Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, multilingual environment, and strategically important geographical location, Cyprus is an exceptionally attractive place for living and doing business. For those wishing to extend their stay on the island, there is an opportunity to obtain temporary residence.
Preconditions for Obtaining Temporary Residence Permit
According to Regulation No. 14 on “Aliens and Immigration”, temporary residence permits can be issued for short-term or long-term vacation, tourism, as well as for exploring the possibilities of living in Cyprus. It is important to note that holders of temporary residence permits cannot engage in economic activities within the territory of Cyprus.
Among others, the following categories of individuals can apply for temporary residence as visitors:
- Autonomous temporary residence permit
- Dependent Spouse Visitor
- Dependent Minor Child of Visitor
- Dependent adult family member of a third-country citizen with permission
- Dependent partner of a Cypriot citizen in a documented relationship (of at least one year) intending to marry. Temporary residence permit in this case is valid for three months.
A visa issued by the consular authorities of Cyprus serves as permission for entry for foreign citizens wishing to visit Cyprus for a period ranging from 90 days to one year.
Application Processing Time
It is crucial to assess in advance the time required to obtain temporary residence – application submission, processing, review, and the actual issuance of the permit. The Ministry specifies that the processing time for an application takes up to 4 months, provided that the submitted documents and information meet the specified requirements. Practice shows that temporary residence permits can be granted within 2 weeks or up to a year. During this period covered by the application receipt, the mentioned receipt serves as a document allowing the applicant to reside in Cyprus and travel freely. However, certain activities, such as obtaining a driving license, cannot be pursued with this receipt. The application must be submitted before the expiration of the entry permit.
Application Procedure
To obtain or renew visitor temporary residence permit, an MVIS application must be submitted along with the required documents. All documents must be officially translated and certified. In the case of applying without prior registration, initial registration in the Aliens Registry is conducted, and an Alien Registration Card (ARC) is issued.
Providing biometric data – photographs, fingerprints, and the recipient’s signature. For individuals under six years old at the time of application, only a photograph is required.
Upon arrival in the country to apply for temporary residence, the following documents are required:
- Copy of passport/other travel document (valid for at least 3 months from the application date)
- Original certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin/residence
- Original medical examination certificate confirming that the third-country citizen is not infected with Hepatitis B, C, HIV, syphilis, and a chest X-ray for tuberculosis with a doctor’s conclusion certified by the stamp of a specialist doctor in the Republic of Cyprus
- Original letter of guarantee from a Cypriot banking institution valid for 10 (ten) years to cover possible repatriation expenses
- Medical insurance certificate
- Property ownership/purchase document registered in the land registry or rental document or Host Declaration for the provision of suitable accommodation
- Confirmation that the applicant has sufficient income earned outside Cyprus. Income includes salary, pension, deposits in a foreign bank account, rent, dividends, interest on deposits
- Bank statement from a financial institution in Cyprus from the date of account opening, indicating foreign money transfers to the applicant’s name, totalling not less than 2,000 euros per month or 24,000 euros per year per person. This amount increases by 20% for a spouse and 15% for a child. For obtaining the first temporary residence permit, a money transfer or deposit of 10,000 euros is also accepted.
- Other documents required depending on the applicant’s status (spouse, minor, etc.)
Validity Period of Temporary Residence Permit
Initially, visitors are granted a temporary residence permit for one year.
If the passport’s expiration date is earlier than one year, temporary residence is issued for 3 months until the passport expires. If you are a spouse, child, or direct relative residing with a person who has a residence permit, your temporary residence permit will be valid until the expiration of your relative’s permit.
Important Considerations
It is essential for holders of temporary residence permits to comply with all conditions and criteria set by Cyprus legislation. This includes adhering to permit extension deadlines and fulfilling all obligations related to residing on the island.