Cyprus
Cyprus visa and residence permit guide
- 12 visa types
- checked 24 October 2026
How visas for Cyprus work
The Republic of Cyprus is an EU member state that takes part in Schengen cooperation, but the European Commission notes that checks at its internal borders have not yet been lifted by the Council and that its integration into the Schengen area is still under way. In practice Cyprus runs its own visa procedure: its embassies, high commissions and consulates issue a short-stay visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and the standard fee has been EUR 90 since 11 June 2024, charged in local currency.
Cyprus has adopted Decision 565/2014/EU, so many travellers holding a valid double- or multiple-entry Schengen visa, a Bulgarian, Croatian or Romanian national visa, or a residence permit from one of those states can enter for up to 90 days in any 180 days without a Cyprus visa. Cypriot missions state that this rule does not apply to citizens of Türkiye and Azerbaijan, who must go through the regular visa procedure unless they are family members of an EU citizen covered by Directive 2004/38/EC.
Stays for work, study, research, family reunification or self-employment are handled in Cyprus by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia, often together with the Department of Labour. Most long-stay routes start with an application by the employer, university or host organisation for an entry permit, followed by registration with the District Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police and a temporary residence permit. Asylum claims are examined by the Asylum Service, with appeals to the International Protection Administrative Court.
Entry rules apply in the areas controlled by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, which states that it does not exercise effective control over the northern part of the island. The Republic recognises Larnaca and Paphos international airports and the ports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi and Paphos as legal points of entry; official sources state that entering through any other port or airport is illegal under its law and that visas are issued only for travel through the official entry points.
Which visa do I need?
Holiday, visiting family or friends, or a short business trip of up to 90 days: Cyprus short-stay visa (EUR 90), unless you hold a recognised double- or multiple-entry Schengen visa or permit and are not a citizen of Türkiye or Azerbaijan.
Job offer from a Cypriot employer after a labour market test: temporary residence and employment permit. Work for a company of foreign interests as a director or key staff member: residence and employment permit for highly qualified workers. Transfer within a multinational group: ICT permit. Farm or tourism season: seasonal work permit.
Full-time degree course: student entry permit and temporary residence permit. Research under a hosting agreement: researcher permit. Training placement after or during a degree: trainee permit.
Joining a non-EU family member who has lived legally in Cyprus for two years: family reunification permit. Running your own business or profession: immigration permit for self-employed persons (Categories A to D). Five years of legal residence: long-term residence permit.
Fear of persecution or serious harm: an application for international protection, made in the territory of the Republic and examined by the Asylum Service.
Visa types for Cyprus
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Short-stay visa (Category C)
The Cyprus short-stay visa covers tourism, visits to family or friends and other non-immigration trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Business and self-employment
- Self-employed and freelancer visa Immigration permit for self-employed persons (Categories A to D)
Non-EU nationals who want to work for themselves in the Republic of Cyprus need an immigration permit, which is a form of permanent residence permit.
Maximum stay: Permanent, unless it lapses under the conditions below.
Study and training
- Student visa Entry permit and temporary residence permit for studies
Non-EU students admitted to a recognised higher education institution in the Republic of Cyprus need a visa from a Cyprus mission or an entry permit from the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) before arrival, and a temporary residence permit from the CRMD after arrival.
Maximum stay: For the duration of the full-time programme, through yearly permits. - Researcher visa Entry and residence permit for researchers
Doctoral and post-doctoral researchers and researchers in recognised European or other programmes can live and work in the Republic of Cyprus under a hosting agreement with an approved research organisation.
Maximum stay: For the term of the hosting agreement, through renewable permits. - Internship and trainee visa Residence permit for trainees
Non-EU graduates who obtained a higher education degree no more than two years ago, and students enrolled in a degree outside the EU, can train with a host company in the Republic of Cyprus under a trainee residence permit.
Maximum stay: 6 months, renewable once for the length of the training agreement.
Work
- Work visa Entry permit and temporary residence and employment permit
Most non-EU workers in the Republic of Cyprus need an entry permit for employment and a temporary residence and employment permit, both requested by the employer.
Maximum stay: Up to 4 years in most jobs; no maximum for farming, domestic work, specialty cooks, priests and tourist representatives. - Skilled worker visa Residence and employment permit for highly qualified staff of companies of foreign interests
Companies of foreign interests in the Republic of Cyprus, including international companies, can employ non-EU executive directors, middle managers and other key staff under a residence and employment permit for highly qualified workers.
Maximum stay: No limit on the total period of residence; renewable permits. - Intra-company transfer visa Intra-corporate transferee (ICT) permit
Managers, specialists and trainee employees of a group based outside the EU can be transferred to its entity in the Republic of Cyprus under an ICT permit, following Directive 2014/66/EU.
Maximum stay: Up to 3 years for managers and specialists; 1 year for trainee employees. - Seasonal work visa Entry permit and residence and employment permit for seasonal workers
Seasonal workers from outside the EU can be employed in the Republic of Cyprus for a limited period under an entry permit for employment and a residence and employment permit.
Maximum stay: Up to 4 months, extendable by a further 4 months, according to the EU Immigration Portal.
Family
- Family reunification visa Residence permit for family reunification
Non-EU nationals who have lived legally in the Republic of Cyprus for two years can apply to the Civil Registry and Migration Department to bring their spouse and unmarried minor children.
Maximum stay: Renewable; never longer than the sponsor’s permit.
Residence
- Permanent residence Long-term residence permit and immigration permit
The Republic of Cyprus offers two paths to permanent status for non-EU nationals.
Maximum stay: Permanent status.
Asylum and international protection
- Asylum and international protection International protection (asylum and subsidiary protection)
People who fear persecution or serious harm in their home country can apply for international protection in the Republic of Cyprus.
Processing time: EU border procedure: at most 12 weeks including the appeal, in the cases where it applies.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a visa for the Republic of Cyprus?
Nationals of countries on the EU visa list, unless they hold a valid double- or multiple-entry Schengen visa, a Bulgarian, Croatian or Romanian national visa or a residence permit of those states or of a Schengen state. Cypriot missions state that citizens of Türkiye and Azerbaijan cannot use that exemption and always follow the regular visa procedure, except family members of EU citizens covered by Directive 2004/38/EC.
Is Cyprus in the Schengen area?
Cyprus takes part in Schengen cooperation, but according to the European Commission its internal border controls have not yet been abolished by the Council and its integration is still under way. Cyprus therefore issues its own short-stay visas and keeps passport checks on arrival from other EU countries.
Can I enter Cyprus with a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
Usually yes, for up to 90 days in any 180 days, if the visa is double- or multiple-entry and valid. The same applies to Bulgarian, Croatian and Romanian national visas and to residence permits of those states and of Schengen states. Citizens of Türkiye and Azerbaijan are excluded and need a Cyprus visa.
Which entry points does the Republic of Cyprus recognise?
Larnaca and Paphos international airports and the seaports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi and Paphos, all in the area under the effective control of the Government. Official sources state that entry through other ports or airports is illegal under the law of the Republic and can lead to legal consequences.
Who issues residence and work permits in Cyprus?
The Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia decides on entry and residence permits. For most jobs the Department of Labour first runs a labour market test and stamps the employment contract, and newcomers register with the District Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police.
Can a refused permit be challenged?
Yes. Decisions of the CRMD on residence and employment permits can be challenged before the Administrative Court; for ICT permits the EU Immigration Portal gives a time limit of 75 days from notification. Asylum decisions are appealed to the International Protection Administrative Court.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.