Tag: immigration

Cyprus: apply for your EU Blue card

From Global Talent to Cyprus Resident

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From Global Talent to Cyprus Resident: Your pathway to the EU Blue Card

As of Monday, 7 July 2025, the Migration Department under the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus has officially opened applications for the EU Blue Card. This marks a significant development in the country’s immigration framework, aligning Cyprus with broader European Union policies designed to attract highly qualified professionals from outside the EU.

Notably, there is no maximum quota for EU Blue Card admissions in Cyprus – as long as the employment falls within the designated eligible sectors.

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit that enables highly qualified non-EU nationals to live and work in Cyprus, as well as in other EU member states (excluding Denmark and Ireland). It offers streamlined pathways for skilled professionals to contribute to the EU economy and enjoy rights comparable to EU nationals.

Who is eligible?

Non-EU nationals who:

  • Reside outside the Republic
  • Reside in the Republic as holders of a valid residence permit
  • Reside in the Republic legally (with a visa)

Applicants must:

Hold higher education qualifications or possess high-level professional skills* in one of the following eligible fields:

  • Information Technology and Communications (ICT)
  • Pharmaceutical (for research purposes only)
  • Shipping (excluding ship captains and crew)

*Applicants with at least 3 years of professional experience within the last 7 years may qualify in the case of ICT Services Managers and ICT Professionals.

  • Have a valid work contract or a binding job offer for highly qualified employment for a minimum of 6 months
  • Meet the annual gross salary threshold of at least €43,632
  • Fulfil additional requirements:
    • Medical care coverage
    • Verified residential address
    • A valid travel document with a duration at least equal to the requested EU Blue Card’s validity

What are the benefits?

Holders of the EU Blue Card enjoy a range of rights and privileges, including:

  • Fast-track entry and simplified administrative procedures
  • Family reunification rights (family members can accompany the EU Blue Card holder and access the labour market, including self-employment)
  • Equal treatment with Cypriot nationals in terms of:
    • Employment and working conditions
    • Education and training
    • Social security
    • Access to goods and services
  • Mobility within the EU (eligible to move to another EU country after 12 months of residence)
  • Right to change employer (subject to approval)
  • Pathway to long-term residence (permanent residence possible after 5 years of legal stay in the EU, including time on the EU Blue Card)

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

  1. Employer submits the application on behalf of the applicant
  2. Application reviewed for entry permit by the Cypriot authorities (within 1 month)
  3. Entry into Cyprus (for 3 months)
  4. Registration of the applicant and submission of personal data
  5. Biometric data collection (photo, fingerprints, and signature)
  6. Examination of the EU Blue Card application (within 3 months)
  7. Approval and issuance of the EU Blue Card

Validity & Renewal

  • Valid for 3 years, provided the passport and employment contract cover this period
  • If the employment contract is under 24 months, the permit is valid for the contract duration plus 3 months (maximum 24 months)
  • If the passport expires sooner, the card will match its expiration date

The card is renewable, provided that employment conditions continue to be met.

Application Timeline

The processing time varies between 1 to 3 months, depending on the application type and completeness of documentation submitted. For the latest updates, official guidelines, application forms, and the complete list of required supporting documents, please refer to the Migration Department’s Official Website.

How Can We Help You?

Cyprus offers more than just sunshine and scenic coastlines – it’s rapidly becoming a hub for innovation, business, and digital development. Whether you’re seeking a better quality of life, exciting career opportunities, or a safe, vibrant place to raise a family, then living and working in Cyprus could be the change you’re looking for.

Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of your relocation journey. From navigating the EU Blue Card application to settling into your new home, we provide tailored advice and end-to-end support to make your move as smooth and successful as possible. Contact us today to speak with our relocation and immigration experts and start planning your move with confidence.

Cyprus Naturalisation: new criteria

Cyprus Naturalisation: Revised application criteria

Posted on | by [email protected]

Cyprus Naturalisation: Revised application criteria

On the 22nd of March 2024, the Ministry of the Interior announced the receipt and examination of applications for naturalization submitted in accordance with the provisions of the Population Register (Amendment) Law of 2023.

The qualifications for naturalization, pursuant to article 111B(1) of the Population Register Law, which must be met cumulatively to submit an application for naturalization are the following:

  1. Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application. Periods of absence that do not exceed a total of 90 days do not interrupt the stated period.
  2. During the 10 years immediately preceding the 12-month period, legal residence for cumulative periods of not less than 7 years.
  3. Good character.
  4. Adequate knowledge of Greek language at level B1.
  5. Sufficient knowledge of basic elements of the modern political and social reality of the Republic of Cyprus.
  6. Appropriate accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for maintaining the applicants themselves and their family members.
  7. Intention to reside in the Republic of Cyprus.

According to article 111B(2), the qualifications are differentiated for the individuals residing in the Republic of Cyprus for the purpose of highly qualified employment in companies which are determined by the Decision of the Council of Ministers (no. 92.018, dated 15/10/2021), regarding the Strategy for Attracting Businesses for Activities or/and Expansion of their Activities in Cyprus, as well as for their family members. The following companies fall into this category:

  1. Businesses/companies of foreign interests operating in the Republic of Cyprus and operating independent offices in Cyprus, which are housed in suitable premises, separate from any private residence or other office,
  2. Cypriot shipping companies,
  3. Cypriot high-tech/innovation companies with products related to the aerospace industry, computers, IT, technology and communication, pharmaceuticals, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemicals, non-electrical machinery,
  4. Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies active in the fields of biogenetics and biotechnology,
  5. The companies that are already registered in the Register of Foreign Companies of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

The qualifications for the individuals falling under the provisions of article 111B(2) as well as for their family members, which must be met cumulatively, are as follows:

  1. Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application. Periods of absence that do not exceed a total of 90 days do not interrupt the stated time period.
  2. During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, to have legal residence for cumulative periods of no less than 4 or 3 years depending on the level of knowledge of the Greek language, i.e. A2 or B1 respectively. Periods of absence that do not exceed a total of 90 days per year do not count as absence.
  3. Good character.
  4. Adequate knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 or B1.
  5. Sufficient knowledge of basic elements of the modern political and social reality of the Republic.
  6. Appropriate accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of themselves and their family members.
  7. Intention to reside in the Republic of Cyprus.

Our team is happy to provide you with detailed information regarding the naturalization criteria and guide you through the application procedure. Please contact us at +357 22022777 or send us an email.

Cyprus Naturalisation: updated and more flexible rules

Cyprus naturalisation – updated and more flexible rules

Posted on | by [email protected]

On the 30th November 2023, the Cypriot House of Representatives approved an amendment of the Civil Registry Law, relaxing the rules for granting Cypriot citizenship to foreign nationals and modernising the current legal framework. The aim is to attract and encourage highly skilled tech professionals and their families to stay in Cyprus. The bill is subject to government approval before it comes into force.

This initiative enhances the country’s reputation as a continuously developed international business hub and is expected to foster innovation, cultivate domestic talent and fuel economic growth.

The amendments relate mainly to the amount of time that foreign nationals are expected to reside in Cyprus before applying for naturalization, as well as their knowledge of the Greek language. There are also special provisions which apply to individuals with high qualifications and skills in the technology sector.

Applicants must meet the following main criteria:

• Legal and continuous physical stay in Cyprus for the twelve months preceding the application for naturalisation (periods of absence should not exceed 90 days in total).
• Legal physical stay in Cyprus for at least seven out of ten years preceding the aforesaid 12-month period (periods of absence should not exceed 90 days in total, per year).
• To be of good character and have a clean criminal record.
• To be financially self-sustained and have a suitable place of residence.
• To have sufficient knowledge of the Greek language (certificate of basic knowledge, Level B1) and basic knowledge of the country’s political and social status.
• To have the intention to stay in Cyprus.

Individuals with high skills in the technology sector and working in companies of foreign interest should meet the following special provisions:

• The period of seven years (out of the last ten) of residence in Cyprus is reduced to four years for applicants having a certificate of knowledge of the Greek language of A2 level, and three years if the certificate is of B1 level.
• Family members of the applicants may also apply for naturalisation, under the same conditions. Spouses or civil partners of the applicants should have the same certificates of knowledge of the Greek language as the applicants. Children of the applicants that reach adulthood (18 years of age) during the examination of their parent’s application should still be considered minors for the purpose of the Law and be eligible for naturalisation. Dependent adult children with disabilities are also eligible.

The applications of highly specialised professionals are examined on a ‘fast-track’ basis which does not exceed eight months, upon the payment of a fee. The details of this process and the relevant fee should be determined by way of a Ministerial decision.

It is also noted that applications for citizenship that were submitted before the aforementioned amendments shall be examined under the new criteria as described above.

For any assistance, our experienced team can guide and support you through the naturalization process. Contact us here.