The Cyprus Immigration Permit provides eligible non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss nationals with the right to establish permanent residence in Cyprus, subject to the applicable immigration criteria.
The scheme includes several categories depending on the applicant’s intended activity, employment, self-employment or financial circumstances.
Who can apply?
Immigration Permits are available under specific categories established by the Cyprus immigration legislation.
Category A – Self-Employment in Agriculture
For applicants who intend to become self-employed in agriculture, livestock farming, poultry farming or fishing in Cyprus.
Applicants must have the necessary land rights and sufficient capital to establish and operate the proposed activity, subject to approval by the competent authorities.
Category B – Mining Activities
For applicants who intend to engage in mining or mining-related activities in Cyprus and who have, or can obtain, the necessary rights or permits to undertake the proposed activity.
The applicant must also have sufficient financial resources and satisfy the applicable economic requirements.
Category C – Self-Employment in a Business
For applicants who intend to become self-employed in a business or trade in Cyprus.
The applicant must have or be able to obtain the necessary authorisations and demonstrate sufficient capital to establish and operate the proposed business.
Category D – Self-Employment in a Profession
For applicants who intend to become self-employed in a profession or scientific field in Cyprus.
Applicants must be appropriately qualified to practise their profession in Cyprus, have sufficient financial resources or secured income, and satisfy the applicable requirements regarding the need for additional professionals in the relevant field.
Category E – Employment in Cyprus
For applicants who intend to work as employees in Cyprus.
An Immigration Permit may be granted where the proposed employment satisfies the applicable requirements and does not create unjustified competition in the relevant profession or occupation.
Category F – Permanent Residence without Employment
For applicants who intend to reside permanently in Cyprus without engaging in employment in Cyprus and who can demonstrate a secured annual income from outside Cyprus.
The income may derive from sources such as:
- Pensions;
- Dividends;
- Interest from deposits;
- Rental income; and
- Other stable income sources from abroad.
Family Members
The spouse and children under 18 years of age of an Immigration Permit holder may be included as dependent family members, subject to the applicable requirements.
Where family members are added after the Immigration Permit has already been granted, a separate application must be submitted for each eligible dependent.
Application Process
01 — Eligibility Assessment
We assess your personal, financial and professional circumstances and identify the appropriate Immigration Permit category.
02 — Application Preparation
We prepare the MIP2 application and coordinate the required supporting documentation and certifications.
03 — Submission
Applications are submitted at the Migration Department offices in Nicosia, either personally or through an authorised representative.
04 — Examination
The application is examined by the competent authorities and, where applicable, referred for consideration under the relevant immigration framework.
05 — Approval & Residence Permit
Once approved, the applicant receives notification regarding the issuance and collection of the Immigration Permit.
Application / Government Fee
- €500 – Application fee covering all persons included in the application.
An additional €70 per person applies where the applicant or a dependent has not previously obtained an Alien Registration Card (ARC).
For dependants joining an existing Immigration Permit holder, the applicable application fee is €50 per person, plus €70 for each person requiring initial ARC registration.
Validity of the Immigration Permit
The Immigration Permit provides an unlimited right of residence to adult persons included in the approved application.
The physical residence card is issued for 10 years and must be replaced upon expiry.
For dependent children, the residence permit is valid until they reach 18 years of age.
Permanent Residence Requirement
Applicants whose Immigration Permit is approved while residing outside Cyprus are required to establish permanent residence in Cyprus within one year from notification of the approval.
An Immigration Permit holder may lose the right of permanent residence if they remain outside Cyprus for a continuous period of at least two years or if they establish permanent residence in another country.
Important
Submitting an application for an Immigration Permit does not by itself grant a right to enter or remain in Cyprus while the application is being examined.
Applicants who wish to enter or remain in Cyprus during the examination period must hold the appropriate temporary residence permit or visa.
The Immigration Permit scheme is separate from the Investor Immigration Permit, which follows a specific investment-based framework and has its own eligibility requirements.
Let us assist you
Our team can assess your eligibility, identify the most appropriate Immigration Permit category, coordinate the preparation of your application and manage the process through to the issuance of your permanent residence permit.
Contact us to arrange an eligibility assessment.