Updated: November 19, 2024
The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme is a remote work policy used across the European Union that a Council of Ministers Decision introduced on October 15, 2021. The EU describes the scheme as “teleworking for third-country nationals”.
Applicants obtain a Cyprus Digital Nomad visa by proving that they:
On March 3, 2022, the government set a 500 digital nomad residence permit ceiling. This ceiling has now been reached, and no new applications will be accepted.
Therefore, we advise you to apply for the pink slip or an employment residence permit. The pink slip allows you to live without working in Cyprus; your income must come from abroad. The employment residence permit will enable you to work: your employer must be based in Cyprus and apply to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
The Cyprus Digital Nomad visa scheme allows non-EU/EEA country nationals to reside in Cyprus for up to three years and work in the IT sector for an employer, such as a company registered abroad, or for their clients. Therefore, the nomad applicant can either be an employee or be self-employed.
The scheme provides a residence permit and aims to attract talented individuals and entrepreneurs who can work remotely and contribute to economic expansion using their technological skills. The work and effort of such individuals help to develop what the Ministry of the Interior calls “the business ecosystem” of the country.
The Digital Nomad residence permit is valid for one year with a possibility of renewal for another two years. The digital nomad will live in Cyprus, work remotely, and be location-independent.
His/her family members can reside in Cyprus for the same time as the digital nomad. The family members can be spouses or partners in a civil union, as well as underaged children. However, they must not engage in economic activity while in Cyprus.
If the digital nomad is not a tax resident of another country, he/she can be considered a tax resident of Cyprus. This is so if he/she resides for 183 days in Cyprus within the same tax year (January 1 to December 31; the tax year coincides with the calendar year).
Digital Nomads as tax residents can claim benefits as follows:
Upon arrival, the applicant has three months to submit his/her application and documents to the Civil Registry and Migration Department. The applicant should enter Cyprus with a tourist visa.
If the applicant already resides in Cyprus under a different status, he/she will still be eligible, provided that he/she fulfils the applicable criteria.
These criteria are that a digital nomad in Cyprus should:
Note: The above amount is increased by 20% for the spouse or partner and 15% for each child.
Moreover, the applicant must show that he/she has a suitable place to stay. Among the documents required when you apply for the digital nomad visa is a title deed or rental for a house or apartment (please see the Civil Registry and Migration Department list of documents in the link below).
The applicant should not suffer from hepatitis B and C, HIV, or syphilis. It is not needed for children under six years.
It is not needed for children under six years.
Covering inpatient and outpatient care and transportation of corpses.
*Translated in English and have Apostille or Cyprus embassy Stamp. If issued in Russia, legalisation is unnecessary; translation can be arranged in Cyprus.
No medical examinations are required for children under six years of age.
For an indefinite duration or equal to the requested residence permit.
The applicant is expected to pay the Cyprus Digital Nomad visa fees as follows:
Digital nomad visas can be obtained within 5-7 weeks.
Once you apply for the digital nomad visa in Cyprus, you can stay until the residence permit is issued.
Our law firm will manage the entire application procedure to ensure it runs smoothly. We will book the date for the submission meeting, prepare application forms, advise on required documents, attend the meeting with you, follow the application process, receive the immigration permit cards, and deliver them to you.
There are many reasons why Cyprus is an excellent choice for the digital nomad lifestyle and remote working: these concern the country itself, the services provided and the surrounding environment.
Cyprus is Europe’s sunniest island, boasting some of Europe’s most stunning and clean beaches.
The food is fantastic, and there are many restaurants, taverns, and eateries. You can shop locally or opt for supermarket chains. Amenities are close to cities, villages and the countryside.
Moreover, people speak English and are used to meeting people worldwide. Life is easygoing. Cyprus is also an excellent place to raise a family.
If you are interested in history, coming to Cyprus is your first choice. The island’s history goes back to the epics of Homer and the Bible. You can go to museums and exhibitions, or stroll in the “old town” section of every major city!
A second reason for choosing Cyprus is the effectiveness of the technology infrastructure. There are quality internet providers and services to match. Moreover, each city has coworking spaces with calm surroundings, which professionals need. Some coworking spaces offer desks, Wi-Fi, parking, and conference and events rooms. Alternatively, cafés in Cyprus are all furnished with Wi-Fi. There is a developed coffee culture, so people use the café for their digital work.
Another advantage is the legal machinery on the island. Company formation is easy. There are clear legal rules about matters that concern you most, such as renting or buying property, obtaining residence permits, managing financial affairs, and selling goods. Cyprus maintains the tradition of British common law, while the EU governs its financial regulations. This contributes to the stability of the system.
Finally, the island has an established community of digital nomads and entrepreneurs. You will quickly meet people who share your interests and experiences.
Digital nomads often flock to Nicosia, the capital and financial hub of the island.
However, each of the major cities has its attractions. Limassol is a cosmopolitan Eastern Mediterranean port and a maritime and financial hotspot. Its long stretch of seafront avenue is full of spaces for remote, digital work. Paphos has a large ex-pat community close to the mountain and the sea. Though quiet and relaxed, it is a place where one can easily find accommodation and digital services. The same goes for Larnaca, another calm seaport city.
The countryside and villages are also options. Life there is cheaper, while internet infrastructure is available in all areas.
In summary, choosing where to live depends on your outlook and lifestyle. Your lawyer and estate agent will provide reliable guidance and advice.
Your main expenses will include rental costs, food, transportation, school and healthcare. Here, we go through them one by one!
Rent varies in Cyprus depending on location and the type of rental property. Note, however, that prices are rising. The press reports the following rates (in EUR) for a single-bedroom apartment:
Three-bedroom apartments should cost about EUR 1,500-2,500 in the major cities. However, a lot depends on location, so it is possible to rent cheaper.
The data (March 2024) for basic goods mention milk (full fat, 2 L) at 2,82 on average, sliced white bread 900-1000 gr at 1,80, and 12 eggs at 3,33. Bottled water (12x500 ml) is 2,98 on average. A meal for two at a restaurant costs about € 70.
The food prices can be accessed at the Cyprus Consumer Protection Service.
Fuel (unleaded 95) costs an average of 1,43 per litre (source Cyprus Fuel Guide). Transportation is an issue. Trains do not exist, and bus services are infrequent; you must have a car.
English-speaking schools are private, of high level and tend to be expensive.
Healthcare is free with the national health system (Gesy, GHS). It is available to TCNs who possess a residence permit. See here: Cyprus Health Insurance Organisation.
What is the rate of Cyprus' digital nomad taxes?
Digital nomads in Cyprus become tax residents after staying for six months (183-day rule) and are taxed on income. There is no tax on income up to € 19,500. For digital nomads earning a minimum of € 3,500 per month, the expected tax rate is around 30%. Tax rate details are available here.
Can you work remotely from Cyprus?
Cyprus is well-suited for remote work with an average Internet speed of 83 Mbps and numerous co-working spaces, cafes, and remote working hubs. Larnaca, particularly, is highly rated for digital nomads due to its coastal location and amenities.
What are the Cyprus digital nomad visa requirements?
To qualify for the digital nomad visa in Cyprus, you must work remotely using telecommunications technology, be employed by a company registered abroad or be self-employed with clients abroad, and have a net monthly income of over € 3,500. Additional requirements include health insurance and a clean criminal record.
Who qualifies for the digital nomad visa in Cyprus?
Qualification for the digital nomad visa in Cyprus is based on the ability to work remotely, employment with a foreign company, or self-employment with foreign clients, and a net monthly income of over € 3,500. Spouses, partners, and underage children can accompany the visa holder but are not allowed to engage in economic activities in Cyprus.
Is the digital nomad visa still available in Cyprus?
As of 2024, the Cyprus government has reached its limit of issuing 500 digital nomad visas, making the visa currently unavailable. We advise you to apply for the pink slip or an employment residence permit.
George K. Konstantinou
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