CyprusWork

Cyprus seasonal work visa and permit

Entry permit and residence and employment permit for seasonal workers

In short

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. As with other jobs, the employer first obtains approval from the Department of Labour after a labour market test, then applies to the Civil Registry and Migration Department. The EU Immigration Portal describes employment of up to four months, extendable by a further four months.

checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 4 months, extendable by a further 4 months, according to the EU Immigration Portal.
Validity
Residence and employment permit tied to one employer.
Work
Only for the employer in the stamped contract.
Where to apply
Employer applies in Cyprus through the District Aliens and Immigration Units.

How seasonal hiring works

The employer registers the vacancy with a District Labour Office of the Department of Labour, which runs a labour market test to check whether qualified local or European workers are available. If the job stays unfilled, the employer may apply for a non-EU worker.

After the Department of Labour gives a positive answer, a standard employment contract is signed and stamped. The employer then submits the entry permit application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department through the District Aliens and Immigration Units of the Police.

Documents and employer duties

The worker undergoes a medical examination and presents a criminal record certificate and a valid passport. The application includes the employment contract stamped by the Labour Office.

The employer must provide reasonable accommodation and a bank guarantee in case the worker has to be repatriated.

Required documents

Identity

  • Valid passport.

Money

  • Employer’s bank guarantee for repatriation and proof of accommodation.

Work

  • Employment contract stamped by the Labour Office.

Other

  • Criminal record certificate.
  • Medical examination results.

How long a seasonal permit lasts

The EU Immigration Portal states that seasonal workers may be employed for up to four months, extendable by another four months. The same page also describes a permit granted for up to three months that can be extended by up to eight further months in two four-month steps, so the employer should confirm with the CRMD which periods apply to the specific season and sector.

No fee or processing time is published on the portal page for this permit. Because the Department of Labour approval, the contract stamping and the CRMD application each take time, employers need to start well before the season begins.

Changing employer and appeals

Seasonal permits are tied to a specific employer. You can change employer only if the former employer issues a release or after a labour dispute has been investigated and decided; a new contract must then be signed and stamped by the Labour Office.

Decisions on the residence and employment permit can be challenged before the Administrative Court.

How to apply, step by step

  1. The employer registers the seasonal vacancy with the District Labour Office.
  2. After the labour market test, the Department of Labour approves a non-EU worker.
  3. The contract is signed and stamped by the Labour Office.
  4. The employer applies for the entry permit through the District Aliens and Immigration Unit.
  5. The worker provides passport, criminal record and medical results, then travels after approval.
  6. Before the period ends, the employer applies for any extension.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I do seasonal work in Cyprus?

The EU Immigration Portal gives an initial period of up to four months, extendable by another four months; the CRMD confirms the exact periods.

Who applies for the seasonal permit?

The employer, after Department of Labour approval, through the District Aliens and Immigration Units of the Police.

Can I switch to another employer during the season?

Only with a release from the former employer or after a labour dispute decision, and with a new stamped contract.

Does the employer provide housing?

Yes. The employer must provide reasonable accommodation and a bank guarantee for repatriation.

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.

Family

Residence

Protection

Cyprus visa guide