If your company is eyeing global expansion opportunities, Cyprus could be a strategic choice for several compelling reasons. With one of the European Union's fastest-growing economies, this Mediterranean island nation offers a favorable environment for business growth. However, employees intending to relocate to Cyprus as part of your company's expansion will require appropriate visas and work permits.
For busy business owners focused on expanding their successful ventures internationally, providing immigration support to employees may not be feasible. That's where Resettle Worldwide comes in. As your trusted global Professional Employer Organization (PEO), we streamline the expansion journey, starting with securing the visas and permits necessary for your international team to reside and work seamlessly in Cyprus.
What Types of Work Visas Are Available in Cyprus?
As with many other countries, Cyprus offers a range of visas catering to foreign nationals, including the coveted work visa. This visa permits individuals to enter Cyprus for the purpose of residing and working within its borders. However, it's essential to understand that possessing a work visa alone does not grant individuals the right to seek employment in Cyprus; rather, it facilitates entry into the country.For foreign employees intending to join your company in Cyprus, securing three distinct documents is imperative:
1. A Cyprus work permit: This document authorizes the holder to engage in employment within Cyprus.
2. A work visa: Essential for travel to Cyprus specifically for employment purposes.
3. A residence visa: Required for any foreign national intending to reside in Cyprus for a period exceeding 90 days.
What Are the Requirements to Obtain a Cyprus Working Visa?
To obtain a work permit, applicants will need to provide the following documents:Application forms completed by the employer
A valid passport
An employment contract with a company based in Cyprus
The employer’s tax clearance certificate
A criminal background check from the applicant’s country of residence
Medical certificates showing that the applicant is in good health
Payment of the application fee
The requirements for a Cyprus work visa include:
A valid passport
A completed application
Medical and police clearance certificates
Proof of travel health insurance
Proof of sufficient financial means
An employment contract with a company in Cyprus, sealed by the Department of Labor
How to Get a Work Visa in Cyprus: The Application Process
Before relocating to Cyprus, foreign employees must secure a work permit, a process typically initiated by the employer. The employer is tasked with demonstrating the unavailability of suitable local candidates for the position and obtaining a letter of recommendation from the Department of Labor. Subsequently, the employer must apply for the permit at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.Once the work permit is obtained, the employee should proceed to the embassy or consulate in their country of residence to apply for a work visa. Upon receiving the visa, the employee can enter Cyprus.
Within one week of arrival, the foreign employee must apply for a residence permit. This involves visiting either the local police department or the Central Offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department and providing the requisite signature and biometric data.
Upon acquiring all three documents — the work permit, work visa, and residence permit — the employee is legally permitted to reside and work in Cyprus.
