Cyprus intra-company transfer (ICT) permit

The ICT permit is for managers, specialists and trainee employees as defined in Articles 3 and 5 of Directive 2014/66/EU. Before the transfer from a branch outside the EU to the Cypriot entity, you must have worked for the group for at least 12 months as a manager or specialist, or six months as a trainee employee.

The Department of Labour certifies that the host entity and the undertaking outside the EU belong to the same group, as well as your prior employment, your work contract or assignment letter and the qualifications and experience the position needs.

The application includes a copy of your passport, the Department of Labour certificates on group membership, prior employment, the work contract or assignment letter and your qualifications, plus a medical examination certificate, full medical insurance and a criminal record certificate.

After arrival you must appear at the CRMD so that your fingerprints, photograph and signature can be recorded.

The host entity in Cyprus submits the application to the Director of the CRMD and pays EUR 180. Complete applications are examined within 90 days, and on approval the applicant is notified by post to collect the permit from the CRMD.

The ICT permit is valid for at least one year or for the length of the transfer, whichever is shorter, and may be extended up to three years for managers and specialists and one year for trainee employees. While it is valid you may work in any entity of the same group in Cyprus; if you no longer meet the conditions you must leave the Republic.

Family members receive a family reunification residence permit with the same validity as yours, renewable, after a separate application with a EUR 200 fee. Once in Cyprus, the spouse has access to employment and self-employment.

ICT permit holders are treated like Cypriot nationals for freedom of association, recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications, social security (with conditions) and access to goods and services (with exceptions).

If you hold an ICT permit from another EU country, short-term mobility of up to 90 days in 180 needs a written notification by the company in the first country to the CRMD, which has 20 days to examine it. For longer stays the Cypriot company applies for a long-term mobility permit (card), costing EUR 160 and decided within 90 days.

A refused ICT application is notified in writing, and the decision can be challenged before the Administrative Court within 75 days of notification.