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Cyprus immigration & relocation — built by practitioners

Cyprus permit rules
are confusing.
We cut through it.

Find the right permit, calculate your fees, check spouse rights, track your citizenship days — free tools built from 15+ years inside Cyprus HR and relocation.

I'm moving to Cyprus
Find my permit →
🎯
I manage relocations
Explore HR tools →
🏢
✓ Free, no account · ✓ Cyprus-specific only · ✓ 15+ yrs experience
What CyMove does
🎯
Permit Finder
3-min wizard → exact permit match
Start here
💶
Fee Calculator
All costs before you apply
💍
Spouse Work Rights
Can your partner work legally?
🇨🇾
Citizenship Guide
4 & 5-year routes explained
👤
Built by immigration practitioners
1,000+ permit applications handled in Cyprus
🎯 8 permit types covered
Free — no account, no fees
🏢 Used by HR teams & individuals
Who it's for

Moving yourself, or moving your team?

CyMove is built for both — the individual figuring out Cyprus for the first time, and the HR professional who needs answers fast.

👤
Moving to Cyprus yourself?

Know exactly which permit applies, what documents to prepare, and what it will cost — without paying a lawyer for answers you can find in minutes.

Instant permit match based on your profile
Personalised document checklist
Fee breakdown before you apply
Spouse rights and citizenship explained
Start Permit Finder →
🏢
Relocating employees to Cyprus?

HR teams use CyMove to assess eligibility fast, brief employees before the process starts, and cut back-and-forth with lawyers — without needing specialist knowledge first.

Assess multiple candidates in minutes
Share checklists directly with employees
Spouse and family rights covered
HR Dashboard coming — join the waitlist
Run a permit check → Contact us
The Platform

One platform. Every stage of Cyprus relocation.

Free tools built by Cyprus HR and relocation specialists. Use what you need — whether you're day one or year four.

🎯 Start here
Permit Finder
Answer a few questions, get your exact permit match and a personalised document checklist — in minutes.
Start now →
💶 Live
Fee Calculator
See every government fee, third-party cost, and translation expense for your permit — before you apply.
Calculate fees →
💍 Live
Spouse Work Rights
Check whether your partner can work in Cyprus — and what permit or right they need to do so legally.
Check rights →
🇨🇾 Live
Citizenship Guide
Full naturalisation guide for BCS employees — eligibility, documents, costs, and the 4 or 5-year route explained.
Read the guide →
📅 Live
Days Calculator
Track days spent in Cyprus for tax residency, naturalisation, or absence limits — without counting manually.
Calculate days →
📖 Live
Relocation Guides
In-depth guides on the BCS permit, arrival checklist, banking, taxes, and life in Cyprus — written by practitioners.
Browse guides →
Coming soon
Why CyMove

Not a search engine. Not a lawyer. Something better.

Built by people who have processed hundreds of Cyprus permit applications — and seen every mistake that causes delays and rejections.

🎯
Cyprus-only. Always.

Every permit, threshold, fee, and requirement is specific to Cyprus — not copied from a generic immigration database.

🧠
15+ years of real experience

Built by Cyprus HR and relocation specialists who have run these processes — not content writers summarising government websites.

Free and instant

No account. No waiting. No legal fees for a first answer. Get the information you need in the time it takes to drink a coffee.

Get started

Pick the tool that fits your situation.

All free. All Cyprus-specific. All built by people who know the process.

Browse all tools ↑ Start Permit Finder →
Free · No account · Cyprus-specific
About CyMove

We make moving to Cyprus easier.

Clear steps. No confusion. Just what you need to do — and when to do it.

Built from real relocation experience — not theory.

Why CyMove

We’ve helped people move to Cyprus for 10+ years.

From individual applicants to companies relocating entire teams. And we kept seeing the same problems:

People didn’t know which permit applied to them
Documents were missing or prepared incorrectly
Applications were delayed — or rejected — for avoidable reasons

CyMove was built to fix that.

Instead of scattered information, guesswork, and back-and-forth, we created a tool that shows you exactly what to do — step by step, based on your situation.

No legal jargon. No generic advice. Just clarity.

Why CyMove works

Most people don’t fail because the process is hard.

They fail because the process is unclear. CyMove removes that uncertainty:

You get the right permit — not a list of options
You see exactly which documents apply to you
You understand what to do first, and what comes next
You avoid the most common mistakes before they happen

Everything is based on real applications, official requirements, and hands-on experience — not assumptions.

Who it’s for

CyMove is built for anyone who needs to get it right — the first time.

👤

Moving to Cyprus on your own

You want clarity without spending hours researching. Get your exact permit and personal checklist in minutes.

Know exactly what applies to you Avoid delays and rejections Walk in prepared
Start my plan →
🏢

Relocating an employee to Cyprus

You need a reliable, repeatable process. Answer on behalf of your hire — the tool adapts its output for case management, with a shareable checklist and case summary.

Standardise every case Reduce back-and-forth Give employees a smooth experience
Start a case →
💼

Managing cases for multiple people

You need structure without reinventing the process for every client. CyMove gives you consistent, accurate output every time.

Save time on research Deliver consistent guidance Focus on higher-value work
Try Professional mode →
Built on real experience

CyMove isn’t theoretical — it’s built from real-world cases.

📅 Built by an HR Director with 10+ years managing international relocations in Cyprus — hundreds of real cases.
🗂️ Covers BCS, EU Blue Card, Digital Nomad Visa, Pink Slip / Category F, and Family Reunification — all major Cyprus permit pathways.
🏛️ Every checklist maps to the official CRMD submission requirements — not paraphrased or estimated.
⚠️ Designed around the most common mistakes and delays we’ve seen in real applications — not edge cases from a textbook.

Every checklist, step, and recommendation is grounded in how applications actually work — not how they’re described.

Our team

A small team with real experience.

We have backgrounds in HR, relocation, and operations. We’ve worked directly with:

International hires moving to Cyprus
Companies scaling teams across borders
Complex cases where small mistakes caused major delays

CyMove is the tool we wish existed — so we built it.

Need help or more info?

Not sure which permit applies to you?

If you want a second look before applying — we’re here to help. Send us your situation and we’ll guide you in the right direction. We’ve probably seen it before.

No commitment No unnecessary back-and-forth Just clear, practical guidance
Get started now → Contact us →
Contact

Contact Us

Have a question or need help with your case? Send us a message and we’ll get back to you.

We’re here to help.

Whether you’re unsure which permit applies, hit an unexpected requirement, or want a second opinion before submitting — send us your situation. We’ve probably seen it before.

✉️
💬
Response time
We typically reply within 24 hours
🇨🇾
Based in
Cyprus — we know the process first-hand
CyMove Permit Assistant

Tell me about your situation

I'll ask a few quick questions and route you straight to the right Cyprus permit plan.

CyMove Permit Assistant
Get started

Tell us about your situation

Two quick questions and we’ll route you to the right plan.

Who are you?

Select your role so we can tailor the output for you.

What’s the reason for the move?

Choose what best describes the situation.

Step 3 of 3

One final check before we generate your plan.

Citizenship check
Are you an EU / EEA citizen, or a citizen of a country outside the EU?
🇪🇺 EU/EEA nationals don’t need a work permit in Cyprus. You have the right to live and work freely. If staying over 3 months, you need to register for a Yellow Slip (MEU1 Certificate of Registration).
🇪🇺
EU / EEA / Swiss Citizen

You don’t need a work permit

As an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you have the right to live and work freely in Cyprus. Your path is registration — not a permit application.

Fee
Free
No government charge
Processing
1–2 weeks
Typically faster
Duration
Up to 5 yrs
Renewable
ℹ️ Who must register

If you plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months, you must apply for a Yellow Slip (MEU1 Certificate of Registration). You must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

Employed — working for a Cyprus-registered employer
Self-employed — running your own business or freelance activity in Cyprus
Student — enrolled at a recognised Cyprus educational institution
Self-sufficient — can demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself without relying on public funds, plus valid health insurance
📋 What to bring to CRMD
Valid EU passport or national ID card
Completed MEU1 application form — available at CRMD
Proof of your qualifying status — employment contract, business registration, student enrolment letter, or bank statements (self-sufficient route)
Health insurance — required for self-sufficient applicants; employer-provided coverage letter for employed route
Recent passport-sized photo
🏢 Where to apply
Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) — main office, Nicosia
District Administration Offices — Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta districts
No quota. No salary threshold. No employer involvement required.
📋 Important: The Yellow Slip is a registration certificate — not a work permit. It confirms your EU right of residence. Your employer does not need to apply for anything on your behalf, and there is no application fee.
✓ Requirements last verified: May 2026  ·  Form: MEU1
CRMD Official Site ↗

CyMove is not a legal service. For official guidance refer to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Analysing your situation…
Building your personalised Cyprus permit plan
What's next on your Cyprus journey
📋
Document Tracker
Track your documents as you gather them — interactive checklist per permit type.
Coming soon
💍
Spouse Work Rights
Can your spouse work in Cyprus? Get a personalised answer and action plan in 2 minutes.
Check eligibility →
🇨🇾
Citizenship Guide
Your citizenship clock starts now. Check eligibility, track absences, and plan your route.
Open guide →
📅 Last updated: April 2026 · Based on official Cyprus Migration Department requirements For informational purposes only — verify with CRMD before applying
Permit Types

Cyprus permit types

Most common permit types explained. Click any to learn more.

💼
BCS Work Permit
Skilled professionals with a Cypriot employer. Salary ≥ €30,000/year. Most common route.
5–7 weeks~€140
🇪🇺
EU Blue Card
High-skilled professionals. Gross salary ≥ €43,632/year + university degree (3+ years). Fastest EU mobility route — unlocks after 18 months.
~90 days~€140Best for tech/finance
💻
Digital Nomad Visa
Remote workers for foreign employers. Net income ≥ €3,500/month required.
5–7 weeks~€140
🌴
Pink Slip / Cat. F
Live on foreign income without working. Pink Slip (annual) or Category F (permanent).
1–18 months
👨‍👩‍👧
Family Reunification
Join a family member with 2+ years legal residency in Cyprus.
Up to 9 months
🎯
Not sure which?
Answer a few questions and we'll match you to the right permit automatically.
Use permit finder
Guides

Relocation guides

These are the questions we get asked most — and where most applications go wrong.

📄
Criminal Record Certificate
Validity rules, the multi-country requirement, and the order that can't be reversed.
Read guide →
📜
Apostille & Translation
The golden rule that costs people thousands — and the non-Hague legalization chain.
Read guide →
🏥
Medical Tests
5 tests, Cyprus-only rule, 3-month validity, and exactly when to time them.
Read guide →
📝
Employment Contract
Base salary rules, duration requirements, stamp duty 2026, and the auto-renewal clause.
Read guide →
⚠️
Common Mistakes
7 mistakes that delay Cyprus permit applications — and exactly how to avoid each one.
Read guide →
💶
Immigration Costs
Interactive fee calculator split by permit type, family composition, government and document costs.
Calculate costs →
Your Cyprus Journey

All Tools

Every tool organised by where you are in your Cyprus journey. Free, no signup required.

01
Arrive
Get the right permit
02
Settle
Set up your life
03
Stay
Extend and grow
04
Belong
Become Cypriot
01 · Arrive — Get the right permit
🎯
Permit Finder
Find your exact permit, document checklist and step-by-step plan. Takes 3 minutes.
Start →
💶
Fee Calculator
Estimate government fees by permit type and dependants. Instant.
Open →
02 · Settle — Set up your life
🏦
Banking Setup Soon
Which bank to open, what documents you need, and why applications get rejected.
❤️
Health Insurance Soon
GeSY explained, what "comprehensive cover" means for your permit, and your plan options.
Local Utilities Soon
Electricity, water, internet — the right sequence and what ID you need for each.
🐾
Pet Relocation Soon
EU passport vs third-country rules, titre test timing, and import permit requirements.
03 · Stay — Extend and grow
💍
Spouse Work Rights
Can your spouse work in Cyprus? Personalised answer and action plan in 2 minutes.
Check →
🔄
Permit Renewal Soon
When to start, what's changed, and the renewal document checklist by permit type.
04 · Belong — Become Cypriot
🇨🇾
Citizenship Guide
Eligibility routes, documents, costs, absence tracker, family section, and Days Calculator — for BCS employees on the 4 or 5-year route.
Explore →
Spouse Eligibility Tool

Can your spouse work in Cyprus?
Let's find out.

Answer a few questions about your situation. Get a personalised plan in seconds.

👤 Your first name

Guide

Criminal Record Certificate

What it is, how to get it, and the rules that catch people off guard.

Validity
6 months
Required for
All permits
Est. cost
€10–€30
Last verified: May 2026

What is a Criminal Record Certificate?

A Criminal Record Certificate (also called a Police Clearance Certificate or PCC) is an official document from your national police authority confirming you have no criminal convictions. Cyprus requires it for every permit type — work, residency, and family reunification.

You must request the international-use version explicitly. The standard domestic version is typically not accepted.

The 6-month validity rule

Your criminal record certificate must be no more than 6 months old at the time of submission to the Migration Department. This is a hard rule with zero exceptions.

⚠️ Strategy: Do not get your criminal record certificate first. Get it last — or at minimum, time it so it will not expire before your medical tests and contract are ready.

The multiple country rule

If you have been legally residing in a country other than your passport country for 12 or more consecutive months, you need a criminal record certificate from both countries.

  • Belarusian passport, living in Lithuania 2 years → PCC from Belarus AND Lithuania
  • Ukrainian passport, living in Poland 18 months → PCC from Ukraine AND Poland
  • Indian passport, living in UAE 3 years → PCC from India AND UAE
ℹ️ CyMove automatically adds the second criminal record to your checklist if you answer that you have been residing in a different country.

Order of operations

The criminal record must be processed in the correct order. Reversing this is the single most expensive mistake in Cyprus immigration applications.

1 — Issue
2 — Apostille
3 — Translate

Translating before apostilling means the apostille then certifies an earlier version of the document. The translation is invalidated and must be redone. Allow time — and always apostille first.

Next: Apostille guide → ← All guides Build my checklist →
Related guides
Guide

Apostille & Translation

The rule that costs applicants weeks and hundreds of euros — and how to never get it wrong.

Last verified: May 2026

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is an authentication certificate attached to official documents that makes them legally valid in Hague Convention member countries. Cyprus is a Hague country, so documents from other Hague countries need an apostille to be accepted.

Who needs one?

  • EU passport holders: Generally no apostille needed for criminal records. Translation still required if documents are not in English or Greek.
  • Hague Convention nationals (non-EU): Apostille required on all original documents before translation. This includes UK, USA, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Israel, India, Canada, Australia, Turkey and many others.
  • Non-Hague nationals: Full legalization chain required — significantly longer process.

The golden rule — order is absolute

Issue document
Apostille
Translate

This order cannot be reversed. The Apostille certifies the original document's authenticity. If you translate first, the apostille certifies a different (earlier) version of the document — and your translation must be redone after apostilling.

🚫 Never translate before apostilling. This is the most common and most expensive mistake in Cyprus immigration applications.

PIO-registered translators only

Only translators registered with the Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) are accepted by the Migration Department. Translations from any other source — including foreign-certified translators, notarised translations, or online services — will be rejected outright.

Translating in Cyprus is typically cheaper and faster than abroad. Expect €15–€40 per document.

✅ Tip: Find PIO-registered translators on the PIO website. Ask your employer's HR team or relocation provider for a recommended contact in Cyprus.

Non-Hague countries: full legalization chain

If your documents originate from a country not part of the Hague Convention (Lebanon, UAE, Pakistan, most African and Middle Eastern nations), the process is significantly longer:

  • Issue document from official authority
  • Local authority certification in your country
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country
  • Cyprus Embassy in your country
  • Then translate in Cyprus using a PIO translator
⚠️ Start 6–8 weeks early if your country is not a Hague Convention signatory. This chain cannot be expedited easily.
Next: Medical tests → ← All guides
Related guides
Guide

Medical Tests

5 mandatory tests, Cyprus-only rule, 3-month validity, and when to time them.

Validity
3 months
Location
Cyprus only
Tests
5 required
Est. cost
€50–€100
Last verified: May 2026
  • HIV test
  • Syphilis test
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Tuberculosis — chest X-ray reviewed by a government-certified radiologist

All results must be negative. Any positive result will complicate or pause the application process significantly.

Cyprus only — no exceptions

Medical tests must be done in Cyprus by a government-certified doctor. Tests completed in any other country — regardless of lab quality, doctor certification, WHO accreditation, or international recognition — are not accepted by the Migration Department.

🚫 Do not do your medical tests before arriving in Cyprus. Any tests done abroad will be rejected and you will need to repeat them in Cyprus regardless.

Plan to complete medical tests in your first 1–2 weeks after arrival in Cyprus. Ask your employer's HR team for a recommended government-certified doctor or clinic.

The 3-month validity rule

Medical test results are valid for only 3 months from the date the tests were taken. If your results expire before your submission appointment, you must repeat all 5 tests.

This is a shorter window than the criminal record certificate (6 months), making the timing sequence critical.

Timing strategy

Given the different validity windows, the correct sequencing is:

Criminal record
Other documents
Medical tests LAST
  • Criminal record: valid 6 months — get this first
  • Medical tests: valid 3 months — get these last, as close to submission as possible
  • Work backwards from your target submission date
  • Aim to submit within 6–8 weeks of getting your criminal record
⚠️ Medical tests last. Always. Getting them too early and having them expire is a costly and avoidable mistake.
Next: Employment contract → ← All guides
Related guides
Guide

Employment Contract

What must be in the contract, the salary rules, stamp duty 2026, and what employers get wrong.

Last verified: May 2026

Salary rules — base only

The minimum salary threshold for the BCS Work Permit is €30,000 gross per year base salary. For the EU Blue Card it is €43,632 gross per year.

Only guaranteed base salary counts. The following are explicitly excluded from the threshold calculation and cannot be used to meet the minimum:

  • Performance bonuses of any kind
  • Sales commissions
  • Stock options or equity grants
  • Housing, transport, or meal allowances
  • Any variable or conditional pay component
⚠️ The employment contract must explicitly state the base salary as a separate line. If the contract bundles fixed and variable pay without isolating base salary, the Migration Department may reject or query the application.

Contract duration requirements

  • BCS Work Permit: minimum 2-year contract term
  • EU Blue Card: minimum 1-year contract term
  • Both employer and employee must sign before submission
  • Contract must be in force at time of application — not a future start date

Stamp duty — 2026 rule change

Contracts signed on or after 1 January 2026 are exempt from stamp duty. This applies to employment contracts and rental agreements alike.

✅ If your contract is dated January 2026 or later — stamp duty is waived. No additional payment required at submission.

Contracts signed before this date still attract stamp duty at the applicable rate. If you are in this situation, confirm the exact amount with your employer's legal team.

Employer liability insurance — the auto-renewal clause

Your employer must provide liability insurance as part of the permit package. The policy must include an automatic renewal clause — a specific requirement that catches many employers off guard.

Policies without this clause will cause friction or delay at the Migration Department desk. Have your employer's HR or insurance broker confirm this clause is present before your appointment.

⚠️ This is a common employer-side error. Raise it explicitly with your HR team before submitting — do not assume the clause is there by default.

Common employer errors

  • Contract lists total compensation (base + bonus) without separating base salary
  • Contract duration is under the minimum (1 or 2 years depending on permit)
  • Liability insurance does not include the automatic renewal clause
  • Contract is signed by one party only — both signatures required
  • Return-cost declaration is missing — employer must confirm they cover return travel costs
Next: Common mistakes → ← All guides
Related guides
Guide

Common Mistakes

7 mistakes that delay Cyprus permit applications — and exactly how to avoid each one.

Last verified: May 2026
Translating before apostilleHigh cost — redo everything
The most common and most expensive mistake. The Apostille certifies the original document's form. Translating first means the apostille certifies an older version — the translation is invalidated and must be redone.
✅ Always: Issue → Apostille → Translate. In this exact order, without exception.
Criminal record older than 6 months at submissionInstant rejection
The Migration Department will reject the application immediately. There are no exceptions, grace periods, or appeals for this. If your certificate is past 6 months, you must obtain a fresh one before resubmitting.
✅ Time your criminal record against your target submission date. If it risks expiring, request a fresh one.
Using a non-PIO translatorRejected — retranslate everything
Only translators registered with the Cyprus PIO (Press and Information Office) are accepted. Foreign-certified translators, notarised translations, certified online services — all rejected.
✅ Use only PIO-registered sworn translators in Cyprus. Get a referral from your employer's HR team.
Medical tests done outside CyprusNot accepted — repeat in Cyprus
Regardless of lab quality, doctor certification, WHO accreditation, or international recognition. Tests done anywhere outside Cyprus are not accepted. Full stop.
✅ Do all 5 tests in Cyprus within your first 1–2 weeks of arrival. Do them last — right before submission.
Medical tests expired at submission (older than 3 months)Rejected — repeat all 5 tests
Getting medical tests too early is as bad as not getting them. If 3 months pass before you submit, you must repeat all 5 tests.
✅ Medical tests last. Always. Book them as close to your submission date as possible.
Including bonuses in the salary thresholdApplication queried or refused
Only guaranteed base salary counts toward the €30,000 (BCS) or €43,632 (Blue Card) threshold. Bonuses, commissions, stock options, and allowances are excluded entirely.
✅ Ensure the contract explicitly states base salary meeting the threshold. No bundled compensation packages.
Liability insurance without auto-renewal clauseDelay at desk
Employer liability insurance must include an automatic renewal clause. Many standard policies do not include this. The desk officer will flag it and the application cannot proceed until corrected.
✅ Confirm this clause is in the policy with your employer before your appointment. Do not assume it is there.
Build my mistake-free checklist → ← All guides
Related guides
Costs

Immigration Costs

Government fees and document preparation costs — broken down by permit type and family composition.

Interactive Cost Calculator
Select your permit type and family situation to see the full estimated cost breakdown.
Permit type
Who is relocating?
⚠️ Estimates only. Government fees are fixed; document costs vary by nationality and translator. Stamp duty waived on contracts signed from 1 January 2026.

Fixed government fees

BCS Work Permit~€140
EU Blue Card~€140
Digital Nomad Visa~€140
Pink Slip (annual)~€140
Category F (permanent)~€570 total
Family Reunification (per person)~€140
M70 Entry Permit (if needed)~€50

Document preparation (estimated)

Medical tests in Cyprus (per person)€50–€100
Apostille (varies by country, per document)€30–€80
PIO sworn translation (per document)€15–€40
Criminal record certificate€10–€30
Bank guarantee (Pink Slip / Cat.F only)€350–€850

Stamp duty — 2026 rules

Employment contract signed from 1 Jan 2026✅ Waived
Rental agreement signed from 1 Jan 2026✅ Waived
Contracts signed before 1 Jan 2026Stamp duty applies
Get my personalised checklist → ← All guides
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Cyprus immigration, apostilles, medical tests, and more.

What is an Apostille and do I need one?
An Apostille authenticates a document's signature and seal for use in all 125+ Hague Convention countries — including Cyprus. If your passport is from a non-EU Hague country (UK, USA, Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Israel…) you need it. EU citizens generally do not need apostilles for criminal records.
Do I need a Cyprus Entry Permit before traveling?
If you hold a valid EU Member State residence permit (e.g. German, Lithuanian), you can enter Cyprus directly — no separate M70 Entry Permit required. Otherwise your employer must apply for the M70 before you travel.
Can I do medical tests before arriving in Cyprus?
No. All 5 medical tests (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B & C, TB) must be done in Cyprus by a government-certified doctor. Tests done abroad are not accepted. Do these last — right before submission.
Does the €30,000 salary include bonuses?
No. Only guaranteed base salary counts. Bonuses, commissions, stock options, and allowances are excluded entirely. The employment contract must explicitly state a base salary of ≥ €30,000 for BCS, or ≥ €43,632 for EU Blue Card.
What is the EU Blue Card and who qualifies?
The EU Blue Card is a high-skilled work permit available across EU member states. In Cyprus (as of July 2025), it requires a gross annual salary of at least €43,632, a university degree of 3+ years, and a minimum 1-year employment contract. The key advantage: after 18 months in Cyprus, you can transfer your Blue Card to work in another EU country — making it the preferred route for tech and finance professionals with EU mobility goals.
Is the Digital Nomad Visa still accepting applications?
The Digital Nomad Visa operates under a government quota. The permit cap was extended in March 2025, but quotas can fill or be suspended without much notice. Always confirm current availability directly with the Cyprus Migration Department before gathering documents — CyMove flags this on every Nomad result.
What is the difference between Pink Slip and Category F?
Pink Slip is annual and renewable each year. Category F is permanent residency. Both require foreign income and a bank guarantee. Category F is harder to obtain but lasts indefinitely.
I’m an HR professional or consultant — can I use CyMove for my clients?
Yes. HR teams, migration consultants, and lawyers can use CyMove’s Professional mode to gather candidate information and generate personalised checklists. Select “I’m an HR, relocation professional, or business” at the start — the output is formatted for case management and ready to share with candidates.
Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2026

1. Data Collection & Privacy

CyMove is a privacy-first tool. All answers you provide in the permit finder are processed locally in your browser and are never transmitted to or stored on our servers. We do not create user accounts or collect personal information. We may collect your IP address solely for security and rate-limiting purposes to prevent platform abuse, as permitted under GDPR Legitimate Interest.

2. Usage Tracking & Analytics

We may use analytics tools to monitor platform performance and understand how users interact with CyMove. This may involve processing metadata such as your IP address and browser type. This data is used in aggregated and anonymised form only — it is never linked to your identity or used for advertising.

3. Contact Form

If you submit a message through our contact form, the information you provide (name, email, message) is used solely to respond to your enquiry. We do not share this information with third parties and do not use it for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

4. Local Storage

CyMove may use your browser's local storage to temporarily save your progress within a session. This data remains on your device, is not transmitted to our servers, and is not linked to your identity in any way.

5. Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of any personal data we hold. Since we do not store personal data from the permit finder, your primary recourse relates to contact form submissions. To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of CyMove after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Legal

Terms of Use

Last updated: January 2026

1. Informational Purpose Only

CyMove is an informational guidance tool. All content, permit summaries, document checklists, and guidance provided on this platform are based on publicly available information from the Cyprus Migration Department and related authorities. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute official immigration, legal, or professional advice. Always verify requirements directly with the Cyprus Migration Department (CRMD) or a licensed immigration professional before submitting any application.

2. Accuracy of Information

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🇨🇾 High Skilled Employment Scheme

Cyprus Citizenship
A Complete Guide

Everything you need to understand, prepare for, and navigate the Cyprus naturalisation process.

Am I eligible?

To apply under the High Skilled Employment Scheme, you must meet all requirements below. Two routes exist depending on your years of residence — they differ only in the Greek language level required.

ℹ️
This guide covers the BCS / High Skilled Employment Scheme naturalisation route only. Other routes — marriage to a Cypriot national, descent, or exceptional circumstances — are not covered here and require separate legal advice.
The two routes
4-Year Route
Eligible after 4 years of legal residence
🗣️ B1 level Greek required
~8 months processing (fast track)
✈️ Max 90 days absence per year
5-Year Route
Eligible after 5 years of legal residence
🗣️ A2 level Greek required
~8 months processing (fast track)
✈️ Max 90 days absence per year
All eligibility requirements — every one must be met
1
Employment at a BCS company
You must be employed at a BCS-registered company (Company of Foreign Interest) for at least 2 years prior to submitting your application. Your employer must provide a certificate confirming BCS registration.
Min. 2 years at BCS company
2
Minimum gross monthly salary
Your gross monthly salary must be at least €2,500. You must also be able to demonstrate stable and regular financial resources.
€2,500 / month gross
3
University degree or professional experience
You must have either a university degree or at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in your field.
Degree or 2yr experience
4
Continuous residence in the 12 months before applying
You must have resided legally in Cyprus for 365 consecutive days immediately before your application date. Absences during this period must not exceed 90 days in total.
365 days — max 90 absent
5
Total legal residence period
You must have lived legally in Cyprus for 4 years (4-year route) or 5 years (5-year route). Throughout this entire period, absences must not exceed 90 days per year.
4 or 5 years total
6
Greek language certificate
You must hold a certificate of Greek language proficiency: B1 level for the 4-year route, or A2 level for the 5-year route. The naturalisation interview is also conducted in Greek.
A2 (5-year) · B1 (4-year)
7
Knowledge of Cyprus exam
You must pass the official exam on the Contemporary Political & Social Reality of Cyprus, with a score of at least 60%.
Pass with 60% or above
8
Good character — three Cypriot guarantors
Three Cypriot nationals who know you personally must complete page 4 of the M127 application form as character guarantors. They cannot be your lawyer, migration agent, or blood relatives.
3 Cypriot guarantors needed
9
Suitable accommodation and intention to reside
You must have suitable accommodation in Cyprus (demonstrated via title deed, rental agreement, or utility bills) and demonstrate your intention to continue residing in Cyprus.
Proof of residence required
⚠️
Important: You must maintain a valid temporary residence permit at all times until citizenship is officially granted. If your permit is due to expire, renew it immediately. Inform your HR team when you submit your naturalisation application.
Official reference
🔗 Ministry of Interior — official legislation & information page

Expected procedure

An overview of each stage from submitting your application to receiving your Cyprus passport.

📁
Prepare your documents
  • Gather all required documents — see the Documents tab for the full list
🏛️
Application day
  • Submitted at the Civil Registry and Migration Department
  • Pay the €5,000 fast-track examination fee (per adult)
  • Pay the €500 application fee (per adult)
Waiting period
~7 months
  • Application is assessed for completeness and eligibility
💬
Interview
~Month 7
  • You will be contacted and invited to attend an in-person interview, conducted in Greek
📋
Final review & decision
~Month 8
  • Authorities complete the final assessment and issue a decision
🎉
Approval letter received 🎉
  • An official letter is sent by post confirming approval for naturalisation
📜
Apply for naturalisation certificate
~1–2 weeks
  • Submit application for the Naturalisation Certificate
  • Pay the €500 application fee
  • This certificate confirms your right to obtain a Cyprus passport
🛂
Apply for Cyprus passport
~10 working days
  • Submit application for issuance of Cyprus passport
  • Your Cyprus passport is typically issued within 1–10 working days

Required documents

The official list of supporting documents for the M127 application. Use the filters to focus by category. All non-Greek documents must be officially translated by a PIO sworn translator.

Official resources

Costs & fees

A breakdown of all government fees for the naturalisation application under the High Skilled Employment Scheme.

Main Applicant
Per adult applying for citizenship
Application feeM127 submission
€500
Fast-track examination feePer adult — paid on submission day
€5,000
Naturalisation certificateAfter approval letter
€500
Total (per adult)
€6,000
Passport
After naturalisation certificate issued
Standard Cyprus passport10 working days issuance
~€70
Newspaper publication feeTwo consecutive editions required
~€80–120
Translation / apostille costsVaries by document origin
€50–300
Estimated additional costs
€200–500
ℹ️
Fees above reflect the fast-track process. Family members applying alongside the main applicant each pay the same €500 + €5,000 in government fees. Professional (lawyer) fees are separate and not included above.

Family members

What happens to your spouse, children, and parents when you apply for Cyprus citizenship.

💍

Spouse

Can apply simultaneously or later

  • 🔵 Your spouse can apply for citizenship at the same time as you, provided they also meet the residence requirements
  • 🔵 If they don't meet requirements yet, they can apply later when they do
  • 🔵 Each spouse pays the full government fee (€500 + €5,000 fast-track)
  • 🟡 Spouse must also hold a valid A2 or B1 Greek certificate and pass the Cyprus knowledge exam
👧

Minor children

Under 18 — may obtain citizenship automatically

  • 🔵 Minor children (under 18) born or legally residing in Cyprus may be eligible for citizenship upon the parent's naturalisation
  • 🟡 Submit a separate application for each minor child
  • 🟡 Children's application fees are lower — consult the Civil Registry for current rates
  • 🔴 Children must not be citizens of another country if Cyprus citizenship involves renunciation requirements
👴

Parents & adult dependants

Not automatically included

  • 🔴 Parents and adult children are not automatically included in your citizenship application
  • 🔵 They must apply independently and meet all eligibility criteria in their own right
  • ℹ️ Consider the timeline — parents may need to establish their own qualifying residence period

Tips & practical advice

Practical guidance based on real experience with the Cyprus naturalisation process.

📅
Track your absence days from day one
Keep a personal spreadsheet of every departure and return date. The 90-day absence limit applies to every calendar year of your qualifying residence — not just the final year. Passport stamps are your evidence.
🗣️
Start Greek early — don't underestimate it
The A2 and B1 exams are manageable but require consistent study. The interview is also conducted in Greek. Many applicants underestimate the time needed. Start at least 12–18 months before your target date.
📜
Get your PCC and medical tests early
The Criminal Record certificate from Cyprus has a 6-month validity. Time it carefully — don't get it too early or it expires before submission. Non-Cyprus criminal records (from your home country or any country you've lived in) may need apostilling and translation.
👥
Line up your three guarantors in advance
You need three Cypriot nationals (not relatives, not your lawyer) to sign page 4 of the M127. Give them plenty of notice — this is often harder to arrange than expected. They must know you personally and complete the form in Greek.
🏢
Coordinate with your HR team early
Your employer needs to provide a BCS certificate and employment confirmation letter. HR also needs to know you're applying so they can renew your temporary residence permit in parallel. Don't leave this to the last minute.
📋
Keep copies of every residence permit you've ever held
You need copies of all residence permits held in Cyprus — not just your current one. If you've lost any, contact the Migration Department well in advance to request certified copies. This takes time.

Need assistance?

Have questions about the citizenship process or need personalised guidance? Reach out via our contact page.

Days Calculator

Enter your details to estimate whether you are eligible to apply, and when your earliest possible application date might be. This is an estimate tool only — always verify with a licensed migration lawyer.

📅

Residence & application dates

Use the date on the back of your first-ever Cyprus residence permit card as your start date

Found on the back of your first residence permit card
The date you intend to submit your application
🗣️

Route details

✈️

Absences from Cyprus

Add every trip where you left Cyprus, with exact departure and return dates.

⚠️ Estimate only. This calculator provides a general indication based on the information you entered. It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed migration lawyer or the Civil Registry and Migration Department before submitting your application.