Visas to live in Cyprus

The Cyprus visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin. It is important to understand these, especially for UK residents since Brexit. While the island remains a popular destination for British citizens, the UK’s departure from the EU has impacted travel regulations.
Residents of Europe outside the EU (e.g. the UK) – while citizens of some European countries can enter Cyprus visa-free for short stays, people from the UK and other non-EU European countries usually require a visa.

• EU residents – citizens of EU countries enjoy visa-free travel and the right to live and work in Cyprus without restrictions.
• Residents outside Europe – most non-European citizens require a visa to enter Cyprus, even for short stays. The specific visa type and requirements depend on your nationality.

The type of visa for Cyprus you need depends on the duration of your stay.

• Short stay – for visits of up to 90 days within 180 days, you may require a short-stay visa (Schengen visa) depending on your nationality.
• Long stay – if you plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa or residence permit.

The specific visa you need will depend on your reasons for moving to Cyprus.

• Property investment – while buying property in Cyprus doesn’t automatically give you residency, it can be a factor in certain visa categories, such as the permanent residency scheme.
• Travel – if you’re visiting for tourism or to view property to buy, you might need a short-stay Cyprus travel visa.
• Work – if you have a job offer in Cyprus, you’ll need a Cyprus employment visa and a residence visa.
• Moving in with family – family members of Cypriot citizens or EU residents can apply for a family reunion visa.
• Student – you will need a student visa to study in Cyprus.
• Retirement – to live in Cyprus permanently you will need a residence permit as you will be a tax resident.

If you have any doubts about the type of Cyprus visa you need you should speak to the Cyprus Embassy in your country of residence.

To gain residency in Cyprus you can apply for the Golden Visa, which involves investing in the country. To do this you must invest a minimum of €300,000 in one of these ways:

• Purchase a new property from a developer. This can be an apartment, villa or two properties. You can also buy a commercial property. The purchase must be made with money from outside Cyprus.
• Buy shares in a company in Cyprus employing a minimum of 5 people.
• Purchase units in the Cyprus Investment Funds Association collective investments.

You will also need to show proof of income of at least €50,000 a year and have access to private health insurance. Be aware that there is a €500 application fee for the Cyprus Golden Visa.

You must also make a bank deposit of at least 30,000 euros in an account opened in a Cypriot bank. This deposit must be maintained for at least 3 years in order to keep the golden visa.

Once you are ready to apply for your visa you should submit your application through the Cyprus Embassy. This usually requires a pre-booked appointment.

The documents you will need for the application process are:

• completed visa application form
• passport valid for at least 3 months
• passport-sized photos
• proof of accommodation – a rental contract or deeds to your property
• health insurance for a minimum of €30,000 per person

You may also be asked for bank statements to prove you have an income, your employment contract and/or proof of your personal status (e.g. a marriage certificate).

In addition, you might be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application process.

There is a visa fee to pay which​​ is currently €34,17 for a long-stay visa8, however, you should check the up-to-date fee with the Cypriot Embassy

Make sure you allow plenty of time before your planned trip to Cyprus to apply for your visa. The Embassy will be able to give you an average waiting time, and this can often be several weeks. Your visa will be attached to one of the inside pages of your passport.

Once you have your Cyprus visa you must then apply for residency if you intend to live in Cyprus permanently. This will initially be a short-term residency, which can be exchanged for permanent residency if you live in Cyprus for a complete period of 5 years.

Cyprus offers a relaxed lifestyle and is the ideal place to invest in property, whether you plan to stay short or long-term. However, understanding the Cyprus visa requirements is essential to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

If you need help finding a property and advice on moving to Cyprus our iad Overseas property consultants can help you with your project. They work with local property experts who have vast knowledge of the Cypriot property market and can offer you a selection of properties to view inland and on the coast.