The temporary residence permit in Cyprus, known as the “Visitor” (commonly referred to as the Pink Slip), allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residency card and live in Cyprus without the right to work.
The Visitor Visa is also known as a residence permit for financially independent individuals, as the program requires sufficient savings and/or stable income from abroad to sustain living expenses on the island without the need for employment in Cyprus.
The permit is issued for one year with the option to renew. In addition to the main applicant, the status can also be granted to a spouse and children.
How to Obtain a Visitor Visa in Cyprus
To successfully apply for a Visitor Visa in Cyprus, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
📌 Minimum Monthly Income The applicant must demonstrate a stable and sufficient income from abroad to cover living expenses in Cyprus.
Minimum monthly income:
€2,000 for the main applicant
+20% for the spouse
+15% for each child
📌 Cyprus Bank Account Having a bank account in a Cypriot bank is a mandatory requirement for submitting a Visitor Visa application.
At the time of application, the account must hold:
At least €10,000 for the main applicant
+€5,000 for each additional family member
Additionally, a bank guarantee of €550 per family member must be obtained.
📌 Property in Cyprus Applicants must confirm their place of residence in Cyprus, which can be either rented or owned.
For rented property, the lease agreement must be valid for at least one year and properly certified.
📌 Police Clearance and Health Certificates
A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of origin or permanent residence is required. The certificate must be translated into English, notarized, and apostilled.
Original medical test results, including proof of no HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and a chest X-ray confirming no tuberculosis, must be provided. These documents must be properly certified by a specialist doctor.
Pros and Cons of the Visitor Visa in Cyprus
The Pink Slip in Cyprus for financially independent individuals offers several advantages, but it also comes with certain limitations that may not suit everyone.
Advantages of the Visitor Visa in Cyprus
✓ You are allowed to live in Cyprus 365 days a year. ✓ Spouses and children can also obtain residency under this program. ✓ No requirement to purchase property or make investments—proof of rental accommodation is sufficient. ✓ There are no language proficiency requirements for obtaining or renewing the residency. ✓ You can become a tax resident of Cyprus and legally optimize your taxes thanks to the island’s low tax rates and incentives. ✓ After living in Cyprus for seven years, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization.
Disadvantages of the Visitor Visa
Annual Renewal: You must renew the visa every year, which involves preparing a new set of documents and submitting them to the Cyprus Migration Department.
Limited Absence: You cannot be absent from Cyprus for more than 90 consecutive days; exceeding this period will result in the cancellation of your residency.
Restrictions on Family Inclusion: Since November 2022, parents cannot be included in the application—only spouses and children.
Employment Restrictions: You are not allowed to work for a Cypriot employer, including within your own company registered in Cyprus.
Spouse Employment Restrictions: A spouse under the Visitor Visa is also prohibited from being employed or engaging in any economic activity in Cyprus.
Alternatives for Obtaining Temporary and Permanent Residency in Cyprus
⇒ Digital Nomad Visa in Cyprus
The new Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for applicants who can provide services remotely to clients abroad and/or work for an employer registered outside Cyprus.
The key difference between the Visitor Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa is that the latter requires proof of income specifically from employment or services rendered to foreign clients.
Minimum required monthly income: €3,500 (after taxes and contributions).
For family members, the income requirement increases by 20% for a spouse and 15% per child.
⇒ Permanent Residency in Cyprus through Property Purchase or Investment
The Cyprus Permanent Residency Program is available for:
Property purchases starting from €100,000 under Category F.
Investments of €300,000 or more in real estate, businesses, or funds under the Fast Track program.
The program grants immediate permanent residency, which does not require annual renewal.
Moreover, residency does not require continuous living in Cyprus—visiting the island once a year from the date of approval, and subsequently once every two years, is sufficient.
Permanent residency also extends to spouses, children, and parents.
⇒ Residency for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Cyprus
Entrepreneurs and their families can obtain Cyprus residency through company registration. This is available to residents with stable income, an open Cypriot bank account, and proof of residence in Cyprus.
⇒ Work Visa for Employment in International Companies in Cyprus
Employment with an international company in Cyprus allows you to obtain a work visa for qualified professionals.
Key requirements: a minimum monthly salary of €2,500 (before taxes), and the company must hold a permit to employ third-country nationals.
The work visa is issued for two years with the option for renewal.
Additionally, family members of the applicant can obtain Cyprus residency with the right to work.
✅ Cypriot lawyers and Feod Group specialists offer a full range of services for obtaining residency for the entire family. We also assist with all client actions related to purchasing or registering a business in Cyprus, opening bank accounts, selecting and purchasing real estate, tax optimization, and enrolling children in schools and universities.
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If you have any questions in any of the directions, please contact us.
Visitor Visa in Cyprus – FAQ
What documents are required to obtain a residency permit in Cyprus for financially independent foreigners?
The main documents needed to apply for a Cyprus residency permit include:
Personal documents of the applicant and family members included in the application (copies of passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.).
Proof of accommodation in Cyprus (12-month rental agreement or property purchase contract).
Documents proving income from abroad (bank deposits, pension, rental income, etc.).
Bank guarantee in a Cypriot bank, one for each family member.
Private health insurance.
Police clearance certificate.
Health certificate and chest X-ray results.
What is the validity period of the Pink Slip?
The Pink Slip in Cyprus is valid for one year, with the option to renew.
How to Renew a Visitor Visa in Cyprus?
To renew a Visitor Visa, you must:
Provide proof of an annual income from abroad of at least €24,000.
Submit a statement from a local bank account confirming expenses incurred in Cyprus over the past year.
Present a bank guarantee.
Obtain a police clearance certificate.
Submit blood test results and a chest X-ray.
Acquire private health insurance.
Do Individuals Need to Pay Taxes in Cyprus?
If you reside in Cyprus for more than 183 days per year, you will become a tax resident and must file a tax return and pay income tax on all sources of income.
Personal income tax in Cyprus is applied on a progressive scale ranging from 0% to 35%. The first €19,500 of annual income is tax-free.
Iryna Luhina joined Feod Group in 2018 and has established herself as a highly qualified professional. Her expertise includes company registration, bank account opening, and immigration support. ...
Iryna Luhina joined Feod Group in 2018 and has established herself as a highly qualified professional. Her expertise includes company registration, bank account opening, and immigration support.
Since 1992, Feod Group has been providing a wide range of legal, business and immigration services in Europe, the USA and other countries of the world.
The company has accredited western lawyers, experts in various fields of law and jurisdictions of the world.
Having offices in Europe and the USA, Feod Group provides rapid paperwork and maximum customer comfort.
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