How to apply for a visa and get a residence permit in Cyprus? Popular Questions

Cyprus visa regime

Cyprus, located at the junction of Europe and Asia, is famous for its unique visa requirements. For citizens of countries such as Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and many others, it is necessary to obtain a visa to enter this picturesque island. It is worth noting that persons possessing a multiple-entry Schengen visa of categories C and D, or permission to stay in any EU country, can also visit Cyprus. In addition, it is allowed to use multiple national visa of such countries as Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania.

Cyprus short-term visas

To plan a short-term trip to Cyprus, foreigners will need to obtain a national visa. Previously, Russians were able to obtain an electronic “pro-visa”, which was popular due to the speed of processing - only one or two days via the Internet, subject to the availability of a direct flight from the place of residence. However, starting from 2022, due to the cessation of direct flights between Russia and Cyprus, the possibility of obtaining a pro-visa was canceled. Now visas must be issued through the Cypriot consulate.

The national visa provides an opportunity to stay in Cyprus for 90 days within a six-month period. According to the information from the official website of the Consulate of Cyprus, from December 1, 2022 for citizens of the Russian Federation there is a visa processing fee of 80 euros, and for children under 12 years of age there is a fee of 40 euros. The processing time of the application can be from 3 to 5 working days.

Where to get a visa

Russian citizens can apply for a visa at the embassy located in Moscow, as well as at regional consulates. Citizens of Belarus can obtain visa documents at the consulate in Minsk, while in Kazakhstan visa issues are handled through the Honorary Consulate of Cyprus, but currently applications must be submitted to Moscow.

Grounds for obtaining a visa

Interesting fact: owners of real estate in Cyprus are granted the right to obtain a multiple national visa, which greatly simplifies the process for those who have decided to invest in real estate on the island, regardless of its value.

Long-term visas of Cyprus

For foreigners planning to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days in a six-month period, it is possible to obtain a long-term visa category D. To apply for this visa, a justification of the need to reside on the island is required. The most common reasons for obtaining a long-term visa are:

• labor activity,
• continuing education,
• family circumstances.

Cyprus diplomatic missions abroad can only issue short-term visas, so it is very important to prepare in advance all the necessary documents for a long-term stay.

Conclusion

Cyprus visa policies are quite varied and diverse. There are many factors to consider in order to successfully obtain a visa, including:

• visa type,
• length of stay,
• availability of relevant documents.

For those who are going to visit this beautiful island, it is important to familiarize in advance with the current legal regulations and prepare all the necessary documents to avoid unpleasant situations and enjoy your stay in Cyprus.

In order to obtain a visa allowing a long-term stay in Cyprus, a foreign citizen must first visit the island as a tourist. After that, an application must be submitted to the Immigration Service of Cyprus.

The contact details of this service can be found on the official websites.

Northern Cyprus

In the north of the island is a partially recognized entity, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, resulting from a conflict between two ethnic groups, Greek and Turkish. The border between the southern and northern parts of Cyprus is separated by a buffer zone with checkpoints.

Both locals and tourists can move freely between these regions. However, it is worth bearing in mind that it is legal to enter Northern Cyprus only through the southern part. Attempting to enter the North through Turkey and registering this in your passport may create difficulties in obtaining a visa to Cyprus.

Residence permits

Regarding visas and residence permits, it should be noted that the process of obtaining a residence permit in Cyprus is regulated by specific legislation on foreigners and immigration. More detailed information can be found on the website of the Department of Civil Registration and Immigration of Cyprus.

A residence permit in Cyprus is often referred to as a “pink card” or “pink slip”. It comes in different categories:

• Working View;
• Study View;
• Guest View.

The main reasons for obtaining a residence permit are quite simple:

• Working viewis issued to those who come to the island for employment;
• Training typeis intended for those who plan to study at local educational institutions.

Visitor's residence permit

A visitor's residence permit can be obtained for various reasons, but the process has its own challenges. There are certain requirements that must be met:

• The applicant must have permanent residence in Cyprus and actually reside on the island, without leaving for more than three consecutive months;
• Requires proof of income of at least10,000 eurosper year per applicant;
• If there will be dependent relatives, proof of income must also be provided for each of them, which must be at a minimum5 thousand eurosper year;
• It is mandatory to have a bank account in Cyprus into which funds are regularly received from abroad.

Despite the possibility of obtaining a visitor's residence permit, it should be remembered that it is prohibited to work in Cyprus with such a permit. Thus, this type of document is suitable only for wealthy people who wish to spend time on the island, enjoying their vacation and possibly being in the company of their loved ones. They must receive financial resources from abroad.

This authorization is issued forone yearwith the possibility of annual renewal. In addition, close relatives of the main applicant can also apply for a residence permit together with the main applicant.

Immigration options in Cyprus

Cyprus has many immigration programs that bring people from all over the world to this beautiful country. One of the most popular ways of obtaining a residence permit is through the purchase of real estate. The process of obtaining permanent residence here can be completed in as little as two months if the investment amount is300,000 euros.

Important aspects related to investment, immigration and overseas real estate. If you intend to obtain a residence permit in Cyprus, you will need to gather a set of certain documents.

Necessary documents

• Visa Application.
• Passport and a copy of it.
• Four photographic images.
• Documents that prove your right to rent or purchase the property.
• A list of evidence of your financial solvency (this could be pension statements, bank statements, rental income or other means of generating income).
• A bank guarantee valid for two years (the cost depends on your nationality: for citizens of Russia and Eastern Europe it is €550, for others it is €850; check with official sources for details).
• Insurance for medical services.

If you're moving with your family

If you plan to move with family members, make sure you provide (if applicable):

• Your marriage certificate.
• Your spouse's passport.
• Birth certificates of children.
• Bank accounts of all members of your family.
• Proof of sufficient income for each family member.
• Health insurance for anyone planning to relocate.
• Certificates from educational institutions if your children are studying in Cyprus.

Translation and certification of documents

Keep in mind that all documents issued outside the country must be translated into English or Greek and certified with an apostille.

Visa application procedure

Regarding the application process for residency, permanent residency and citizenship, you can start your journey by arriving on the island on a regular visa at the beginning or in the future.

Housing selection

The first step involves choosing a suitable accommodation. You need to rent or purchase a property that will be your primary residence in Cyprus. The rental agreement should be for a minimum of one year. Here you can use the services of agencies and experienced real estate professionals. Start by searching for properties on our website.

Issuance of a temporary residence permit

In order to apply for a temporary residence permit, you will need to provide evidence of your financial solvency. You will also need to prepare a bank guarantee, which usually takes one to two days to process. Do not forget to apply for health insurance (the average cost is €200 per person, which takes a day to process).

Submission of documents

All your documents must be translated into English or Greek and notarized. You can then submit your documents to the local office of the Cyprus Migration Department in the city where you are. You can hand in your documents in person, send them by post or send them through a representative.

Expect a response within three months. The application or renewal costs €70 for each family member and the initial registration is also €70. The fee for a permanent residence permit is €500.

Extension of residence permit

To extend your residence permit, you must apply to the Migration Department at least one month before the end of the current document.

Obtaining permanent residency and citizenship

With regard to obtaining permanent residence and citizenship, the standard procedures will be as follows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that understanding the visa regime and the rules for obtaining a residence permit in Cyprus is an important step for any foreigners who want to settle in this beautiful island for a long or temporary period of time. Opening doors to new opportunities, Cyprus is an attractive choice for those looking for a comfortable and safe place to live, study or work.

The complexity of the process of obtaining a visa or residence permit can seem daunting, however, the steps and requirements outlined will help avoid many mistakes. It is important to remember that having accurate information about the required documents and procedures, such as income or property documentation, can make the process much easier. Be alert to changes in visa regulations, especially in times of global uncertainty, and always try to check the current requirements in advance.

Advantages of living in Cyprus

In addition, Cyprus not only fascinates with its nature and rich history, but also offers migrants a variety of business and personal development opportunities. By properly organizing your visa status, you will have access to all the advantages that this place offers. Perhaps Cyprus will become not just a temporary stopover in your life, but a new home filled with light and joy.

Key points to keep in mind:

• Thorough preparationbefore submitting the application.
• Verification of current requirementson visa regulations.
• Correct paperworksuch as an income certificate.
• Accommodation planningin Cyprus to obtain a residence permit.

I wish good luck to everyone who is considering traveling to Cyprus. I hope my article was useful and informative and will help you on your way to realizing your dream of living on this amazing island. Don't forget that every step requires careful planning and evaluation, so take all the information under control and act with confidence.