Cyprus student visa and residence permit

You must be enrolled at a recognised institution of higher education, or at a public or private institute or organisation, for a course leading to a diploma, a postgraduate diploma, a doctorate or another higher education qualification. Permits are granted only to full-time students; part-time or distance programmes do not qualify.

A separate route exists for pupils aged 12 to 19 who take part in a recognised pupil exchange programme at an accredited school. Here the school must cover public liability, living, repatriation and medical costs through an insurance policy, and the guardians must consent in writing to the pupil living with a host family that meets the criteria of the Republic and of the programme.

The file shows your admission to the institution, sufficient financial resources for living expenses during your studies, health insurance, a criminal record certificate and a copy of your passport. The amount of money required is not set as a fixed figure on the EU Immigration Portal page for Cyprus, so universities and the CRMD tell students which bank evidence they accept.

Exchange pupils add proof of participation in the recognised programme, the school’s insurance commitment and their guardians’ written consent. In both routes the CRMD may request further documents before it issues the entry permit.

Before travelling you obtain either a visa from the Cyprus embassy or consulate in your home country or an entry permit issued by the CRMD. The CRMD may ask for further documents before issuing the entry permit.

After arrival you register with the District Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police, undergo a medical check and submit the medical certificates. You must apply for the temporary residence permit at the CRMD within 10 days of arrival; exchange pupils have one week.

The residence permit is valid for one year and is renewed if you apply at least one month before it expires. Students holding a study permit from another EU country under an EU or multilateral programme or a university agreement can study part of their course in Cyprus for up to 360 days after a notification by their home institution; no fee applies to this notification.

Decisions on student residence permits can be challenged before the Administrative Court.

Students may work up to 20 hours a week, under conditions, in specific fields: domestic activities, waste management, restaurants, recreation centres, cleaning services, wholesale trade and repairs, health and social care, agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, manufacturing and food delivery. Each employment contract must be certified by the Department of Labour.

Students who came to Cyprus under EU mobility rules and completed a master’s or PhD course may apply for a permit to look for work or start a business for one year after completing their studies.