Cyprus business visa
Updated:
If you are searching for a “Cyprus business visa” to live and work in the Republic long-term, you are in the right place. While a short-term visa is for temporary visits, the pathway for establishing a business presence is through a permanent residence permit.
This guide explains the permanent residency options for business owners and employees under Categories C and E of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations.
Is there a "Business Visa" for permanent residency?
A Cyprus business visa is a residency option available to employees and owners of international companies registered in Cyprus with the migration department. Its legal basis is Regulation 5 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations. It is also known as “Permanent Residency through company formation.”
Two types of permanent residence permits, Category C and Category E, are intended for business people.
The Cyprus category C permit is available for owners of international companies with foreign interests who have invested approximately €260,000 as capital in the company. It must also be demonstrated that the business would not negatively impact Cyprus's economy.
Cyprus category E permit (visa) is an unlimited permanent residency available for persons offered permanent employment in Cyprus in a company of foreign interests. This permit requires that the employment does not create unfair local competition. Spouses and children under 18 can also receive a residency permit.
Permanent residency characteristics
Duration
Category C and E Cyprus residency permits are unlimited and valid for as long as the holder is employed or the company’s owner.
Category C and E rules for family members
Spouses and children up to 18 years old can also receive permanent residency. The spouse's residency will be unlimited, provided the principal applicant retains the residence permit. Regarding the children, it will be valid until they are 18 years old.
Visa-free travel
Cyprus business or startup visas and permits do not allow visa-free travel to other countries.
Documents required for a business visa
- A passport for the applicant and family members.
- Valid temporary residence permit.
- Cyprus alien card or ARC (Alien Registration Certificate).
- Curriculum Vitae for the applicant (including academic qualifications).
- Health insurance policy for the applicant, spouse, and children.
- Original criminal record certificate for the applicant and his/her spouse (official and certified translation).
- Current bank statements in Cyprus and abroad.
- Original employment agreement duly certified and stamped.
- The original rental agreement of a property in Cyprus, duly certified and stamped.
- Original income tax clearance certificate for all the years (Form I.R.25)
- Social insurance statement to show contributions for all the years
- Swift from a bank abroad and a declaration from the Cyprus bank on the amount of money the applicant has personally transferred from abroad
- Documents to prove business activities in other countries and income (if applicable)
Duly certified and stamped: signatures must be verified by a certifying officer or muhtar and stamped at the Tax Office.
Company documents for Category C permit
- All official company registration certificates.
- Social Insurance Documents to show Current Employees.
- Current company bank statements showing deposits.
- A letter from the auditors mentioning the total amount the company invested/transferred to Cyprus from abroad for the company's/business activities.
- Income Tax Clearance documents.
- Swift from abroad, and a bank confirmation of the amount the applicant has transferred to the company.
- Office Rental Agreement duly certified and stamped.
- Documents to prove activities.
Please note that criminal records, marriage, and children’s birth certificates should be translated into English. They must also be certified by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or Embassy), which will issue them, and the Cyprus Embassy.
Application procedure
The application for a residency permit is filed by the applicant’s lawyer at the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia. The applicant does not need to be present.
Following submission, the applicants will be called for an interview. It will be a primary interview, and some general information will be asked about them.
Processing time
The process for obtaining Cyprus permanent residency through company formation typically takes approximately 12 to 18 months. The lawyer collects the Cyprus residency cards once approved.
Government fees for residence permits categories C and E
The fees of the migration department are as follows:
| Applicant / applicants’ spouse / children under 18 | €500 for all €70 for each person for registration |
Our services
Our team of lawyers will be happy to assist with all the procedures for a Cyprus business visa.
We will guide you through all the processes below:
- Advice on requirements and necessary documents.
- Cyprus company formation
- Bank account opening
- Preparation and submission of the PR applications.
- Receiving the PR cards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a business visa and a residence permit?
A business visa (like a short-stay Category C visa) is typically for temporary visits to Cyprus for meetings, conferences, or negotiations, usually for up to 90 days.
A permanent residence permit (like Categories C and E described in this article) grants you the right to live, work, and operate your business in Cyprus indefinitely. This guide focuses on the permanent residence permits that allow you to establish your life and business in Cyprus.
How do I get a business visa for Cyprus?
There are two types of residence permits for business persons in Cyprus. Category C allows you to live permanently as a company owner, but you need a capital of €260,000 for approval.
Category E is a permanent residence permit for company employees. Your employer will apply for the visa and satisfy the labour market test for this residence permit. The employer must show that they cannot find a suitable person for the post among the local workforce.
If by business visa you mean the “investor visa”, you can get it by satisfying certain income (€50,000 annually) and investment (€300,000 in property or shares) criteria and holding a clean criminal record. The income amount increases for family members.
What are the different types of visas for Cyprus?
If you mean the permanent residence types suitable for business, the Category C and Category E permits are described in question 1 above.
If you mean visas (short-term entry permits), the categories that suit business entrepreneurs are the short-stay Category C visa for up to 90 days that can be extended for another 90, the long-stay Category D visa for up to a year, and the multiple entry Category C visa which lasts for five years and covers visits of not more than three months in any half year.
There is also the airport transit visa for people who need a visa to come to Cyprus and have to pass through the international transit area of the airport; also, the visa is issued at the border for emergencies.
As for residence permits, there are temporary and permanent residence permits, covering several types of situations, such as workers, students, researchers and artists.
How much does a Cyprus business visa cost?
The Category C and Category E permanent residence permits cost €500, including the applicant and members of their family (spouse and underage children). Registration at the Civil Registry and Migration Department (for the Aliens’ Registration Certificate, ARC), the fee is €70 per person.
What is a business visitor visa for Cyprus?
The business visitor visa for Cyprus includes visa types suitable for entrepreneurs who visit the island on business. You apply to the nearest Cyprus Diplomatic Mission or consulate with an invitation letter from your associate(s) in Cyprus and a valid passport.
The short-term visitor visa should not be confused with a Category C residence permit for company owners.
The categories of entry visas suitable for visitor entrepreneurs in Cyprus are the short-stay Category C visa for 90 days in six months, the long-stay Category D visa for up to a year, and a Category C multiple-entry visa for multiple visits not exceeding 90 days in a period of five years.
The first type (Category C for 90 days) can be extended for another 90 days in another six months. For the list of visas and necessary documents, go to Visas - gov.cy.
