Cyprus has specific immigration procedures for third-country nationals employed by drilling companies, covering both short-term and long-term assignments.
The applicable route depends primarily on the nature of the employment, the duration of the assignment and whether the drilling company falls within the framework applicable to Companies of Foreign Interests.
Immigration Routes for Drilling Companies
01. Employment for More Than 6 Months – GEN
For employment exceeding six months, a third-country national must obtain an Entry Permit before entering Cyprus for employment purposes.
Following arrival in Cyprus, the employee applies for the relevant Residence and Employment Permit.
Key features:
- Entry Permit required before arrival
- Residence and employment permit issued after arrival
- Applications submitted by the employer
- Biometrics required
- Approximate examination time: 3 weeks for the Entry Permit and approximately 3 weeks for the residence permit following biometrics
- Application fee: €120
- First Alien Registration, where applicable: €70
- Renewal fee: €130
- No maximum period of stay, provided that a valid residence and employment permit is maintained
02. Employment for 3–6 Months – NSP
For drilling assignments lasting between three and six months, a specific NSP employment route applies.
An Entry Permit must be obtained before entering Cyprus. Following arrival, the third-country national is issued a residence and employment permit.
Key features:
- Entry Permit required before arrival
- Residence and employment permit issued after arrival
- Maximum residence period: 6 months
- Approximate examination time: 3 weeks for the Entry Permit and approximately 3 weeks for the residence permit following biometrics
- Application fee: €100
- First Alien Registration, where applicable: €70
03. Employment for Up to 3 Months – NSP
For assignments of up to three months, a third-country national must obtain an Entry Permit before travelling to Cyprus.
A visa cannot be used for entry for this specific employment purpose.
Key features:
- Entry Permit required before arrival
- No separate residence permit is required for this short-term route
- Maximum stay: up to 3 months
- Approximate examination time: 3 weeks
- Application fee: €50
04. Drilling Companies Qualifying as Companies of Foreign Interests
Where a drilling company qualifies under the Companies of Foreign Interests (BCS) framework, the applicable BCS employment route may be used.
This can provide additional flexibility for the employment of third-country nationals, particularly where the employment is intended to continue for at least two years.
The eligibility of the company and the proposed employee should be assessed before selecting the appropriate route.
05. Self-Employment of Consultants
Where consultants provide services to drilling companies on a self-employed basis rather than as employees, a different immigration route applies.
In such cases, an Immigration Permit – Category D may be required, subject to the applicable requirements.
Our Support
At M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd, we provide end-to-end immigration support to drilling companies employing third-country nationals in Cyprus.
Our services include:
- Assessment of the appropriate immigration route
- Employer and employee eligibility assessment
- Preparation and coordination of applications
- Entry Permit applications
- Residence and Employment Permit applications
- Biometrics and Migration Department procedures
- BCS assessment and registration where applicable
- Assistance with renewals
- Coordination with the relevant authorities throughout the process
Why Professional Assistance Matters
Drilling projects often involve specialised personnel working in Cyprus for different periods of time. Selecting the correct immigration route is therefore essential to ensure that employees enter and remain in Cyprus legally for the duration of their assignment.
The appropriate procedure depends on the duration of employment, the employee’s role and the status of the drilling company.
Important
The immigration route and applicable requirements should be assessed before the employee travels to Cyprus. The applicable Entry Permit or residence procedure depends on the duration and nature of the proposed employment.
Contact us to assess your drilling company’s immigration requirements and the appropriate route for your personnel.