Cyprus Work Visa – Application, Eligibility and Requirements

If you want to work in Cyprus, you will need a Cyprus work visa. Cyprus is a growing economy. It is a rapidly emerging economy in Europe. 

It is also a country with so many beautiful views of nature. The all-year-round warm climate and the diverse cultural backgrounds make it stand out. So, you may as well consider going on vacation too.

Cyprus needs a larger pool or workforce. This is because it is one of the prominent places for tourism today. It offers so many benefits to those who live and work there. However, suppose you must enjoy the benefits that it provides. In that case, you need to have a valid means of identification hence, this article.

How do you go about obtaining a Cyprus work visa? Read on!

What is a Cyprus Work Visa?

A Cyprus work visa is a must-have document that every foreign employee in Cyprus must have. You cannot work in Cyprus without this Visa.

This document permits you to work in Cyprus. It also makes you eligible for all the privileges attached to working in Cyprus. Your employee must secure a Cyprus work visa on your behalf. And this process occurs while you are still in your home country.

This work license allows you to enter Cyprus but only to work when you get there.

Why do you need a Cyprus Work Visa?

It is simple! If you plan to work in Cyprus, you need a Cyprus work Visa. If you want to establish any business in Cyprus, you need a work visa too!

So, the reason why a visa to work in Cyprus is not far-fetched. It is your license for everything regarding working in Cyprus.

Who can obtain a Cyprus work visa?

Everybody who wants to visit Cyprus needs a Visa. And so, everybody who gets employment in Cyprus needs a Cyprus work visa. However, there are exceptions to this claim.

Below is a list of eligible people to own a Cyprus work visa.

 Non-EU citizens

If you are not a member of any of the Twenty-two countries that make up the European Union.

 Foreigners are neither citizens of any of these countries; Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

 People who are foreign citizens, not living in Cyprus, but want to take up a job in Cyprus.

 Foreign citizens who have resident permits in Cyprus but want to take up jobs in Cyprus.

Who doesn’t need a Cyprus Work Permit?

You don’t need a Cyprus work visa; if you belong to any member country of the European Union.

 Are you a citizen of any member country of The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), some intergovernmental associations of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland?

• Have refugee status in Cyprus.
•  Hold a tourist visa
•  Are in Cyprus for a medical visa.
•  Came to Cyprus with a visitor visa.
• Belong to a humanitarian organization and are in Cyprus to render humanitarian services.
• Do not hold a resident visa or a work permit. It is the intergovernmental organization of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

If you fall into any of the groups mentioned above of people, you don’t need a Cyprus work visa. 

People who fall in groups one and two are eligible to work in Cyprus. But those who fall within the rest of the categories are not eligible to work in Cyprus. And so, they cannot own a work ticket in Cyprus.

Types of work permits in Cyprus

Every country in the world has a variety of work permits they can issue to foreign nationals. Unfortunately, Cyprus doesn’t have such.

Generally, if you want to work when you relocate to Cyprus, you must have in your possession:

#1. A Cyprus Work Permit

This application happens while you are in your home country. And it is your employer’s responsibility. 

#2. A Cyprus Work Visa

A work visa for Cyprus allows you to work in Cyprus for a longer time.

#3. A Cyprus Residence Permit

You apply to form a Cyprus residence visa after you must have gotten to Cyprus. 

How long can a work visa last in Cyprus?

A work visa in Cyprus can only last for four years. But work visas for works related to agriculture are exceptions. People with work visas to work in the agricultural sector can work for six years before renewing their visas.

However, people who have a Cyprus work visa that falls in between any of the categories below are exceptions:

• A highly skilled foreign employee who works in a company in Cyprus. This is because your skill benefits the economic development of Cyprus.
• Someone who paints religious icons.
• An athlete or an athletic coach.
• Journalists or correspondents.

Suppose you fall into any of the above-mentioned groups of people. In that case, your work visa in Cyprus is not subject to limitations. Instead, you can leave whenever your work is done.

How much does it cost to acquire a Cyprus Work Visa?

A stamp of approval to work in Cyprus costs 20 Cyprus Pounds. This is approximately 35 US dollars.

How long does it take to acquire a Cyprus Work Visa?

The time it takes to process a Cyprus work Visa from the time of departure is between four to six weeks. However, the process can extend beyond the time frame in some cases. The delay is mainly experienced whenever an individual has an unclear identification or submitted incomplete documents.

Eligibility for acquiring a Cyprus Work Visa

You are eligible for a work permit in Cyprus if you are a foreign employee. 

However, if you are not a minor, have a permit to work in Cyprus, and possess a residence permit, you are eligible to apply for a work visa.

 If you are a foreign employee, you must be in any of the positions in your company of work:

• An Executive Director of the company.
• Middle Management Staff.
• Be in the position of a director or technical and clerical staff.
• The role of supporting staff.

What are the requirements for obtaining a Cyprus Work Visa?

To obtain a work permit, applicants must provide the following documents:

#1. Completed application forms 

That is signed and stamped by the employer. 

#2. Photocopies of your passport.

Capturing relevant information such as; personal information, issue/expiry date, and previous visas. 

Your passport must be valid for the period of your stay as an employee.

#3. Two passport-sized photographs.

These photographs must have been taken in the last three months.

#4. Original copy of your employment contract.

This document signifies the condition of employment.

#5. Original certificate of police clearance.

This certificate must be issued by the police authorities in your country within the last six months.

#6. Medical certificate 

It results in tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and syphilis. This medical certificate must be issued within the past four months.

#7. Tax clearance certificate,

From your hiring company. This certificate proves that your hiring company does not owe the government. Also, to ascertain if the company can pay you.

#8. Details of the existing staff on your employer’s company, as well as new applications.

This is for the purpose of documenting the number of staff.

#9. Bank Guarantee Letter.

This letter proves that your employer has paid the guarantee for you. This guarantee paid must be valid for a minimum of 12 months.

#10. Proof of health insurance. 

You must make available proof of your travel health insurance. This document must also be presented after arriving in Cyprus.

#11. Proof of payment of Cyprus works Visa.

This document must be submitted alongside the application form.

#12. Round-trip ticket reservation.

This must be provided as the Visa doesn’t take much time to process.

#13. Proof of sufficient financial means.

Bank account statement or sponsorship.

#14. Proof of accommodation.

This ensures you have a place to lay your head when you arrive in Cyprus.

#15. Proof of educational background and professional qualifications.

To identify that you are qualified for the job.

You should make sure to secure multiple copies of these documents. This is because they will be requested during the different stages of the application process.

Also, there may be country-specific requirements depending on your country. All documents must be translated into English.

Application process

On the employer’s part:

If you are a foreign employee who secured employment in a company in Cyprus,

Firstly, you must work on obtaining a work permit. It is the job of your employer, so you need not worry. 

All you need to do is provide them with every required document and detail.

Your employer makes an application on your behalf. But this must be after they have proven that there is no eligible Cypriot citizen for the job.

Then they go ahead and submit all required documents.

On the employee’s part:

After obtaining the work permit, you should visit the embassy in your country or country of residence to apply for a work visa.

If you can’t find one in your country, use the country’s official website or the nearest embassy to you.

Contact and fix an appointment with them. This is to find out the things required of you. You must make sure to have all the necessary documents handy.

Then, apply for a travel visa and a work visa. You must submit your application on time because obtaining a travel visa takes lots of time.

Submit all documents and pay every fee.

Wait for the visas to be processed.

You are fully eligible to leave for Cyprus when your Visa is issued. You can apply for your resident permit when you get to Cyprus. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cyprus an EU Country?

Cyprus is both an Asian and European country. However, this, to a significant extent, depends on how you view it. Geographically, Cyprus is closer to Asia. 

Historically and culturally, it is a European country. Since it joined the European Union in 2004, it’s safe to say that Cyprus has been an EU country.

Is Cyprus part of the Schengen area?

No, Cyprus has not joined the Schengen area. What this means is that the visas issued by the Embassies of Cyprus are valid for Cyprus only. The visas do not authorize the holder to enter other Schengen zone countries.

Can I enter Cyprus with a Schengen visa?

Notwithstanding that Cyprus is not yet a Schengen Zone country, it accepts valid Schengen Visas. To be specific, Schengen Visas which are equivalent to a national visa for transit or intended stay (i.e., category C, double or multiple entries). 

But the visitor must not exceed 90 days of stay.

Are there job opportunities for non-English speaking foreigners in Cyprus? 

Yes, there are job opportunities for non-English speaking foreigners in Cyprus. But it is an added advantage if you learn and know how to speak English. This is because jobs are primarily available for English-speaking foreigners.

What language is common in Cyprus?

Greek and Turkish are the official languages in Cyprus. But as a country that stayed under British rule during the mid-20th century, English is widely spoken. 

So, the English language is a common language in Cyprus.

Which country can I enter with a Cyprus Visa? 

People who hold Cypriot passports can enter Austria without a visa. But must carry their ID along with them. They can also enter Bulgaria, Croatia, as well as Romania. But this applies to those holding resident visas.

Conclusion

Cyprus is a country with a vast of aesthetic places for tourists. Read more about Cyprus here. It has diverse but unique cultures that make it stand out. But, most importantly, Cyprus is a country with many high economic activities. And so, it is an excellent place to work if you need to relocate or seek employment.