Certain categories of third-country nationals may apply for residence and employment in the Republic of Cyprus under specific procedures that fall outside the standard Single Permit (GEN) framework.
The Non-Single Permit (NSP) category covers particular employment cases subject to specific entry, residence and employment requirements. The applicable procedure depends on the nature of the employment and the applicant’s individual circumstances.
At M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd, we assist employers and foreign nationals with identifying the appropriate procedure, preparing the required documentation and navigating the relevant immigration formalities.
1. Entry and Residence Requirements
Entry Permit
As a general rule, third-country nationals intending to enter Cyprus for employment purposes must obtain an entry permit in accordance with the applicable legislation.
Specific exceptions apply to certain categories, including tourist representatives and journalists or reporters, who may enter Cyprus with the appropriate visa issued by the consular authorities of the Republic.
Registration After Arrival
Following arrival in Cyprus, applicants must complete the relevant registration formalities with the competent immigration authorities and apply for the required temporary residence and employment permit, where applicable.
First-time applicants may also be required to register in the Aliens Register.
2. Application Procedure
Applications for entry, residence and employment under the NSP procedure may be submitted through the competent application submission offices, subject to the applicable appointment arrangements.
The application must be accompanied by the required supporting documents. Documents issued abroad must be officially translated and duly certified or authenticated, where required.
The procedure generally includes:
- Identification of the applicable employment category.
- Preparation and review of the application and supporting documents.
- Submission of the entry permit application, where required.
- Submission of the residence and employment permit application.
- Payment of the applicable government fees.
- Completion of the required biometric procedures.
Applicants must provide the required photograph, fingerprints and signature. Biometric data may be collected at the time of submission or subsequently through the competent District Immigration Unit of the Police, where applicable.
Following examination, the applicant will be informed of the outcome and, if approved, the arrangements for collecting the permit.
3. Government Fees
The published government fees for the NSP procedure include:
| Application type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Employment entry permit for a period of up to 3 months, without Aliens Register registration | €50 |
| Entry, residence and employment permit for a period of 3–6 months | €50 |
| Residence and employment permit for a period of up to 12 months | €50 |
| First registration in the Aliens Register | €70 |
The applicable fees depend on the type and duration of the application. Applicants should confirm the relevant charges before submission.
4. Processing Time and Permit Duration
Examination Period
The published examination period for an application and issuance of a temporary residence and employment permit is up to three months, provided that the application is complete and all required supporting documents have been submitted.
Incomplete applications may require additional processing time.
Permit Validity
A temporary residence and employment permit under the general NSP framework may be issued for a period not exceeding one year, subject to the applicable category and requirements.
Certain special categories may be subject to different provisions, including specific rules concerning the maximum duration of stay.
5. Termination of Employment and Change of Employer
Where the employer and employee mutually agree to terminate a valid employment contract, the relevant release document may be completed and signed by both parties in the presence of witnesses.
Under the published procedure, the release document allows the employee a period of 30 days to seek a new employer and submit the relevant application for renewal or change of employment, subject to the applicable conditions.
A change of employer is not automatic. The employee must comply with the relevant immigration requirements before commencing employment with a new employer.
6. Re-entry into Cyprus
Re-entry with a Valid Residence Permit
A third-country national holding a valid residence permit may generally re-enter Cyprus by presenting the permit and a valid passport, provided that the applicable conditions are satisfied, including the relevant restrictions concerning the duration of absence from the Republic.
Re-entry While a Renewal Application Is Pending
Where an application for a residence and employment permit has been submitted but has not yet been examined, re-entry may be possible using the payment receipt issued upon submission, provided that the receipt bears the required re-entry endorsement.
If the receipt has been lost, the applicant should contact the Migration Department before departure to request the appropriate re-entry authorisation. Such requests are generally considered in accordance with the applicable procedure and may require serious reasons for travel.
The published procedure refers to a fee of €10.25 for the relevant re-entry request. This amount should be confirmed with the competent authorities before submission.
7. Re-entry for the Purpose of Re-employment
A third-country national who is not classified as a prohibited immigrant and has not completed the maximum permitted period of stay may be eligible to return to Cyprus under the applicable entry procedure.
Specific provisions apply where an employee leaves Cyprus while an employment contract remains in force and subsequently wishes to work for a different employer.
Depending on the circumstances, the employee may be required to remain abroad for three months before returning to take up employment with another employer, or obtain the previous employer’s consent for a change of employment.
Any previous period of employment may be counted towards the applicable maximum period of stay.
8. Special Employment Categories
Tourist Representatives
Third-country nationals employed as tourist representatives may enter Cyprus using the applicable tourist visa procedure and subsequently apply for the relevant residence and employment permit.
The principal requirements include:
- The tourist office operating in Cyprus must be licensed by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
- Confirmation must be provided that the employee’s salary will be paid by the cooperating tourist office abroad.
Approval from the Department of Labour is not required under the published procedure.
There is no maximum period of stay for employment purposes under the published special provisions.
Journalists and Reporters
Third-country nationals working as journalists or reporters may enter Cyprus using the applicable visa procedure and apply for a residence and employment permit.
Applicants must hold a valid journalistic identity card or provide a certificate issued by the foreign news agency confirming their appointment as a correspondent in Cyprus.
Approval from the Department of Labour is not required under the published procedure.
There is no maximum period of stay for employment purposes under the published special provisions.
Self-Employment
Certain categories of individuals have the right to engage in self-employment in Cyprus under specific provisions, including:
- Holders of qualifying Special Identity Cards of the Diaspora.
- Eligible Syrians of Cretan origin whose names appear on the approved lists.
- Eligible Kurds whose names appear on the approved lists.
Family members who do not independently qualify under these categories and who wish to undertake remunerated employment must follow the applicable Single Permit (GEN) procedure.
Eligibility must be assessed individually, taking into account the relevant status, documentation and applicable policy.
How MyConsultancy Can Assist
At M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd, we provide professional assistance with employment-related immigration procedures for third-country nationals and employers in Cyprus.
Our services include:
- Assessment of the appropriate immigration and employment category.
- Guidance on entry permit and residence permit requirements.
- Preparation and review of application forms and supporting documents.
- Assistance with document translation, certification and authentication.
- Guidance on biometric appointments and application submission.
- Assistance with permit renewals, re-entry procedures and changes of employer.
- Guidance for eligible tourist representatives, journalists and other special employment categories.
- Follow-up with the competent authorities regarding pending applications.
Contact MyConsultancy to discuss your circumstances and identify the appropriate immigration procedure for your employment in Cyprus.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of approval. Eligibility, permitted activities, fees, processing times, residence periods and supporting document requirements are subject to the applicable legislation and policies of the competent authorities in the Republic of Cyprus. The correct procedure should be confirmed before an application is submitted.