Work Permits in Cyprus for Non-EU Nationals

If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, the employer applies for permission to hire you. You cannot arrange it on your own, and you should not travel to work before it is approved.

The usual route

1. 1.The employer applies to the District Labour Office. A job can go to a non-EU worker only if no suitable Cypriot or EU worker is available, and on the same terms a Cypriot would get.
2. 2.The employer then applies to the Migration Department.
3. 3.You receive an entry permit before you travel.
4. 4.After you arrive: registration in the Aliens Register and biometrics.

• Processing usually takes about four months.
• The total stay is generally limited to four years, with exceptions.

Changing employer

You can move to another employer only if both sides end the contract by agreement and your employer signs a release. You then have 30 days to find a new employer.

The faster route: companies of foreign interests

Companies registered under the foreign-interests policy (common in Limassol in shipping, finance and tech) can hire highly paid staff without a labour-market test.

• Gross salary of at least €2,500 a month.
• A degree or at least two years of relevant experience.
• A contract of at least two years.
• Processing takes about one month. Fees: €70 and €70; renewal €80.
• Support staff at these companies still need a labour-market test.

EU Blue Card

For highly qualified jobs paying at least €43,632 gross a year. Processing takes up to 90 days.

Domestic workers

The minimum gross pay is €460 a month, less 15% for food and 10% for accommodation when the worker lives in. A domestic worker can change employer at most twice.

Never pay anyone for a job or a permit. Licensed agencies may not charge workers or receive your salary.

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