Visas for Cyprus

You should be aware of the political situation in the country when applying for a visa for Cyprus. The internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus does not recognise the secessionist north, and consequently, its visa rules only apply to the south of the island. It also views all ports of entry in the Turkish-occupied north, including the airports, as illegal and advises that valid visa holders enter Cyprus through the south to avoid any problems.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cyprus, the legal points of entry into the country are the airports of Larnaca and Paphos and the ports of Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Latsi.

Tourist visas for Cyprus

Cyprus has visa agreements with several countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, allowing nationals of these countries visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. EU citizens can also enter Cyprus without a visa. Residents from non-EU countries such as South Africa and India require a visa for Cyprus.

Those applying for tourist visas, also known as short-stay visas, must be able to show access to sufficient funds for their stay and present proof of a round-trip ticket. If the purpose of the visit is to see family and friends, you must also submit a letter of invitation.

Regular short-stay visas allow entry to the country for up to 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entries in a 180-day period. Multiple-entry short-stay visas are valid for one to five years but also only allow a 90-day stay in a 180-day period.

Business visitor visas for Cyprus

Although you will require a recent employer’s letter attesting to your salary, business visas have similar requirements to standard tourist visas. If you’re self-employed, you can provide a solicitor’s, accountant’s or bank manager’s letter. If travelling on a business trip, applicants must produce an official letter of invitation from the company in Cyprus.

Residence and work permits for Cyprus

While visas allow expats into the country, they must apply for a long-term residence permit to stay for an extended period. The Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) administers residence and immigration permits in Cyprus.

Immigration permits for Cyprus

According to legislation, there are exclusions on who can apply for an immigration permit. The Immigration Control Board determines the success of an application. These are the three categories most popular among immigration permit applicants:

• individuals who have enough money at their disposal to allow a decent living without having to work (this is the most popular category and includes pensioners and retirees)
• individuals who have been offered permanent employment that won’t create undue local competition
• individuals who intend to be self-employed and have the relevant permits and adequate funds at their disposal.

Residence and work permits for Cyprus

The two-in-one Temporary Residence and Employment Permit for Cyprus is generally submitted by an employer to the Civil Registry and Migration Department via their local District Aliens and Immigration Branch of the Police.

In addition, the Ministry of Employment and Social Insurance has to certify the employment contract and prove that no Cypriots or EU citizens are available or qualified to fill the post before recommending that a third-country national be employed.

Useful links

• The Civil Registry and Migration Department
• District Aliens and Immigration Branch of the Police

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.