Seasonal Work (ESW) is a residence and employment route for third-country nationals recruited to perform work in sectors of the Cypriot economy that depend on seasonal conditions. The scheme is governed by the applicable Cyprus legislation implementing EU Directive 2014/36/EU.
M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd assists employers and prospective seasonal workers with the preparation and submission of applications, documentation requirements and the relevant immigration procedures.
1. Definition of Seasonal Work
Seasonal work refers to employment in activities that depend on the change of seasons. The sectors in which seasonal employment is permitted in Cyprus are determined by the relevant decisions and decrees of the Council of Ministers.
2. Maximum Period of Stay
Seasonal workers may stay and work in Cyprus for a maximum of 8 months within any 12-month period, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
A third-country national who has completed 6 years of residence and seasonal work in Cyprus is not eligible to apply for seasonal employment under this scheme.
Upon reaching the maximum permitted period, the seasonal worker must leave Cyprus unless granted a residence permit under national law for a purpose other than seasonal employment.
3. Entry, Residence and Work Permit for Employment Exceeding 90 Days
Where seasonal employment is intended to last for more than 90 days, an application for an entry permit and a seasonal residence and work permit is required.
Application Procedure
- The application is submitted by the employer at the competent application submission office while the prospective employee is still abroad.
- The relevant government fees must be paid.
- Once the entry permit is approved, the employee may travel to Cyprus using the entry permit and a valid travel document.
- Within 7 days of arrival, the employee must proceed with the required residence and work permit formalities, including the submission of biometric data and signature.
- Biometric data collection is also mandatory for permit renewals.
Applications should be accompanied by all required supporting documents. Documents issued abroad must be officially translated and duly certified or ratified, as applicable.
Government Fees
- €170 – Registration, entry permit and seasonal worker’s permit.
- €100 – Entry permit and seasonal worker’s permit where the applicant already has an Alien Registration Certificate (ARC).
Employment contracts must be duly stamped where required. The applicable amount depends on the contract and should be confirmed with the Tax Department.
Processing Time
A complete application is generally examined within 90 days of submission. If documents are missing or the application is incomplete, the examination period begins when the outstanding requirements have been fulfilled.
4. Renewal of a Seasonal Work Permit
Seasonal workers may apply to extend their stay for seasonal employment, provided that the legal requirements continue to be met and the maximum permitted stay of 8 months within a 12-month period is not exceeded.
The renewal application must be submitted to the competent application submission office with the required supporting documents and payment of the applicable fees.
Biometric data collection is mandatory for renewal applications.
Government fee: €85 for renewal under the same employer.
The application is generally examined within 90 days, provided that it is complete and all required documents have been submitted.
Employment contracts must be duly stamped where applicable.
5. Change of Employer
A seasonal worker may apply to continue seasonal employment with a different employer, subject to the applicable legislation and the maximum permitted period of stay.
The application must be submitted to the competent application submission office together with the required documents and the applicable government fee. Biometric data collection is mandatory.
Government fee: €85 for renewal due to a change of employer.
The application is generally examined within 90 days, provided that it is complete and all required documents have been submitted.
Employment contracts must be duly stamped where applicable.
6. How M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd Can Assist
Our team provides practical support to employers and prospective seasonal workers throughout the immigration process, including:
- Reviewing eligibility and the proposed seasonal employment arrangement.
- Advising employers on the applicable application procedure and supporting documents.
- Assisting with the preparation and organisation of application files.
- Coordinating the submission of applications and relevant immigration formalities.
- Providing guidance on permit renewals and applications involving a change of employer.
- Advising on compliance with the applicable immigration requirements and permitted duration of stay.
Important: Seasonal employment is subject to specific eligibility criteria, sector restrictions and statutory time limits. Each case should be assessed individually under the legislation and policies in force at the time of application.