EU Blue Card in Cyprus

The EU Blue Card in Cyprus is a residence and work permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals. It requires a degree or equivalent experience and a minimum salary of €43,632. The card offers a path to permanent residency, family reunification, and equal rights with Cypriot citizens.

The EU Blue Card is the European Union (EU) equivalent of the US Green Card and the UK Skilled Worker Visa.

EU Blue Card in Cyprus – Attracting talent

The Blue Card aims to help the Republic of Cyprus become a knowledge- and innovation-based economy. At the same time, it creates conditions and procedures to reduce administrative burdens and facilitate the attraction of talent. Highly skilled workers from non-EU countries who meet the educational and employment requirements can apply for an EU Blue Card.

Overview and objectives

The EU Blue Card is an employment and residence permit currently issued by 25 European Union (EU) member states. Denmark and Ireland do not issue EU Blue Cards. The system is based on education or professional experience.

According to the website of the European Commission, the objectives of the EU Blue Card are to:

1. Enable the EU to attract and retain talent, and facilitate access to the EU labour market for highly qualified third-country nationals (TCNs).
2. Set a fast-track procedure and common admission criteria.
3. Enable and facilitate the movement of highly qualified TCNs within the Union.

Legal framework

• The legal framework for the EU Blue Card is the EU Blue Card Directive, which was revised in 2021.
• The full title of the EU Blue Card Directive is Directive (EU) 2021/1883 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2021 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for highly qualified employment and repealing Council Directive 2009/50/EC.
• In Cyprus, the provisions, terms, and conditions of the EU Blue Card Directive are contained in the Aliens and Immigration Law, Chapter 105 of the Laws, section 18.

The New EU Blue Card Rules Adopted in Cyprus

On 1 August 2024, Cyprus updated the EU Blue Card rules to comply with the EU Directive amendments.

Eligibility and salary threshold

To obtain the EU Blue Card in Cyprus, a highly skilled worker or employee must hold a third-level education degree or possess professional knowledge and skills that are certifiably equivalent to those of a third-level education degree. The minimum annual gross salary must be €43,632.

Eligible industries for the EU Blue Card

The eligible industries are:

• Information and Communication Technology
• Pharmaceuticals research
• Shipping (apart from ships’ captains and crew)

Application procedure

• You submit the relevant application to the Central Office of the Migration Department, Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, located at Archbishop Makarios III Avenue 90, 1077, Nicosia.
• For the list of required documents, refer to the relevant section below.
• The authorities issue the EU Blue Card if the requirements are satisfied and there are no reasons for rejection.
• Provided the application is duly completed and the documents are in order, the application will be examined within 90 days.
• The cost of issuing an EU Blue Card for a period of 6 months to 3 years is €110.

Required documents for the EU blue card

To simplify the application, the required documents are organised into a single checklist below. Note that the process is in two phases: documents for the initial entry permit (M70), and documents for registration after arriving in Cyprus.

Phase 1: For the initial entry permit (submitted before arrival)

The following documents must be submitted to the Migration Department to obtain an entry permit.

A. From the applicant:

• Application form MBCEU1, duly completed.
• Valid passport: A copy of a valid passport or travel document.
• Criminal record: An original, clean criminal record certificate from your country of origin (and residence, if different).
• Medical tests: Original medical certificates for blood tests (Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Syphilis) and a chest X-ray for Tuberculosis.
• Proof of qualifications:
  • Certified copies of a third-level education certificate (minimum 3 years of study).
  • For ICT professionals (alternative to degree): Confirmation of at least three years of relevant professional experience within the last seven years.
  • For regulated professions: A certified copy of your professional license or registration certificate.
• Special status (if applicable): Documents proving your status as a Free Movement Beneficiary, refugee, or subsidiary protection holder.

B. From the employer:

• Employment contract: A valid employment contract or binding job offer for at least six months, stamped and certified.
• Declaration of return cost: A declaration from the employer covering the cost of your potential return.
• Social security certificate: Confirmation that the employer's contributions are paid.
• Tax department certificate for the employer.
• Company status confirmation: From the Companies Registrar, confirming the company is active and not under liquidation (must be issued within the last six months).
• Employer criminal record: A police confirmation that the employer has no history of illegally employing foreign nationals (must be issued within the last six months).

Phase 2: For registration & blue card issuance (submitted after arrival)

After arriving in Cyprus with your entry permit, you must submit the following documents to complete your registration and be issued the EU Blue Card.

• Original entry permit (M70).
• Arrival stamp: A copy of your passport page showing the last arrival stamp in Cyprus.
• Medical tests in Cyprus: The same medical tests listed above, but this time certified by a Specialised Doctor in Cyprus.
• Proof of residence: A rental contract (stamped if over €5,000), sales contract, or title deed for your residence in Cyprus.
• Health insurance:
  • A certificate for in- and outpatient care (Plan A), OR
  • GESY registration plus private insurance covering transportation of the deceased.
• Employer liability insurance with automatic renewal.

For the complete official list and details, please refer to the website of the Migration Department: EU Blue Card - Migration Department - mip.gov.cy

Benefits of having a Cyprus EU Blue Card

Key benefits of the EU Blue Card include:

• Entry, re-entry and residence in the Republic of Cyprus
• Family reunification with permits equal in duration to those of the cardholder
• Employment in high-demand sectors
• Equal treatment with Cypriot citizens in terms of working conditions, education, and social security
• It is a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship
• Allows for mobility: after a certain period, the holder can move to another EU member state to work.
• Equal rights and access to public services: the holder enjoys equality of rights and treatment with EU citizens, access to services, education and goods

Impact of introducing the EU Blue Card in the Cypriot Economy

Due to its diversity, dynamism, and resilience, the Cypriot economy is eager to attract highly skilled employees worldwide. According to Diakivernisi, the official page of the Cyprus Presidency, the EU Blue Card is expected to enhance the workforce, boost the economy, and supply key sectors with appropriately skilled personnel. Key industries include pharmaceuticals, the maritime sector, technology, and communications.

At the same time, the EU Blue Card system protects the domestic pool of employees. The EU Blue Card is granted only for work positions that cannot be filled by Cypriot or EU nationals.

Frequently asked questions