CyprusFamily

Cyprus family reunification visa

Residence permit for family reunification

In short

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. The spouse must be over 21 and the marriage at least one year old. Family members receive a one-year renewable permit that cannot outlast the sponsor’s; ICT permit holders have a faster route with immediate work access for the spouse.

checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Renewable; never longer than the sponsor’s permit.
Validity
Residence permit of 1 year, renewable.
Fee
€200Fee listed for family reunification applications of ICT permit holders; the CRMD confirms the fee for other sponsors.
Work
Limited for up to 12 months (labour market test), then general rules apply; immediate for spouses of ICT holders.
Family
Spouse over 21 married for at least 1 year; unmarried minor dependent children of the sponsor and the spouse.
Path to permanent residence
Long-term residence after 5 years of legal and continuous stay.
Where to apply
Sponsor applies to the CRMD in Cyprus.

Who can sponsor and who can join

You can apply for family reunification once you have resided legally in Cyprus for two years. The family members covered are your spouse, provided the spouse is over 21 and the marriage took place at least one year before the application, and your unmarried minor dependent children as well as those of your spouse.

Holders of an intra-corporate transferee (ICT) permit are not subject to the two-year wait in the same way: their family members receive a family reunification permit with the same validity as the sponsor’s permit after an application with a EUR 200 fee.

What you must prove

The application goes to the Civil Registry and Migration Department. You must prove the family relationship, accommodation that meets general health and safety standards and sufficient financial resources to support the family.

Relationship documents issued abroad, such as marriage and birth certificates, are normally supplied as officially issued certificates; ask the CRMD which certification and translation it requires for documents from your country.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passports of the sponsor and each family member.

Money

  • Proof of sufficient financial resources for the family.

Family

  • Marriage certificate (marriage at least 1 year old) and birth certificates of the children.

Other

  • Sponsor’s residence permit showing 2 years of legal residence in Cyprus.
  • Proof of accommodation meeting general health and safety standards.

Permit and renewal

If the application succeeds, each family member receives a residence permit for one year, which is renewable. It cannot be longer than the sponsor’s own residence permit, so renewals usually follow the sponsor’s renewal cycle.

For family members of ICT permit holders the permit has the same validity as the sponsor’s permit and is renewable.

  1. Check that you have two years of legal residence (not needed in the same way for ICT holders).
  2. Confirm that your spouse is over 21 and the marriage is at least one year old.
  3. Gather relationship, housing and income documents.
  4. Submit the application to the CRMD and pay the fee it confirms.
  5. After approval, family members travel through a recognised entry point.
  6. Renew the family permits in line with the sponsor’s permit.

Work and long-term residence

Family members have limited access to employment for a period of up to 12 months, during which a labour market test is required; after that, the general rules for non-EU citizens apply. The spouse of an ICT permit holder has access to employment and self-employment as soon as they are in Cyprus.

After five years of legal and continuous stay, family members are entitled to apply for a long-term residence permit, showing stable financial means, health insurance and that residence was not obtained by fraud.

Appeals

Decisions on residence permits for family members can be challenged before the administrative courts.

Frequently asked questions

How long must I live in Cyprus before bringing my family?

Two years of legal residence. Family members of ICT permit holders follow a separate route tied to the sponsor’s permit.

Is there a minimum age for spouses?

Yes. The spouse must be over 21, and the marriage must have taken place at least one year before the application.

Can my spouse work in Cyprus?

Access to work is limited for up to 12 months and subject to a labour market test; afterwards the general rules apply. Spouses of ICT permit holders can work immediately.

How long is the family permit valid?

One year, renewable, and never longer than the sponsor’s permit.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Cyprus

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the duration of the full-time programme, through yearly permits.
  • Researcher visa Maximum stay: For the term of the hosting agreement, through renewable permits.
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: 6 months, renewable once for the length of the training agreement.

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Up to 4 years in most jobs; no maximum for farming, domestic work, specialty cooks, priests and tourist representatives.
  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: No limit on the total period of residence; renewable permits.
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years for managers and specialists; 1 year for trainee employees.
  • Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: Up to 4 months, extendable by a further 4 months, according to the EU Immigration Portal.

Residence

Protection

Cyprus visa guide