Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit: A Comprehensive Guide
Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit: An Overview
The Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit is popularly known as the “Pink Slip” because the physical card issued is pink.
The permit is generally divided into three main categories:
1. Visitor Pink Slip (Visitor Temporary Residence Permit)
2. Student Pink Slip (Student Temporary Residence Permit)
3. Dependent Family Member Pink Slip (Family Member Temporary Residence Permit)
The one we are discussing here is the Visitor Pink Slip, which functions essentially as an income-based visa. It grants non-EU citizens with proven financial self-sufficiency the right to reside in Cyprus for one year, provided they do not engage in local employment.
This temporary residence card can be renewed annually under the same initial conditions until the holder either decides to leave the country or becomes eligible to apply for Cypriot permanent residency or citizenship.
The single, crucial rule to remember is that if the holder is continuously absent from Cyprus for more than three consecutive months at any point, the Pink Slip will be automatically revoked.
Eligilibity Criteria:
To apply for the Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit, applicants must meet the following financial criteria:
1. Annual Income: The principal applicant must demonstrate a stable annual income of no less than €24,000.
If a spouse accompanies the applicant, the required income increases by 20% (€4,800).
For each child accompanying the applicant, the income requirement increases by 15% (€3,600 per child).
It is advisable to show income slightly above the minimum, ideally between €25,000 and €30,000.
This income can be derived from any stable source that does not require employment in Cyprus, such as passive income or remote work income. Furthermore, since January 1, 2023, the principal applicant can also use income generated within Cyprus—such as rental income from local property or dividends received as a company shareholder—to meet the requirements.
2. Accommodation: You must purchase a property or sign a rental agreement for a minimum of one year in Cyprus.
3. Local Bank Deposit: You must deposit €24,000 in a local Cypriot bank account.
- This deposit must increase by 20% for an accompanying spouse.
- It must increase by 15% for each accompanying child.
4. Bank Guarantee Account: In addition to the accessible deposit, you may need to open a separate Guaranteed Bank Account containing a non-refundable, non-transferable bank guarantee, the amount of which varies by the applicant’s country of origin:
- Eastern Europe or Russia: €550 per person.
- Middle East: €350 per person.
- Asia or the Americas: €850 per person.
- Exempt Countries: Applicants from Andorra, Norway, the UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Monaco, Qatar, Switzerland, Thailand, or the UAE are exempt from providing this bank guarantee.
5. Health Insurance: You must purchase local health insurance coverage. In 2024, the median cost for this insurance was approximately €175 per person, per year.
Applicants must also meet fundamental requirements, including passing a medical examination to ensure good health, committing not to seek employment in Cyprus, and ensuring that they do not leave Cyprus for more than three consecutive months once the visa is obtained.
Application Process:
To apply for the Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit, applicants must first secure a valid visa to enter Cyprus. Once in the country, you must complete preliminary steps—such as depositing funds and securing a local address—and gather all required documents before applying.
Required Documents:
The required documents for this program includes:
Applicant Identity Documents: Valid passports, passport-sized photos, and documents proving the relationship between the principal applicant and dependents (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates).
Temporary Residence Application Form: The application form can be filled out online.
Proof of Local Residence: This must be a property purchase contract or a rental agreement valid for at least one year.
Proof of Income.
Proof of Local Deposit: You must show proof of depositing at least €24,000 transferred from abroad. The required deposit increases accordingly if dependents accompany the principal applicant.
- Bank Guarantee: In addition to this accessible deposit, you may need to open a separate Guaranteed Bank Account and deposit a corresponding non-transferable bank guarantee. The specific amounts were detailed previously.
Clean Criminal Record Certificate: All adult applicants (principal and dependents) must provide a police clearance certificate issued within six months prior to the application date.
Medical Certificate of Health: The examination must be performed within Cyprus by a licensed physician. The medical certificate is valid for only three months.
Proof of Health Insurance Purchase: The median cost for health insurance coverage in Cyprus is approximately €175 per person, per year (based on 2024 data).
Notarization and Translation: All documents not in English must be translated into English. Furthermore, all documents must be Apostilled (Hague Convention certification) or certified by a Cypriot embassy or consulate.
Submission and Processing:
Once all preparatory work is complete, you can submit your visa application in person at the Immigration Unit in one of the following five Cypriot cities:
You typically need to book an interview appointment two to three weeks in advance.
The Department of Civil Registry and Migration processes all Temporary Residence Permit applications. The visa processing time is approximately six months. The fees include a €70 visa fee per person and a separate €70 registration fee per person.
During the application processing period, you are permitted to remain in Cyprus. Once approved, you will be issued the Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit (Pink Slip).
Dependents:
For the Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit, the principal applicant’s spouse and children under 18 can be included as dependents to obtain a joint residence permit.
Visa Validity:
Visa Duration and Renewal:
The Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit (Pink Slip) is valid for one year and can be renewed indefinitely under the original conditions.
However, if an applicant’s passport is nearing its expiration date, the Temporary Residence Permit’s validity will be capped, lasting only until three months before the passport expires.
Permanent Residency:
Foreign nationals can apply for permanent residency in Cyprus after legally living there for five years, provided they meet certain requirements for income, savings, or housing.
Naturalization:
Besides acquiring citizenship through marriage or heritage, foreigners must meet the following requirements to become a Cypriot citizen:
Residency: You must have lived in Cyprus for a total of at least seven years within the decade before you apply. Additionally, you must have been a continuous resident for the entire 12-month period immediately preceding your application, with no more than 90 days of absence from the country.
Note: The residency period can be shortened if you are the spouse of a Cypriot citizen (three years) or a highly skilled professional in a field needed by the country (five years).
Language: You must be able to demonstrate at least B1 proficiency in Greek.
Moral Character: You must have no significant criminal record during your time living in Cyprus.
Integration: You are required to pass a test administered by the Cypriot Ministry of Education. This test proves your understanding of the country’s social and political landscape.
Financial Stability: You must prove you have the financial means to support yourself and your family in Cyprus. This includes demonstrating sufficient income, assets, and suitable housing.
Official Links:
Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration department：http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/crmd/crmd.nsf/home_en/home_en?openform
Useful Links:
Cyprus – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture: https://amzn.to/48q8URf
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