Pink Slip Cyprus in 2024. How to get pink slip Cyprus.

Pink Slip Cyprus

Any non-EU national who wants to temporarily live in Cyprus has to obtain a “Pink Slip” (also known as Cyprus temporary residence permit).

Before obtaining the pink slip, travellers must get an entry visa. The type of visa is dependent on the purpose they have traveled, such as a work visa or a student visa.

Once they are in Cyprus, the pink slip allows the visitors to extend their stay for more than the duration of their visa (3 months).

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about Pink Slip Cyprus, including how to begin the application process.

Table of contents:

What is a Cyprus pink slip?
How do I get a pink slip in Cyprus?
Who is eligible for obtaining a pink slip?
Types of visa permit (visitor visa, student visa, employment visa)
Pink slip Cyprus requirements
Cyprus pink slip permit restrictions
Pink slip Cyprus documents
Contact information

What is a Cyprus pink slip

A Cyprus pink slip (also known as a temporary residence permit) allows non-European citizens to extend their stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days.

The Cyprus pink slip is what allows non-EU members to legally live in Cyprus for longer than three months.

Before citizens can apply for a pink slip, they must get an entry visa depending on their purpose of travel. Entry visas include visitor; student; employment; immigrant visas.

The entry visa should be obtained in their country of residence before travelling to Cyprus. Once they have arrived in Cyprus, they can apply for a pink slip if they want to extend their stay.

If non-EU citizens want to acquire short-term residency (potentially leading to permanent residency) after travelling on short-stay visas, they need to apply for a temporary residence permit (pink slip).

These permits allow legal residency. Any foreign national who wants to reside in Cyprus has to have the right to legally reside in Cyprus.

The duration of the visa they traveled with (student visa, visitor visa, etc) does not affect how long they are able to extend their stay.

Under this permit, the traveller is allowed to live as a visitor in Cyprus, without the right to work (unless they acquired a work visa).

Family members may also acquire pink slips as the applicant’s dependents, i.e. spouse, and children under 18 years old.

However, a separate application form must be made for each family member to get their temporary residence cards.

The pink slip is usually valid for 1 year, lasting up to 4 years. It can be renewed on an annual basis.

How do I get a pink slip Cyprus?

To obtain a pink slip for Cyprus, you need to submit an application form for a temporary residence permit (MVIS3). You will submit the application at the Immigration City Unit in the District you are living in.

You also need to provide further documentation along with your application form, which we have listed in this article.

Before this point, you should book your meeting with the correct immigration unit in advance of your pink slip application.

Meetings are usually set at around 2 to 3 weeks in advance, so it’s recommended to book the meetings promptly following your arrival to Cyprus. Within 7 days to be exact.

To book your meeting at the correct immigration unit, you will need a copy of your passport, the visa you are travelling with, and your arrival stamp.

The application procedure for obtaining a pink slip is listed here.

We recommend you follow these steps but ask the immigration unit for further advice if you need any more information:

In advance of your visa expiry, book a date at the correct immigration unit for the submission of your application
Declare the choice of your qualifying residential property, either rented or purchased
Open a bank account in Cyprus and transfer money from abroad
Prepare the required documents to accompany the Cyprus temporary residence application. You must get these documents officially translated into English or Greek and be double-certified or Apostilled
Attend the appointment for the submission of your application at the immigration unit
Make a payment for the application fees
Your biometric data and identity will be captured (photo ID and fingerprint ID taken, etc.)

When you apply at the designated immigration unit, the Cypriot immigration authorities will help you to apply for the pink slip.

Your application is forwarded to the CRMD, Civil Registry and Migration Department, in Nicosia and processed there.

You will get contacted within 6 months if your application for a pink slip is approved. You will also get contacted if your application is not approved.

You will be informed about when you can receive your residence card, or, the reason why your application hasn’t been approved.

To avoid the hustle of the aforementioned process you can ask the help of a legal firm or a reputable immigration services provider.

Who is eligible for obtaining a pink slip?

Cyprus pink slips (temporary residence permits) are only eligible for non-EU citizens.

Most of the applicants in the last 5 years are from Russian Federation, Ukraine, China, Belarus, Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Egypt, India and Pakistan.

Pink Slip can be issued for a period of 1 to 4 years for non-EU citizens who travel to Cyprus for long-term purposes.

Long-term purposes such as studying or working make the visitors eligible for obtaining a pink slip in Cyprus.

Initially, upon first application, the pink slip might be issued for a period of 1 to 2 years. After which, it may be extended for a further 1 to 2 years.

After 5 consecutive years of residence in Cyprus, it is possible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

The pink slip has a limitation of absence period of not more than 3 months. Leaving the country for longer than 90 days would automatically cancel the permit.

Types of visa permit

The types of temporary residence permits for Cyprus (to obtain pink slips) are usually in the following categories. The type of visiting visa you will need depends upon the reason for your residence:

Pink Slip - Visitor Visa
Pink Slip - Student Visa
Pink Slip - Employment Visa

1.Pink Slip - Visitor Visa

Visitors who travel to Cyprus on a Visitor Visa wishing to apply for a temporary residence permit must do so within seven days of arriving in Cyprus.

Visitor visas are valid for 90 days and are granted to applicants who meet certain criteria.

Visitor visas are usually granted to spouses from third countries (non-EU members) that are married to Cypriot citizens; to parents-in-law from third countries; and to children of foreigners younger than 18 years, who have applied for family reunification and residence permits.

In addition, visitor visas may be granted to third-country nationals that apply for an extension of their visitor visa if they meet eligibility criteria. Adequate funds are needed from abroad and they must prove they have the financial means to support themselves.

Further to the above, applicants who have received temporary entry permits for Cyprus abroad may apply for an extension with good reason. For example, humanitarian work and being householders of property.

Temporary entry permits for Cyprus acquired abroad must be from the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus and have the term “final” written on them to be considered for the above.

Foreigners who have enterprises in Cyprus may also be eligible for visitor visas. Non-EU citizens who open real estate in Cyprus automatically obtain “Visitor” status.

2.Pink Slip - Student Visa

Student visas are valid for a total of 90 days. Foreign students who travel to Cyprus to take a long-term course at an educational institution in Cyprus must obtain permission for a long stay.

Within seven days of arriving in Cyprus, the students must apply for a Cyprus pink slip. The address to obtain the permit is contained in this article.

They must report to their educational institution upon arrival to register and complete other formalities which are required of them to secure their stay.

International students who traveled to Cyprus to study are not allowed to work full-time. The students may renew their permit for the duration of their studies.

Students from non-EU countries can be issued student visas by an Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in the student’s home country or by the Migration Department of Cyprus.

3.Pink Slip - Employment Visa

Every foreign national who comes to Cyprus on an employment visa to work also has to obtain the right to live in Cyprus upon arrival. Employment visas are valid for 90 days.

The pink slip now automatically authorizes the traveller to work in Cyprus, however, prior to travelling and prior to obtaining the residence permit, international workers must also get a Cyprus work permit (in Cyprus) and work visa (before they travel to Cyprus).

Workers can apply for a work permit after they have entered Cyprus on their work visa.

Pink slip Cyprus requirements

Cyprus pink slip permit requirements

Two of the main requirements when applying for the pink slip are proof of income and proof of your accommodation.
However, there are other requirements and documents you also have to provide. We cover this in more detail in the documents section below.
You will be required to show evidence of your income (to cover your living expenses) and proof of your address in Cyprus.
Proof of enough funds from abroad to cover your living expenses while residing in Cyprus. This is estimated between €25,000 to €30,000 for a three-member family.
Your qualifying residential property, either rented or purchased.

Cyprus pink slip permit restrictions

You do not have the right to work in Cyprus (unless you obtain a work permit)
Granted to non-EU citizens only who want to extend their stay
Restrictions are specified as per specific case
Valid for a certain length of time (that can be renewed annually for up to 4 years)
Traveling out of Cyprus for more than three consecutive months will cancel your permit.

Pink slip Cyprus documents

1.Property agreement and proof of accommodation

You are required to provide proof your rental agreement and proof of your accommodation in Cyprus.

This can be proof of a sale or rental agreement. Your rental agreement needs to be a minimum of a one-year contract.

You will also need a copy of the agreement certified by Muhtar or a certifying officer and get it stamped at the tax office.

2.Documents to prove income from abroad

This document is needed to prove any stable income, for example, employment salary, bank deposits (certificates of deposits), dividends, bonuses, pension, income from rentals etc.

This income should ideally enable the pink slip holder to cover their living expenses in Cyprus. You need to provide proof that you have the means to sustain yourself financially.

Annual income estimates:

€20,000 for a single applicant
€25,000 for a couple
€30,000 for a couple & 1 child

3.Bank statement

You will need a bank statement showing proof of deposit and transfer. A total of €15,000 should be transferred to a Cyprus Bank account from abroad.

You must also bring a confirmation document with you if you have brought cash to Cyprus from abroad. This will need to be declared at the airport on arrival to receive the necessary documentation.

4.Bank Guarantee

In a Cyprus bank of your choice, set up a bank guarantee, one for each family member. The cost of the guarantee depends on your nationality.

Eastern Europe countries, Russians = €550
Middle East countries = €350
Asian / American countries = €850

The bank guarantees will take approximately 1-2 days to process.

Applicants from the following countries are not required to provide bank guarantees: Switzerland, Norway, Andorra, Bahrein, Kuwait, Lebanon, Monaco, Qatar, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, and United Arab Emirates.

5.Passport copy

You will need to provide an official scanned copy of your passport and relevant information. Scan the relevant pages to show your personal information, the issuance and expiry date, and previous visas.

6.Immigration Health Insurance

Cyprus authorities require Immigration Medical Insurance issued by a Cyprus-based insurance company.

Pitsas Insurances can provide you the cheapest immigration medical insurance contract, from 120 euro per year.

For a free quotation visit the link.

You will need to provide additional medical certificates, stating you are negative for certain illnesses issued within the past 4 months.

7.Application form MVIS3 duly completed

The temporary residence permit application form (MVIS3) needs to be completed and signed. One application form is needed for each family member.

8.Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

If you are entering via Visitor Visa (for family reunion) and if this is applicable, you need to provide proof of your marriage certificate.

This is required to be

a) translated into English and bear the “apostille” stamp,

b) duly certified and translated by the foreign affairs ministry of the issuing country and by the Cyprus Embassy of that Country.

9.Children’s Birth Certificates duly certified and translated (If applicable)

If you are entering Cyprus with your children and if this is applicable, you need to provide proof of your children’s birth certificate.

This is required to be 1. translated into English and bear the “apostille” stamp OR, 2. duly certified and translated by the foreign affairs ministry of the issuing country and by the Cyprus Embassy of that Country.

9.School enrolment confirmation for children

If you are entering Cyprus with your children and if this is applicable to you, you need to provide proof of your children’s school enrolment.

10.Certificate of police clearance

You will need a police clearance certificate within the past six months from your country of residence.

11.Documents related to your visa and reason for residence

Marriage/birth certificate for family reunion (visitor visa)
Work permit for employment (work visa)
Proof of educational institution enrollment for international students (student visa)

Cyprus government fees

The registration and application fee for a pink slip permit is €70, for each family member.

This fee is payable only for the first time of application. If you need to renew your pink slip, you will be charged a further €70.

Application submission location

You need to apply to the immigration department of the City you will reside in. You must apply for a pink slip within seven days of arriving in Cyprus.

If you will be living in the District of Nicosia, you should apply at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

If you will be living elsewhere, you need to apply at the Immigration Unit of that district.

All of the applications are forwarded to and further examined by the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia.

You will find the addresses of each city’s immigration unit below.

Nicosia Department Address

Civil Registry and Migration Department

Agamemnonos 6, Engomi, 2411 Nicosia

Limassol Immigration Unit

Franklin Roosevelt 223, Zakaki, Building ¨D. Nikolaou¨, 2nd floor, 3046 Limassol

Larnaca Immigration Unit

Piale Piasha 75, 6027 Larnaca

Paphos Immigration Unit

Eleftheriou Venizelou & Kaningos 22, 2nd floor, 8021 Paphos

Famagusta Immigration Unit

Eleftherias 83, Tatolos Bld, Derynia Plaza, 1st floor, 5380 Derynia

You should visit the website of the CRMD to make an appointment.

If you are a worker or a student, your employer or school will help you with the application process. You should ask for their assistance to help you.

Cyprus pink slip frequently asked questions

1.Can I travel in Europe with Cyprus pink slip?

Unfortunately, no. You cannot travel in Europe with a Cyprus pink slip.

This permit is only valid for Cyprus.

2.How can I stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days?

As a non-European national, to stay in Cyprus for longer than the visiting visa limit of 90 days you will need to obtain a Cyprus temporary residence permit.

It will also enable you to extend your stay no matter the duration of the visa you travelled with. Nevertheless, to do that, you need to apply before your current visa expires.

3.Can I get residency in Cyprus if I buy a house?

Yes, technically you can. Purchasing a property in Cyprus while also applying for residence is known as the “fast-track” option.

Your application for permanent residency will be processed within approximately 2 months. There is the exception your property must be at a value of at least €300,000.

A Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit allows the holder similar rights to Cypriot citizens, including:

Tax benefits
Access to Social assistance and Social protection
Freedom of movement within the EU territory
Employment and self-employment opportunities

4.How long would it take to get a pink slip in Cyprus?

As a general guideline, it can take around 6 months for a temporary residence permit application to be approved.

During this waiting time, the applicant is allowed to stay in Cyprus. If the application is approved, a temporary residence permit card is issued.

The above is a general guideline for the processing time, but this may change slightly depending on your specific case.

All Cyprus visa permits are processed in approximate timeframes as follows:

Visitor visa (and family reunification): within nine months
Employment visa: within four months
Studying visa: within three months
Permanent residency: within twelve months (or two months via the fast-track option)

Immigration Medical Insurane for Pink Slip

Immigration insurance is compulsory for non-EU citizens.

This insurance covers mainly the cost of repatriation of the body. Repatriation is the process whereby human remains are transferred from Cyprus to the native land of the deceased.

Standard medical insurance contracts do not provide this coverage. Therefore, the government of Cyprus required that all applicants acquire immigration medical insurance issued from local insurance companies.

Pitsas Insurances provides the most inexpensive immigration insurance policy in Cyprus.

In case of a company that applies for multiple employees it can acquire group medical insurance policy that covers repatriation of the body expenses.

Contact information

Attention: Pitsas Insurances is not a legal company. We do not provide legal services or advice on immigration issues.

This article has been written for information purposes only.

For more information, you can send an email to [email protected].

Pitsas Insurances

Limassol, Cyprus