Digital Nomad Visa Cyprus in 2024. A complete guide.

Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa

The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa (or Digital Nomad Visa Scheme) was approved in 2021 to establish the country as a hub for electronic service provision.

The scheme aims to boost the economic development of Cyprus, attracting digital nomads worldwide to live and work in the country.

The non-EU/EEA nationals can temporarily reside and work in Cyprus with this visa scheme, but they can only independently work for persons located outside of Cyprus.

Cyprus is ideal for digital nomads, not only due to its beautiful scenery and calm pace of life. The country is fast becoming a technology hub and has an attractive taxation system.

This complete guide to Digital Nomad Visa Cyprus will cover the following topics:

Table of contents

Does Cyprus have a digital nomad visa?
Who can benefit from the digital nomad visa?
The benefits of a digital nomad visa in Cyprus
Who is eligible to apply for a digital nomad visa?
Can family members apply for a digital nomad visa?
How do I apply for a digital nomad visa?
The required documents to apply
Digital nomad visa Cyprus fees
How much tax will I pay as a digital nomad?
Benefits of living in Cyprus
Digital Nomad Visa Cyprus FAQ
Immigration medical insurance

Does Cyprus have a digital nomad visa?

The Council of Ministers in Cyprus approved “The Digital Nomad Visa Scheme” on October 15th, 2021.

When it launched in October, Cyprus announced 100 digital nomad visas (or residence permits) would be issued, which increased to 500 in March 2022.

The digital nomad visa Cyprus allows non-EU/EEA citizens to work remotely for any foreign employer based outside of Cyprus.

Who can benefit from the digital nomad visa?

The digital nomad scheme allows non-EU/EEA nationals to reside temporarily in Cyprus to work as “digital nomads.”

Now, the question we must ask is, what qualifies as a digital nomad? A digital nomad is someone who can carry out their work remotely using telecommunications technology.

Thus, the digital nomad can work for employers, businesses, or clients located abroad while living in Cyprus.

The scheme’s introduction is part of the “Strategy for Attracting Businesses for Activities or/and Expansion of their Activities” in Cyprus.

The visa scheme is cheaper than other countries offering digital nomad visas. It’s an affordable visa, which is just one of the benefits of working as a digital nomad in Cyprus.

The benefits of a digital nomad visa in Cyprus

As a digital nomad working in Cyprus, you will enjoy many benefits:

Individuals that are granted a digital nomad residence permit will benefit from the following:

Residency rights in Cyprus for one year.
The possibility of residency renewal for a further two years.
Family members get residency rights (without the right to be employed or work in the country) for the same length of stay as the digital nomad.
Free from tax charges until the 183rd day of stay. After this time, they are considered tax residents of Cyprus (if they are not tax residents elsewhere).
Cyprus is one of the safest countries to live in the EU, with one of the lowest crime rates.
Cyprus has low costs of living compared with countries that have a similar quality of life.

Who is eligible to apply for a digital nomad visa?

You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a digital nomad visa:

You are a foreign national (non-EU/EEA citizen) who would like to reside in Cyprus.
You must work remotely for an employer registered outside of Cyprus or offer services to clients abroad as a self-employed person.
You will work by using internet services and telecommunications technology.
You have a minimum of €3,500 income per month (after contributions and taxes).

Can family members apply for a digital nomad visa?

Yes, family members can apply for a temporary visa and reside in Cyprus for as long as the digital nomad resides in Cyprus.

However, they cannot perform any economic activity in Cyprus and do not have the right to work in the country.

Eligible family members:

Underage children under the age of 18.
The partner/spouse of the digital nomad.

Note: Family members must also obtain a permit following the procedure outlined below.

How do I apply for a digital nomad visa?

To begin the digital nomad visa application process, you must first apply at the Cypriot embassy in your home country.

Individuals interested in applying for the digital nomad visa may need to enter Cyprus with a tourist visa. See our article about temporary visas here.

After this time, and once you arrive in Cyprus, you must visit the official Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia to get a temporary residence permit.

Part 1

To begin the application process in your home country of residence:

1. Get ready to apply

Get ready to submit your application for the digital nomad visa and gather the required documents. We have listed them in this guide.

2. Make an appointment

Contact the Cypriot embassy or the consulate in your home country of residence to make an appointment to submit your visa.

3. Attend your appointment

Submit your required documents on your appointment date, and pay the visa fee as directed by the embassy or consulate.

4. Wait for the decision

Once you have submitted your application, you must wait for a response. It can take several weeks for a decision to be made.

5. Book your trip

If your application is approved, it’s time to book your trip to Cyprus to apply for a temporary residence permit.

Part 2

To apply for temporary residency in Cyprus, follow the next steps:

1. Compile the required documents

Ensure you have all of these documents ready (listed in the following section) before traveling to Cyprus.

2. Arrive in Cyprus

You may need to travel to Cyprus with a visitor visa, outlined above, depending on your nationality. Once you are in Cyprus, continue with the following steps.

3. Complete the application form

Download and print out the necessary application form (MVIS4) to complete it with the required information.

4. Visit the CRMD in Nicosia

Within three months, you must submit the application form and the required documents to the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD).

5. Pay the expenses

Pay the visa fees, including the initial registration fee, to the Aliens’ Registry.

6. Wait for the decision

If your application is approved or not, you will be notified. If it is approved, the residence permit will be valid for one year. You could be waiting for the decision somewhere between five and seven weeks.

The required documents to apply

Once your initial visa has been approved, you must make an appointment at the official Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia within three months.

This next step is required so you can obtain a temporary residence permit to complete your digital nomad visa application.

To find out about temporary residence permits (or Pink Slip) in more detail, see here.

The documents required for the temporary residence permit are as follows:

Application form

You must complete the digital nomad visa application form known as MVIS4.

Statement of intent

Your letter should detail what activities you intend to perform while in Cyprus and your reasons for traveling there. You should outline that you and accompanying family members (if applicable) will not undertake any work for any clients or companies based in Cyprus.

Passport

Copy of a valid passport showing the entry date in Cyprus, with three months validity.

Passport photos

Two passport-sized photos, standard color photographs with a white background. The photo dimensions must be 2 x 2 inches. Measurements must be between 1 -1 ³⁄₈ inches from the crown of the head to the chin.

Curriculum vitae

Your current CV and/or work resume.

If you are employed

You must have your employment contract with you, at least the length of the requested visa (one year), and a confirmation letter from your employer that shows you will work remotely. You must also provide a stamped copy of the registration of the company you work for and information about your position status in the company.

If you are self-employed

You must provide evidence of contracts for services for at least the length of the requested visa (one year) and prove that you can fulfill your duties from Cyprus and that they are not related to Cyprus.

Proof of income

You must show evidence of sufficient and stable living resources of €3,500 per month. You can use bank statements showing your salary for the last six months to prove this.

Police check

You must provide an original certificate to show a clean criminal record. You can obtain one of these from your local police department.

Proof of accommodation

Provide a copy of your rental agreement, a hotel booking, or a lease. The rental agreement should be duly stamped if it’s valued at over €5000.

Valid health insurance

Covering inpatient and outpatient care and transportation of remains. Your international health insurance can be used if you’re already insured. Alternatively, you can obtain health insurance quickly in Cyprus. Please see Pitsas Insurances, where we can provide you with a free quote.

Blood analysis results

The results should show that you do not have HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and C. Chest x-rays must prove you do not suffer from tuberculosis (TB).

Digital nomad visa Cyprus fees

The digital nomad visa fees include the following:

Issuance of a temporary residence permit – €70
Initial registration to the Aliens’ Registry (payable only once) – €70

Digital nomad visa fees notes:

The first temporary residence permit is valid for one year.
In case of renewal, the temporary residence permit will remain valid for two years maximum. The renewal of a temporary residence permit is also €70

How much tax will I pay as a digital nomad?

Cyprus has an attractive tax system for digital nomads - one of Europe’s most attractive.

Those who are not tax residents are usually taxed only when their income derives from Cyprus.

As a digital nomad living in Cyprus, you won’t be required to pay tax charges until the 183rd day of your stay. After this time, you are considered a tax resident and must pay taxes.

Personal income tax in Cyprus is imposed on individuals who are tax residents. The personal income tax rate in Cyprus is:

From 0 to €19,500 – the tax rate is 0%
From €19,501 to €28,000 – 20%
From €28,001 to €36,300 – 25%
From €36,301 to €60,000 – 30%
From €60,001 and above – 35%

In addition to the above:

Social security contributions - 8.3%
Standard value-added tax (VAT) - 19%
Immovable property transfer levy (IPTL) - 0.4%
Corporation tax - 12.5%

Benefits of living in Cyprus

There are numerous benefits of living in Cyprus. You can enjoy these perks as a digital nomad visa:

English friendly. You don’t have to speak Greek or Turkish. Most people in Cyprus speak English.
Cowork in different cities. You can find many coworking spaces across Cyprus where you can work remotely.
Safe country. Regarding safety by population, Cyprus ranks as one of the top five safest countries in the world.
Inexpensive living costs. The average rent in Cyprus is 46% lower than in the US and about 60% lower than in most major EU cities.
Mediterranean weather. Cyprus has a great climate if you love sunshine. The country consistently has warm temperatures throughout the year.
Tourist destinations. There are many beautiful places to visit while you live in Cyprus.
Great food. There are many delicacies and traditional foods to enjoy in Cyprus and a wide range of continental foods to suit everyone.

Digital Nomad Visa Cyprus FAQ

Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about digital nomad visa Cyprus.

What is the digital nomad visa application form?

The application form is known as MVIS4. You must complete this application form and all the necessary documents outlined in this guide.

How long can I work in Cyprus as a digital nomad?

The digital nomad visa Cyprus is valid for up to one year with the possibility of renewal for two years. It is possible to renew the visa at least one month before the expiration date.

When the visa expires, you can apply for a renewal at the official Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia. After this time, it will be valid for two years.

You must submit all necessary documents again at the CRMD in Nicosia and pay €70.

After this time, if you want to extend your residency in Cyprus, you must apply for a permanent visa or “Golden Visa.” If you would like to know more about Cyprus golden visa, see our article here.

What is the processing time for a digital nomad visa in Cyprus?

Usually, a digital nomad visa in Cyprus is processed between five and seven weeks.

However, depending on the number of applications received and which embassy you submitted your initial application to, it can take between two to three months.

What is the internet speed in Cyprus?

Cyprus has relatively fast internet speeds. You shouldn’t have difficulty accessing decent connection speeds while working as a digital nomad in Cyprus.

What is the best place to live in Cyprus for digital nomads?

This comes down to choice, but here is some guidance about popular areas to live and work in Cyprus as a digital nomad:

Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus, and Limassol have the most coworking spaces available, making them attractive choices for digital nomads. Paphos is a popular choice for other reasons - this city was ranked the best city in Cyprus consecutively over five times. Famagusta is another popular choice as the city is rich in history.

Wherever you go in Cyprus, you can work easily as a digital nomad.

What is the cost of living in Cyprus for digital nomads?

Cyprus has relatively inexpensive living costs. However, the answer to this question depends on your lifestyle and budget restrictions.

You can expect to pay approximately €750 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center and in the region of €600 for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center, but this is dependent on where you go.

A three-bedroom apartment in the city center will set you back €1,500 per month, whereas a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center will cost approximately €1,190 pm. Basic utility costs for an 85m2 apartment can cost €160 on average.

It costs on average €0.87 for one small bottle of water and €1.56 for a loaf of bread; €1,45 for one liter of milk, and €9,50 for 1kg of local cheese.

It costs €1.50 for a one-way ticket for most bus services, and one liter of gasoline is approximately €1.52.

Immigration insurance for digital nomad visa

Immigration insurance is mandatory for non-EU/EEA citizens wishing to move to Cyprus. You could face expensive legal fees without the right insurance.

You could also face costly medical fees, so it’s important to have medical insurance in place when you travel to Cyprus.

Immigration medical insurance

Your international insurance can be used if you’re already insured, but alternatively, you can get health insurance quickly from Pitsas Insurances in Cyprus.

You can find more details about our immigration packages on our website.

Pitsas immigration insurance policies are one of Cyprus's most competitive policies, starting from €120.

In addition, you can apply for insurance from the comfort of your home with our dedicated team on hand to help you.

We provide:

Extensive and immediate coverage of outpatient & inpatient expenses.
Competitive packages for families.
Free legal advice.

Immigration insurance quote

When applying for a digital nomad visa, it’s worth knowing your insurance options.

Please see Pitsas Insurances website, where we can provide you with a free quote.