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Cyprus Pink Slip

Updated: April 25, 2024

Cyprus temporary residence permit, the so-called Pink Slip, allows non-European Union passport holders to extend their stay in Cyprus for over 3 months (90 days). It will also enable tourists and visitors to extend their stay no matter what was the duration of their initial visa. They should apply before their current visa expires.

After seven years of residing in Cyprus, the holder of such a temporary permit can apply for citizenship. A third-country national who has resided legally and continuously in the Republic of Cyprus for five years can apply for long-term resident status.

Cyprus temporary residence permit overview

Under a temporary residence permit, a person is allowed to live in Cyprus as a visitor (without the right to work). Also, his family members, spouse, and children (under 18 years old) can get the pink slip as dependants. The whole family applies simultaneously; each member files a separate application form and gets his/her temporary residence card.

Pink Slip restrictions

  • Cannot stay out of Cyprus for more than three months continuously as the permit would be cancelled automatically
  • No right to work in Cyprus
  • It is granted only to non-EU Nationals who wish to extend their stay in Cyprus

How long is a Pink Slip valid for?

Pink Slip in Cyprus is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually, provided the applicant still meets the requirements. In cases where the applicant’s passport expiration is sooner, the residence permit validity will be set to end three months before that.

How to obtain a Cyprus Pink Slip

Cyprus temporary residence permit

Pink Slip requirements

To be eligible for a Pink Slip, the applicant is required to show:

  • adequate income from abroad to cover living expenses while residing in Cyprus (estimated about € 25,000 – € 30,000 for a three-member family),
  • either rented for a one-year minimum or bought a house or apartment,
  • health insurance,
  • medical exams,
  • bank guarantee.

Necessary documents

To obtain a temporary residency permit in Cyprus, the applicant needs to apply with the following required documents:

  1. Application form (pdf, 0.3 MB) for a temporary residence permit in Cyprus as visitor MVIS6 duly completed

    One for each family member.

  1. Rental agreement or sale agreement of a house/apartment

    The rental agreement must be for a one-year minimum (Rental Agreement and a copy of it certified by Muhtar or a certifying officer & stamped at the tax office).

  1. Bank statement & proof of transfer from abroad

    Deposit/Transfer € 24.000 in a bank account in Cyprus, which should be transferred from abroad. If brought in, cash must be declared at the airport upon arrival, and the confirmation document must be received. (Learn how to open a bank account in Cyprus).

    If a bank transfer, one needs swift confirmation from the bank in Cyprus that this amount was transferred from abroad.

    This amount is increased by 20% for the spouse and 15% for each child.

  1. Bank guarantee

    Set up a bank guarantee in a Cyprus bank, one for each family member. The amount depends on nationality:

    • Eastern Europe countries, Russians = € 550
    • Middle East countries = € 350
    • Asian / American countries = € 850

    Processing time for the bank to issue guarantees is 1-2 days.

    Applicants from the following countries do not need to provide bank guarantees: the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore, Norway, Andorra, Bahrein, Kuwait, Lebanon, Monaco, Qatar, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.

  1. Health insurance

    It can be international health insurance if the applicant already has one, or it can be made in Cyprus. The average cost is € 175 for each person. It can be made in 1 day.

    1. Medical exams (needed only for the first permit, not for the renewals)

      They are done in Cyprus, and they are blood tests showing that the applicant does not suffer from the following:

      • Hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis
      • A chest X-ray report for tuberculosis

      They need to be stamped by a specialist doctor.

  1. Documents to prove income from abroad

    It can be any stable income, i.e., employment, bank deposits, pension, etc. This income should enable the temporary residence holder to cover his living expenses in Cyprus.

    Annual income estimates:

    • € 24,000 for a single applicant (to have an extra 20% for the spouse and 15% for each child)
    • € 28,800 for a couple
    • € 32,400 for couple & 1 child
  1. Passport copy
  2. Marriage Certificate duly certified and translated *(If applicable)
  3. Children’s Birth Certificates duly certified and translated *(If applicable)
  4. School enrolment confirmation for children
  5. Criminal Record from the country of origin or residence * (not older than 6 months)

The documents with (*) must be translated into English and bear the «APOSTILLE» stamp. OR be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country that will issue them and by the Cyprus Embassy of that Country.

Application processing time

  • Cyprus Residence Permit Card is obtained within about 3 months
  • Once applied, allowed to stay until the temporary residence permit card is issued

Cyprus government fees

Application for the first time or renewal: € 70 for each family member.

Registration: € 70 for each family member (payable only the first time of application).

Application submission location

The applicant needs to apply to the Immigration Unit of the city where they live. The applications are further forwarded and examined by the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Below are the addresses of each city’s immigration unit.

Nicosia

Agamemnonos 6, Engomi, 2411 Nicosia

Limassol

Franglinou Rousvelt 223, Zakaki, Building ¨D. Nikolaou¨, 2nd floor, 3046 Limassol

Larnaka

Piale Piasha 75, 6027 Larnaka

Pafos

Eleftheriou Venizelou & Kaningos 22, 2nd floor, 8021 Pafos

Famagusta

Eleftherias 83, Tatolos Bld, Derynia Plaza, 1st floor, 5380 Derynia

Tips & Advice / Recommendations

We advise our clients to transfer money from abroad to their bank account in Cyprus and use a visa or credit card for their expenses instead of cash.

This will assist in a subsequent application for Pink Slip renewal as their bank statement will clearly show that they bring money to Cyprus from abroad. And that they spent them on their living expenses.

Cyprus Pink Slip benefits

The Pink Slip in Cyprus offers several benefits, including travelling and returning to Cyprus without needing a visa. Additionally, you are granted the right to remain in Cyprus for one year with the option to renew, and your children are eligible to attend school.

Renewal of temporary residence permit

To renew a temporary residence permit in Cyprus, the applicant must follow the same process as the initial application. The necessary documents and application forms must be provided again. However, the applicant must only provide copies of bank guarantees and marriage/birth certificates. There is no need to undergo medical tests or provide updated criminal records.

Our services

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, provide advice on required documents, attend the meeting with you, follow the application process, receive the immigration permit cards, and deliver them to you.

Contact us for a free personal consultation and learn about our competitive fee services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my Pink Slip application status?

Send an SMS to 1199 with the text: STATUS(space)ApplicationNumber. You can easily find the application number on your receipt for paying the application submission fee (form Γ.Λ. 301B). Note a charge of 3.4 cents per SMS (as of April 2024). An example of the SMS text message you need to send is STATUS 1243/2016

I live with my girlfriend, and the rental agreement is only in my name. We are not married. Is it acceptable for her to present that rental agreement for the submission of her application for Pink Slip?

To be acceptable, you need a letter from the Landlord to confirm that he knows she lives there and accepts it.

How long in advance do we need to book our meetings for the Pink Slip application?

It is recommended to book the meetings as early as possible following your arrival to Cyprus. The meeting will be set at about 2-3 weeks.

What documents are needed to book our meeting?

You need a copy of the passport, visa, and arrival stamp.

From where will I receive my residence permit?

You will receive your residence permit from the place where you applied. We can receive it on your behalf if you sign the relevant authorisation.

When shall I apply for the renewal of my temporary residence permit?

You shall apply to renew your temporary residence permit at least one (1) month before the expiry.

Should I be present while applying for a temporary residence permit or renewal?

You must be present to capture biometrics (fingerprints and photos) and signature samples.

Does a Cyprus temporary residence permit (Pink Slip) allow you to travel to Europe without a visa?

The permit does not allow travel to any European countries except for Bulgaria and Romania. Following Decision No 565/2014/EU of the European Parliament and the Council, you can travel visa-free to Bulgaria and Romania for short-stay purposes. Short stay means up to 90 days out of any 180. For other countries, including Greece, you need a visa. The arrangement used to apply to Croatia, but since Croatia has entered Schengen, it does not.

Please explain the Cyprus Pink Slip benefits.

A Cyprus pink slip allows the holder and his family to stay in Cyprus for the duration of it and re-enter Cyprus if they travel abroad without needing a visa. A holder of such a permit can apply for Cyprus citizenship after seven years of residing there. There are no other unique benefits.

How long is a Pink Slip valid for?

A pink slip in Cyprus is valid for one year; the applicant can apply for renewal one month before expiration.

How do students in Cyprus get a pink slip?

Once an applicant is enrolled in a study program, the university or college typically handles the process for obtaining a pink slip for students in Cyprus.

What is the difference between the pink slip and the yellow slip in Cyprus?

In short, The yellow slip is for EU/EEA citizens, and the pink slip is for non-EU citizens. The yellow slip is a registration certificate for EU/EEA citizens and their family members who are also EU/EEA citizens. It is indefinite and grants the right to work in Cyprus. Non-EU/EEA family members get a five-year registration and must re-apply. On the other hand, the pink slip is for third-country nationals as visitors with independent means, requiring an income of at least EUR 24,000 per annum. It does not grant the right to work and is renewable annually.

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