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Cyprus skilled worker permit for companies of foreign interests

Residence and employment permit for highly qualified staff of companies of foreign interests

In short

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. The application goes to the Director of the Civil Registry and Migration Department, minimum salaries apply, and permits are issued for up to two years with no cap on the total period of residence.

checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
No limit on the total period of residence; renewable permits.
Validity
Each permit is issued for up to 2 years.
Funds required
€3,872 per monthMinimum gross monthly salary for executive directors; EUR 1,936 for middle management and other key personnel. Amounts may be adjusted in line with the salary index.
Work
For the sponsoring company; change of employer with a release paper or termination letter.
Path to permanent residence
Long-term residence after 5 years; immigration permit if qualifications are in demand in Cyprus.
Where to apply
Company applies to the CRMD Director in Nicosia.

Categories and salary thresholds

The scheme covers employment in any company of foreign interests, including international companies. Category (a) is executive directors: directors or partners of the registered company, general managers of subsidiaries and branches, and department managers. Their minimum monthly salary is EUR 3,872, and an eligible company may employ up to five, unless it justifies more.

Category (b) covers middle management, executive staff and other key personnel, including directors who are not executive directors, with a minimum monthly salary of EUR 1,936 and up to ten people per company unless justified. Both thresholds may be adjusted in line with the salary index, so the company should confirm the current figure with the CRMD.

Documents

The application to the Director of the CRMD is accompanied by a copy of your passport, all certificates proving your qualifications and the employment contract stating your annual salary. The company also provides a bank guarantee.

You add a medical examination certificate, a certificate of full medical insurance and a criminal record certificate.

Required documents

Identity

  • Copy of passport.

Money

  • Bank guarantee.

Work

  • Employment contract stating the annual salary.

Study

  • Certificates proving your qualifications.

Insurance

  • Full medical insurance certificate.

Other

  • Medical examination certificate and criminal record certificate.

Decision and duration

After consulting other competent authorities, the Director of the CRMD decides whether to grant the permit. Permits are issued for up to two years at a time, and there is no restriction on the total period that highly qualified employees may reside in Cyprus.

The EU Immigration Portal page for Cyprus does not give a fee or processing time for this permit; the company obtains these from the CRMD.

  1. Confirm that the employer is a company of foreign interests eligible for the scheme.
  2. Agree a contract that meets the minimum salary for your category.
  3. Collect qualification certificates, criminal record, medical certificate and insurance.
  4. The company submits the application and bank guarantee to the Director of the CRMD.
  5. After approval, travel through a recognised entry point and follow the CRMD instructions for collecting the permit.
  6. Renew the permit before it expires; each renewal can be for up to two years.

Changing employer or status

The permit is tied to a specific employer, but you can move to another one with a release paper or a termination letter. You may also change status if you meet all the conditions of the new category.

After five years of legal and continuous stay you can apply for long-term residence, showing stable financial means, health insurance and that residence was not obtained by fraud. Staff with academic or professional qualifications in demand in Cyprus who intend to work for a company of foreign interests may also apply for an immigration permit.

Appeals

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

Frequently asked questions

What salary do I need for a Cyprus highly qualified worker permit?

At least EUR 3,872 a month for executive directors and EUR 1,936 for middle management and key staff, as listed on the EU Immigration Portal. The figures may be adjusted to the salary index.

How many foreign executives can one company employ?

Up to five executive directors and up to ten middle-management or key staff, unless the company justifies more.

Is there a limit on how long I can stay?

No. Each permit runs for up to two years, but there is no restriction on the total residence period.

Can I change employer?

Yes, with a release paper or a termination letter from the current employer.

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.
  • 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.

Family

Residence

Protection

Cyprus visa guide