Immigration & Visas· FIC & Residency

Cyprus Work Permits
& Residency

Moving to Cyprus — or bringing your team? We handle the full immigration process: work permits, residency applications, Pink Slip, and family reunification — so you can focus on building your business.

Permit Types

Which Permit Do You Need?

Cyprus offers several immigration routes depending on your situation. We assess your case and recommend the right path.

FIC Work Permit

Foreign Interest Company

The most common route for non-EU nationals employed by a Foreign Interest Company in Cyprus. Requires the company to meet FIC criteria and the employee to hold a qualifying role and salary.

Timeline: 4–8 weeks
Who: Non-EU employees of qualifying Cyprus companies

Pink Slip (Category F)

Temporary Residence Permit

For non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Cyprus without working locally — typically founders living off savings or income from overseas. Requires proof of sufficient funds and health insurance.

Timeline: 4–6 weeks
Who: Non-EU nationals with sufficient own funds

Cyprus Permanent Residency

Long-Term Residency

Permanent residency through the standard route (5 years of lawful residence) or the fast-track investment route (qualifying property purchase of €300,000+). Includes right to remain indefinitely.

Timeline: 2–6 months
Who: Long-term residents or qualifying investors

EU Long-Term Residence

After 5 Years

EU long-term residence status available to non-EU nationals who have legally resided in Cyprus for 5+ consecutive years. Provides enhanced rights and simplified renewal.

Timeline: 3–4 months
Who: Non-EU nationals with 5+ years legal residence

Digital Nomad Visa

Remote Workers

Cyprus offers a Digital Nomad Visa for non-EU nationals who work remotely for employers or clients outside Cyprus. Valid for 1 year, renewable. Income threshold applies.

Timeline: 4–6 weeks
Who: Remote workers employed outside Cyprus

Dependent Family Members

Spouse & Children

Spouses and dependent children of permit holders can apply for their own residency permits, allowing the whole family to relocate to Cyprus legally.

Timeline: Concurrent with main application
Who: Family members of permit holders
What's Included

Full Immigration Support

We manage the entire process — not just the paperwork.

  • Initial immigration assessment
  • Permit type recommendation
  • Document checklist and preparation guidance
  • Application form completion
  • Submission to Civil Registry and Migration Department
  • Coordination with immigration authorities
  • Status tracking and updates
  • Renewal reminders and support
  • Dependent family member applications
  • Coordination with FIC work permit requirements

ICPAC Regulated

Our advisory operates to full ICPAC professional standards. Immigration advice is coordinated with our legal and accounting teams for a joined-up approach.

Important Notice

Immigration rules, eligibility criteria, and processing times change regularly. All information on this page is for general guidance only. We always assess your specific situation before advising on the correct permit route.

Typical Timeline

Most permit applications take 4–8 weeks from submission. We start the process immediately and keep you updated at every stage.

FAQs

Common Questions

Do I need a work permit to work in Cyprus as a non-EU national?

Yes. Non-EU/EEA nationals require a work permit to be employed in Cyprus. The most common route for international business employees is the Foreign Interest Company (FIC) work permit, which requires the employer to qualify as a Foreign Interest Company and the role to meet salary and qualification criteria.

What is a Foreign Interest Company (FIC)?

A Foreign Interest Company is a Cyprus-registered company where the majority of share capital is held by non-EU nationals. FIC status allows the company to employ non-EU staff under the FIC work permit scheme, which is faster and more accessible than standard work permit routes.

Can I live in Cyprus without working there?

Yes. The Pink Slip (Category F temporary residence) allows non-EU nationals to reside in Cyprus without working locally. You must demonstrate sufficient funds (typically €10,000–15,000+ per year per applicant), valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

How long does a Cyprus work permit take?

FIC work permits typically take 4–8 weeks from submission of a complete application. The Civil Registry and Migration Department processes applications, and timelines can vary. We manage the process and chase updates on your behalf.

Can my family relocate with me to Cyprus?

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can apply for dependent residence permits alongside the main applicant. We handle family applications concurrently to minimise delays.

Do you handle the full application process?

Yes. We prepare the full application, compile the required documents, submit on your behalf, and track progress with the authorities. We do not just advise — we manage the process end to end.

Ready to Start Your Application?

Book a free consultation. We'll assess your situation, confirm the right permit type, and start your application immediately.

Book Immigration Consultation