The Visitor Temporary Residence Permit is available to eligible third-country nationals who wish to reside temporarily in Cyprus for purposes such as holidays, touring or exploring the possibility of establishing residence in Cyprus.
The Visitor Permit does not allow the holder to carry out employment or other economic activity in Cyprus.
Who can apply?
Depending on their circumstances, eligible applicants may include:
- Independent / Autonomous Visitors
- Spouses of Visitors
- Minor dependent children of Visitors
- Adult dependent family members of third-country nationals holding an Immigration Permit
- Priests, monks and nuns of the Orthodox Church or recognised religious minorities in Cyprus
- Dependent partners of Cypriot citizens with a duly established long-term relationship, in specific circumstances and subject to the applicable requirements
Different eligibility requirements apply to each category.
Entry to Cyprus
Applicants must enter Cyprus through a legal point of entry, holding a valid travel document and, where required, an appropriate visa issued by the competent Cypriot authorities.
Where a visa is required, the residence application should be submitted before the expiry of the applicant’s visa.
How does the application process work?
01 — Eligibility Assessment
We assess your personal circumstances, financial situation and intended residence in Cyprus to determine whether the Visitor Permit is the appropriate residence category for you.
02 — Application Preparation
The application is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Cyprus Migration Department.
Documents issued outside Cyprus must be properly certified/authenticated and, where required, officially translated.
03 — Submission
The MVIS8 application is submitted to the competent authority in Cyprus.
Where applicable, first-time applicants are registered in the Aliens’ Registry and issued an Alien Registration Card (ARC).
Biometric data, including photograph and fingerprints, together with the applicant’s signature, are collected as part of the procedure.
04 — Examination
The application is examined by the competent authorities.
The examination is usually completed within four months, provided that the application and supporting information are complete and sufficient.
05 — Residence Permit
If the application is approved, the applicant receives notification regarding the collection of their Temporary Residence Permit.
Application / Government Fees
- €70 – Issuance or renewal of the residence permit
- €70 – First registration in the Aliens’ Registry, where applicable
Validity
A Visitor Temporary Residence Permit is generally issued for one year and may be renewed, provided that the applicable requirements continue to be satisfied.
For priests, monks and nuns of the Orthodox Church or recognised religious minorities, the permit may be issued for up to three years, subject to the applicable conditions.
The validity of the permit may also be affected by the validity of the applicant’s passport.
Important
A Visitor Permit is intended for temporary residence without employment.
The holder is not permitted to undertake employment or conduct an economic activity in Cyprus under this residence category.
Other family members of Cypriot, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens or third-country nationals holding other types of residence permits may fall under different residence categories.
Planning to reside in Cyprus as a Visitor?
We can assess your circumstances, identify the appropriate Visitor category and assist you throughout the Temporary Residence Permit application and renewal process.