Savva & Associates can assist newcomers to Cyprus with the entire immigration process. We have also established durable business relations with leading Cyprus banks, business consultancy firms, international law firms and property developers, thus we are well positioned to assist you with all aspects of your relocation to Cyprus.
We are happy to set up a personal consultation appointment to discuss your various immigration options and let you know how we can assist.
Short-stay visas including multiply entry visas
If the purpose of your travel to Cyprus is non-immigration related (i.e. vacation, business) and your stay will be less than 3 months, you must apply for a short-stay visa. This visa will allow you to enter Cyprus several times but can also be issued for single entry as well.
If you are frequently visiting Cyprus, for example due to business purposes, you can obtain a multiple entry visa for one year, although your total visits cannot exceed 90 days starting from your first visit during the period of each half year.
Visas for Non EU citizens Purchasing Property in Cyprus
Buying a Home in Cyprus is now the Key to EU Residency
In July of 2009 the Department of Interior of Cyprus adopted a new law regarding immigration. The law allows non-EU citizens, who legally purchase property in Cyprus of a value exceeding €300,000, to be entitled to apply for and receive an immigration permit. An immigration permit is the equivalent to a permanent residence permit in Cyprus.
The new law will reduce time consuming immigration procedures and is expected to encourage non-EU nationals to purchase property in Cyprus.
Click to see letter from department of the interior
As a result you can now obtain Permanent Residency in an EU country when you buy your dream home in Cyprus.
Quite simply, this means you will be able to enjoy the same advantages as everyone else in Cyprus without having to apply for any permits or renewals.
Immigration Permits
Temporary Residence Permit (“Pink Slip”)
For non-EU citizens who come to Cyprus for long-term purposes should obtain special temporary permits, commonly referred to as a “Pink Slip”. This type of permit can be issued for a period of 1 to 4 years (with a limitation of absence period not more than 4 months). A “Pink Slip” could be issued for the period of 1-2 years at first application and will be easily extended for a further 1-2 year period.
“Pink Slip” – Visitor Visa
Each non-EU citizen who is a real estate owner in Cyprus automatically obtains “Pink Slip – Visitor” status, although employment is prohibited for persons with such status.
“Pink Slip” - Student Visa
Each student who takes a long-term course at a Cyprus educational institution must obtain permission for long stay. Students from non-EU countries can be issued visas by an Embassy / Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus in the student’s home country or by the Migration Department of Cyprus. International students must report to their educational institution immediately upon arrival to register and complete other formalities required for obtaining further temporary resident permit.
Documents required for Pink Slip application:
- Copy of sale agreement or rental agreement or title deed;
- Proof of funds deposited in a personal bank;
- Passport(s) copy (plus copy of first page and last entry stamp);
- Pension certificates + translation + copy (if any) and any other source of income such as interest, rental income, other investments. Applicant must evidence steady and regular income, adequate for the maintenance of the applicant and his/her family from external sources;
- Bank guarantee for 24 months €515;
- Marriage certificate + translation with apostille (Russians exempted);
- Birth certificate for children + translation with apostille (Russians exempted);
- 4 photos for first issue (1 photo for renewal);
- Medical Insurance which is automatically renewable.
Immigration Permit/ Residence visas
Non-EU aliens could apply for immigration permits if they are qualified for the Categories as listed below under the 5th Regulation of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations of Cyprus:
Categories A – E: Under these categories could include persons who intend to work as a self-employed in various spheres (inclusive of agriculture, trade, science etc) in Cyprus. The applicant should demonstrate at his\her disposal capital of approximately €350,000 (depending upon Category). Such employment should not compete with local employees and negatively affect the economy of the Republic of Cyprus.
Category F: This category is of great interest to people with high income, overseas immovable property owners and pensioners with sufficient income to sustain a living in Cyprus.
An alien can qualify under this category, along with his\her dependents, who:
- Has at his/her disposal a secured annual income sufficient to cover living expenses for him/his and dependents in Cyprus without conducting any business, trade or profession in the country.
- Can demonstrate additional sums at his\her disposal if the Immigration Control Board considers it necessary.
This is the only category where a permit can be obtained by all family members simultaneously.
Permanent Resident Permit for non-EU citizens
Citizens of third countries (non-EU and non- EEA) may apply for a permanent Resident Permit upon at least 5 years of legal stay in Cyprus and having Temporary Resident Permit for the entire preceding period.
Resident Permit for non-EU family members
Non-EU family members, such as a spouse and unmarried children under 18 years old, of EU and EEA citizens residing in Cyprus can obtain a Resident Permit as a family member upon providing documentary evidence of family relationship (e.g. birth certificates). Such documents will be specified by the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior.
The Registration Certificate issued to a non-EU family member is valid for two years.
Permanent Residence Permit for non-EU citizen- family members
Non-EU family members may also apply for a Permanent Residence Card.
Permanent Residence Card for non-EU family members is valid for 10 years and can be extended.
Cypriot Citizenship
Cypriot Citizenship can be obtained by birth, registration or naturalization.
Registration as a result of marriage: After completing 3 years of marriage with a Cypriot spouse, an alien can apply for Cypriot Citizenship providing all supporting documents as required.
Acquisition of Cyprus Citizenship by Naturalization: To apply for naturalization and become a Cypriot citizen an alien should have Permanent Resident status and reside in Cyprus at least 7 years out of the last 8 years prior to his/her application. He/she should submit all documentary evidences as required and demonstrate the basic knowledge of Greek at the interview. The absence period during the whole residing period should not exceed more that 10 months in aggregate.
It should be noted however that during the final year prior to citizenship application an alien is permitted to be out of the country not more than 2 weeks.
The procedure of Naturalization could take 1.5 to 2 years.
Contact Savva & Associates if you are relocating to Cyprus
There are important obligatory requirements that all applicants must adhere to. Please contact our staff to set up a no obligations consultation meeting or telephone call.
