The Council of Ministers approved the implementation of the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme with an initial limit of 100 residence permits. However, on March 3, 2022, the ceiling was raised to 500 residence permits.
The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa allows individuals from non-EU and non-EEA countries who can work remotely using telecommunications technology to temporarily reside in Cyprus. They can work for an employer registered abroad or provide services to clients located abroad through telecommunications technology.
The purpose of the scheme is to enhance Cyprus as a hub for electronic services and attract digital nomads, thereby contributing to the development of the business ecosystem and the country’s economic growth. The introduction of the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme is part of the strategy to attract businesses for activities and expand their operations in Cyprus.
Eligibility for the scheme is open to non-EU or non-EEA nationals who can work remotely, either for a company registered abroad or as self-employed individuals serving clients located abroad. They must demonstrate a stable and sufficient monthly net income of at least €3500 after deductions for contributions and taxes.
Individuals granted a Digital Nomad residence permit will enjoy the following benefits:
The right to reside in Cyprus for one year, with the possibility of renewing for an additional two years.
Family members can also obtain a residence permit for the same duration as the Digital Nomad, but they are not permitted to work or engage in economic activities in Cyprus.
If the Digital Nomad resides in Cyprus for a cumulative total of more than 183 days within a tax year and is not a tax resident of any other country, they will be considered a tax resident of Cyprus.
Family members of the Digital Nomad, including the spouse/partner in a civil union and underage children, can reside in Cyprus for the same period as the Digital Nomad. However, they are not permitted to work or engage in any economic activity in Cyprus. Family members need to obtain a temporary residence permit following the specified procedure.
Within 3 months of arrival, the applicant should submit the relevant application along with the required documents to the central offices of the Department in Nicosia to obtain a temporary residence permit. If the applicant already resides legally in Cyprus under a different status, they can submit the application to be granted a temporary residence permit as a Digital Nomad at the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia.
Applications can be submitted in person or through an authorized representative. It’s important to ensure that all required documents are included with the application, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Any changes in the applicant’s data during the application process should be immediately reported to the Department.
Biometric data, including photo, fingerprints, and signature, will be captured for the issuance or renewal of the temporary residence permit. For applicants under the age of six, only a photo will be captured. The biometric data can be captured at the time of application submission or afterward at designated offices.
Applications for renewal should be submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia at least one month before the expiration date of the temporary residence permit. Applicable fees should be paid at the time of application submission or renewal.
If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a notification letter on how to receive their temporary residence permit. In case of rejection, the applicant will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the rejection.
The fees for the issuance or renewal of a temporary residence permit are €70, and an additional €70 registration fee applies in cases of initial registration to the Aliens’ Registry.
The examination process typically takes between 5 to 7 weeks.
The initial temporary residence permit is valid for one year, and in case of renewal, the permit can be issued with a maximum validity of two years.