the country.

The visa can be issued for up to one year and is renewable, provided the employment relationship continues and all compliance requirements are met. As the employer, you are responsible for ensuring your sponsored employees maintain valid status, keep appropriate records, and comply with Cypriot labour and immigration rules.

Unlike short-stay visas, the Type D visa provides a pathway for longer-term residence and, over time, may contribute towards eligibility for permanent residency.

EU Blue Card

Cyprus also takes part in the EU Blue Card scheme. This a residence permit that enables highly skilled professionals from outside the EU to live and work in most of the 27 EU member states. 

The EU Blue Card is a valid Cypriot work permit, and holders can live and work in Spain without requiring additional visas or work permits.

However, the requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card are strict. Learn more about EU Blue Cards.

Does Cyprus offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Cyprus offers a digital nomad visa to attract remote professionals, allowing your employee to live in Cyprus while working remotely for your company (provided you do not have an entity or clients in Cyprus).

It offers up to one year of legal residence, with the option to renew for an additional two years (allowing a total stay of three years).

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be non-EU citizens.
• Work remotely (either as an employee of a non‑Cypriot company, or as a self‑employed professional serving clients abroad). 
• Demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least €3,500 net (more, if your employee is bringing their family).
• Provide supporting documentation with their application form, including health insurance, proof of accommodation, and a police clearance certificate (incidating a clean criminal record).

The application process typically takes around five to seven weeks. 

It’s also important to note that if your employee stays in Cyprus for 183 days or more (in a calendar year) they will become a Cyprus tax resident and may qualify for beneficial tax treatment.

See also: How do digital nomad visas work in Cyprus and the rest of Europe?

What about the Schengen Visa?

Cyprus is not yet part of the Schengen Area, although it will join in 2026.

Even so, the Schengen Visa is simply a travel authorization (or entry permit) for those who wish to stay in a Schengen Area member state for up to 90 days (within a 180-day period). It is not an immigration permit or a Cyprus work permit and, by itself, it does not give holders legal permission to work in any Schengen Area member state.

What are the visa requirements in Cyprus?

Generally, there are no formal or specific eligibility requirements for work visas. However, before applying, applicants generally need to gather the following:

• A valid passport and a completed application form 
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay 
• A medical certificate and a police clearance certificate
• Health insurance documentation
• An employment contract 
• Payment of the application fee

Sometimes a bank guarantee or proof of accommodation may also be required.

What is the application process for a Cyprus work visa?

While the visa itself is applied for by the individual, employers play a key role in securing the approvals that make the visa possible.

As part of the application process, here’s what you need to do:

1. Secure Department of Labour approval

Before a Type D visa can be issued for employment, you must obtain a work permit approval from the Cyprus Department of Labour. This involves:

• Submitting an application package with the employment contract, details of the role, and proof that no suitably qualified Cypriot or EU candidate is available.
• Providing supporting business documents (e.g., company registration and tax compliance certificates).
• Paying any relevant fees.

This step is essential, as the Department of Labour must confirm the role is eligible and aligned with Cyprus’s labour market rules.

2. Provide supporting documents to your employee

Once approval is granted, you need to provide your employee with:

• The signed employment contract (stamped/endorsed by the Labour Department).
• The official approval letter or permit confirmation.
• Any other required company documentation for the visa application.

These documents allow the employee to apply for a Type D entry visa at the Cypriot consulate or embassy in their home country.

3. Apply for the Type D visa

Your employee must submit the application form themselves with all required documents, including company documents and personal items like proof of funds (bank statements), medical certificates, health insurance certificates, and police clearance certificates.

This is usually done at the Cypriot embassy or consulate in the employee's country, as they will likely also need to provide biometric data.

Once approved, the visa issued is typically valid for entry into Cyprus and short-term residence (up to one year).

4. Arrive in Cyprus and apply for a “pink slip”

Within seven days of arriving in Cyprus, your employee must register with the Civil Registry and Migration Department and apply for a Temporary Residence and Work Permit (i.e., the pink slip). As the employer, you usually assist here by:

• Ensuring the employee’s contract and job details match the Department of Labour approval.
• Providing accommodation proof or confirmation of living arrangements to the Civil Registry and Migration Department (if applicable).
• Keeping copies of all supporting documentation for compliance.

Your employee will also need to register with the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance in order to make social contributions and receive access to healthcare and public services.

5. Maintain your responsibilities

Once your employee has begun living and working in Cyprus, you must continue to:

• Maintain records of the employee’s visa and permit status.
• Renew or extend permits before they expire if employment continues.
• Report any changes (such as termination, role changes, or early departures) to the immigration authorities.

Failure to comply can expose businesses to penalties, so maintaining a structured HR and compliance process is critical.

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Cyprus, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s employer of record (EOR) service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Cyprus on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Cyprus, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on long-term residence permits and work permits.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.