Temporary Residence Permit Cyprus in 2024. A comprehensive guide.
Temporary Residence Permit Cyprus
Any non-EU national who wants to live in Cyprus temporarily has to obtain a Temporary Residence Permit Cyprus (also known as Pink Slip).
Before obtaining the permit, travellers must obtain an entry visa suitable for their stay in Cyprus. The type of visa will depend on the purpose of their stay, such as a work visa or a student visa.
Once they are in Cyprus, obtaining a temporary residence permit allows the visitors to extend their stay for more than the duration of their visa (90 days).
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about Temporary Residence Permit Cyprus in 2022, including the types of temporary residence and how you can apply for it.
Table of contents:
- What is temporary residence permit Cyprus?
Types of temporary residence permit Cyprus
Visitor Visa
Student Visa
Employment Visa
How to obtain temporary residence permit Cyprus
How can I remain in Cyprus for more than 90 days?
Who is eligible for obtaining a temporary residence permit?
How long does it take to acquire temporary residence permit in Cyprus?
Temporary residence permit requirements
Cyprus temporary residence permit requirements
Cyprus temporary residence permit restrictions
Can I travel in Europe with Cyprus residence permit?
Temporary residence permit documents
Cyprus government fees
Application submission location
Can I get residency in Cyprus if I buy a house?
Contact information
What is temporary residence Permit Cyprus?
Cyprus temporary residence permit allows non-European Union members to extend the duration of their stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days.
The Cyprus temporary residence permit is what allows non-EU members to live in Cyprus for longer than three months.
Before these citizens apply for a residence permit, they must get an entry visa depending on their purpose of travel. Entry visas include visitor visa, student visa, or employment visa.
The entry visa should be acquired and settled in their country of residence before travelling to Cyprus. Once they have arrived in Cyprus, they can apply for a residence permit.
In other words, non-EU citizens must apply for a residence permit if they want to acquire residency after traveling on short-stay visas.
Any foreign national looking to live in Cyprus has to obtain the right to legally reside in Cyprus.
Furthermore, the duration of their initial visa (student visa, visitor visa, etc) does not affect how long visitors can extend their stay.
The temporary residence permit is usually valid for 1 year, lasting up to 4 years. It can be renewed on an annual basis.
Under this permit, a person is allowed to live as a visitor in Cyprus, without the right to work. They are only allowed to work in Cyprus if they acquired a work visa and permit.
Family members may also acquire the permits as the applicant’s dependents, i.e. spouse, and children under 18 years old.
The applicants will apply on behalf of their family and each family member will file a separate application form to get their temporary residence permits.
Types of temporary residence permit Cyprus
The types of temporary residence permits for Cyprus are usually in the following categories. The type of visa you need depends upon the reason for your residence.
- Visitor Visa.
- Student Visa.
- Employment Visa.
1. 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.
You can find the correct address of where to obtain your permit in this article. Visitor visas 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. This includes having adequate funds from abroad and 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. Humanitarian work and being householders of property are just two of those reasons.
The temporary entry permits for Cyprus acquired abroad must be from the Embassy or official 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. Student Visa
International students who come to Cyprus on a student visa to take a long-term course at a Cyprus educational institution must obtain permission for a long stay.
Upon arrival, international students need to register their stay and get a temporary residence permit.
To do so, they must report to their educational institution upon arrival to register and complete other formalities which are required to obtain further permits.
Within seven days of arriving in Cyprus, students have to apply for a Cyprus temporary residence permit. We have listed the address to obtain the permit in this article.
International students who travelled to Cyprus to study are not allowed to work full-time. They may renew their residence permit for the duration of their educational studies.
Students from non-EU countries can be issued student visas by an Embassy or official Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus in their home country or by the Migration Department of Cyprus.
3. Employment Visa
Every foreign national who comes to Cyprus on an employment visa to work must also obtain a temporary residence permit upon arrival.
The temporary residence permit now automatically authorizes the traveller to work in Cyprus, however, prior to travelling and prior to obtaining the residence permit, international workers must also obtain a Cyprus work permit and work visa.
How to obtain temporary residence permit Cyprus
You should book your meeting with the correct immigration unit in advance of your temporary residence permit application.
The meeting may be set at around 2 to 3 weeks in advance, so booking the meetings promptly following your arrival to Cyprus is recommended.
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 temporary residence permit 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.).
How can I stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days?
Non-European nationals
To stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months (90 days), you must obtain a Cyprus temporary residence permit.
It will also enable you to extend your stay no matter the duration of your initial visa you travelled with. However, you must be on time and apply before your current visa expires.
European nationals
As an EU or EFTA citizen, you can reside and work in the EU legally, therefore if you want to stay in Cyprus for longer than 90 days, you can register your stay at the official Civil Registry and Migration Department and obtain a registration certificate (the yellow slip.)
EU nationals do not need to undergo the usual application procedure for a residence permit, so the application process is more straightforward and typically won’t be rejected.
Can I travel in Europe with Cyprus residence permit?
You cannot travel in Europe with a Cyprus residence permit. This permit is only valid for Cyprus.
In Cyprus even with a Permanent Residency you cannot travel in European Union, since Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area.
Who is eligible for obtaining a temporary residence permit?
Non-EU citizens are eligible for temporary residence permits. This particular permit can be issued for a period of 1 to 4 years for non-EU citizens who travel to Cyprus for long-term purposes, such as studying or working.
Initially, upon first application, the permit could be issued for a period of 1 to 2 years; after this period, it could be extended for a further 1 to 2 years.
This special type of permit has a limitation of absence period of up to 3 months.
While living in Cyprus with a temporary residence permit, leaving the country for longer than 3 months would automatically cancel the permit.
After 5 consecutive years of residence in Cyprus, applying for a Permanent Residence Permit is possible.
How long does it take to acquire temporary Residence Permit in Cyprus?
As noted earlier, the application documents for a temporary residence permit must be submitted to the immigration city unit where the applicant resides, and then it is forwarded and further examined by the official Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia.
The timing to approve an application can take around 6 months, however, the applicant can legally stay in Cyprus until the application is approved.
On approval of the application, a temporary residence permit card is issued.
The above is a general guideline for the processing time for a temporary residence permit. This may change depending on your specific case.
All Cyprus residence permits are processed in different 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).
Temporary Residence Permit requirements
Cyprus temporary residence permit requirements
To qualify as eligible for this permit, the applicant needs to provide:
- Adequate income from abroad for 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 temporary residence permit restrictions
- Cannot travel out of Cyprus for more than three consecutive months.
- No right to work in Cyprus (unless you obtain a work permit).
- Only granted to non-EU nationals who want to extend their stay.
- Restrictions are specified on your permit.
- Valid for a certain length of time (but can be renewed annually for up to 4 years).
Temporary Residence Permit documents
1.Application form MVIS3 duly completed
The application form (MVIS3) for a temporary residence permit needs to be completed and signed. One for each family member.
2.Immigration Health Insurance
You will need to provide proof of health insurance. Your international health insurance can be used if you already have health insurance. Alternatively, you can obtain one quickly in Cyprus.
You can visit our site where you can can request a free quote for the most inexpensive immigration insurance for you and your family, starting from 120 euro per year.
Medical certificate, stating you do not have Tuberculosis,HIV/AIDS Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, issued within the past 4 months
3.Property agreement and proof of accommodation
You must provide evidence of your rental agreement and proof of your accommodation in Cyprus.
This can be a sale or rental agreement. The rental agreement needs to be for one-year minimum.
4.Bank Guarantee
Set up a bank guarantee with a Cyprus bank. Make one for each family member. The cost depends on your nationality, as follows:
- Eastern Europe countries, Russians = €550
- Middle East countries = €350
- Asian / American countries = €850
Processing time for the bank guarantees is usually1-2 days.
Citizens from these countries do not need to provide bank guarantees: Norway, Andorra, Bahrein, Kuwait, Lebanon, Monaco, Qatar, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, and United Arab Emirates.
5.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.
6.Documents to prove income from abroad
This document is needed to prove any stable income, for example, employment, bank deposits, pension, etc.
This income should enable the permit holder to cover living expenses in Cyprus. You must show 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
7.Passport copy
You will need to provide an official scanned copy of your passport. Provide proof of the relevant pages: personal information, issuance and expiry date, and previous visas.
8.Marriage certificate duly certified and translated (If applicable)
If you are entering via a visitor visa (for family reunion) and if this is applicable, you need to provide proof of your marriage certificate.
This is required to be 1. translated into English and bear the ‘apostille’ stamp, OR, 2. certified by the Ministry of foreign affairs 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. certified by the Ministry of foreign affairs and by the Cyprus Embassy of that Country.
10.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.
11.Police checks
Certificate of criminal record issued from your home country (within the past six months).
12.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 enrollment in an educational institution (student visa).
Cyprus government fees
The application fee for the first temporary residence permit and for renewal is currently €70 for each family member.
Registration for a temporary residence permit is €70, for each family member, payable for first time of application only.
Application submission location
Applicants must apply for a Cyprus temporary residence permit within 7 days of arriving in Cyprus and apply to the immigration department of the City they will reside in.
If you will be living in Nicosia, you should apply at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
If you will be living elsewhere, you need to apply at a District Immigration Unit. The applications are then forwarded and examined by the official Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia.
Below are the addresses of each city’s immigration unit.
Nicosia Civil Registry and Migration Department
Agamemnonos 6, Engomi, 2411 Nicosia.
Limassol Immigration Unit
Franglinou Rousvelt 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 CRMD website, Civil Registry and Migration Department, to make an appointment via the contact information they provide.
If you are a student or worker, your school or employer will help you with the application process and you should ask for their assistance.
When you apply at the designated immigration unit, the Cypriot immigration authorities will take your biometrics, i.e. your fingerprints and an identity photo.
If your application is approved or if it isn’t, you will get contacted either way. They will inform you about when you can receive your residence permit, or they will inform you of the reason your application hasn’t been approved.
Can I get residency in Cyprus if I buy a house?
Known as the “fast-track” option, if you purchase a property in Cyprus at the value of at least €300,000 + VAT, your application for permanent residency will be processed within 2 months.
However, to be eligible, you must fulfill specific criteria. This is specific to permanent residency:
- You must purchase the property with funds acquired outside of Cyprus and be able to prove this
- Deposit €30,000 in a Cypriot bank to be frozen for 3 years
- Your annual income must be at least €30,000, acquired from outside sources
- You must have additional annual income of €5,000, if you have dependents (spouse and children under 18) for each person
- For dependent parents, either yours or your spouses, you must have an additional €8,000 for each of them annually
- Dependent children 18 to 25 years old are eligible to travel with you (they are not allowed to work in Cyprus)
- You must enter Cyprus at least every 2 years to maintain your permanent resident status.
A Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit grants the holder similar rights to Cypriot citizens, including:
- Access to tax benefits
- Access to social assistance and social protection
- Freedom of movement within the EU territory
- Employment and self-employment opportunities.
Through our experience the least expensive way to acquire a property in Cyprus is to team up with an investment company that bulk buys residential properties.
Investment companies can acquire 100 units at once in exchange for large discounts (more than 10%).
You just need to get enlisted in ther joint ventures lists. The largest investment company that provides this service in Cyprus is Amazon Investments.
Immigration temporary residence permit insurance
Immigration insurance is compulsory for non-EU citizens. You might face costly legal or medical fees without proper insurance coverage.
When applying for a temporary residence permit, you need to obtain immigration medical insurance.
Pitsas immigration insurance policies are one of the most competitive in Cyprus. Moreover, applying for insurance will be simple with our dedicated team to help you.
We provide extensive and immediate coverage of medical expenses, and competitive packages for families.
What’s more, we provide coverage for pensioners up to 80 years old, and our policies start from just €120.
You can find more details about our immigration packages on our website. Use the links provided for a free quote.
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