Cyprus offers a dedicated immigration framework for the employment of highly qualified and highly paid third-country nationals by Companies of Foreign Interests (BCS).
At M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd, we provide end-to-end assistance to both employers and employees throughout the immigration and employment process, from the initial eligibility assessment and preparation of documents to the submission and follow-up of the application.
Who is this permit for?
This category is intended for third-country nationals who are employed by eligible Companies of Foreign Interests in Cyprus and meet the applicable requirements for highly paid employment.
It may apply to eligible:
- Directors
- Specialists
- Key Personnel
- Highly qualified professionals employed by qualifying Companies of Foreign Interests
The position, qualifications, professional experience and employment terms must meet the applicable requirements.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify under the Companies of Foreign Interests framework, the applicant must generally meet the applicable requirements, including:
- Employment by a qualifying Company of Foreign Interests in Cyprus
- A minimum gross monthly salary of €2,500
- Relevant academic qualifications or at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, as applicable
- A valid employment contract
- Compliance with the applicable immigration and employment requirements
- Submission of the required supporting documentation
Requirements may vary depending on the position, employment circumstances and applicable legislation and policies.
Employment & Salary Requirements
The minimum gross monthly salary for highly paid employment under the Companies of Foreign Interests framework is currently €2,500.
The employment contract should generally be for a minimum duration of two years, while the residence and employment permit may be issued for a period corresponding to the duration of the employment contract, subject to the applicable maximum period.
Entry to Cyprus
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and nationality, the applicant may enter Cyprus through the appropriate visa or entry permit procedure.
Where an entry permit is required, the relevant application and supporting documentation must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the applicable procedure.
Following entry into Cyprus, the applicant proceeds with the required registration and residence and employment permit application.
Residence & Work Permit Application
The application process generally includes:
- Preparation and verification of the required documents
- Entry to Cyprus, where applicable
- Registration with the relevant authorities
- Submission of the residence and employment permit application
- Submission of biometric data
- Examination of the application by the Migration Department
- Issuance of the residence and employment permit
Properly completed applications are examined in accordance with the applicable procedures and processing times of the Migration Department.
Family Members
Eligible employees of Companies of Foreign Interests may also be able to bring their eligible family members to Cyprus under the applicable family reunification framework.
Depending on the circumstances, applications may be submitted for eligible:
- Spouses / partners
- Children
- Other eligible family members, where applicable
Our team can assist with the preparation and submission of the relevant applications for family members.
Change of Employer
A highly paid employee holding a permit under the Companies of Foreign Interests framework may, subject to the applicable requirements, change employer and continue employment with another qualifying Company of Foreign Interests in Cyprus.
Specific time limits and conditions apply, and professional advice should be obtained before changing employment status.
Renewals
Residence and employment permits may be renewed where the applicant continues to meet the applicable requirements and remains employed by a qualifying company.
We assist both employers and employees with:
- Renewal applications
- Updated supporting documentation
- Employment documentation
- Communication with the relevant authorities
- Follow-up of pending applications
Documents Required
The exact documentation depends on the applicant, employer and circumstances of the application.
Depending on the case, documents may include:
- Valid passport
- Employment contract
- Academic qualifications and/or evidence of relevant professional experience
- Curriculum Vitae
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical examinations, where applicable
- Health insurance, where applicable
- Company documentation
- Entry permit / visa documentation, where applicable
- Other supporting documents required by the Migration Department
Documents issued outside Cyprus may need to be officially certified, apostilled/legalised and translated into the required language, depending on the country of issue and the type of document.
Our Support
At M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd, we provide comprehensive immigration support to employers and highly qualified professionals throughout the entire process.
Our services include:
- Eligibility assessment for the employee and employer
- Document preparation and review
- Assistance with employment and immigration documentation
- Preparation and submission of the residence and work permit application
- Assistance with entry permit procedures, where applicable
- Coordination of biometrics and appointments
- Liaison with the Migration Department and relevant authorities
- Application follow-up and status monitoring
- Assistance with family members’ applications
- Renewal applications
- Assistance with change of employer procedures
- Ongoing immigration and relocation support
Our aim is to provide employers and employees with a single point of contact for their Cyprus immigration and employment needs, ensuring that the process is handled efficiently and professionally from start to finish.
Looking to employ a highly qualified professional in Cyprus?
Contact M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd to discuss your requirements and receive tailored guidance based on your specific circumstances.