🇸🇹→🇨🇾São Tomé and Príncipe→Cyprus

90 daysmultiple entry3-15d processingvalid 180d

Permits entry to Cyprus for tourism, leisure, visiting family/friends, or short business visits. Valid only for Cyprus - not for the Schengen Area, as Cyprus is an EU member but not part of the Schengen zone.

Required for nationals of countries listed on the Cyprus MFA visa-required list. Cyprus issues its own national short-stay visa; it does not participate in the Schengen visa system. Standard fee is EUR 30 for single-entry and EUR 60 for multiple-entry (approximate; exact fee schedule set by Civil Registry and Migration Department). Applications lodged at Cyprus embassies, consulates, or honorary consulates. No e-visa or visa-on-arrival system exists. Holders of a valid double or multiple-entry Schengen visa, or residence permit/visa issued by Bulgaria, Romania, or Croatia, may enter Cyprus without a separate Cyprus visa (Turkey and Azerbaijan nationals excepted).

90 dayssingle entry

Short-stay or airport transit visa granted exceptionally on arrival at a legal Cyprus port of entry, in emergency cases where the traveller was unable to obtain a visa in advance.

Per the Cyprus MFA 'Types of Visa' page, Category C short-stay visas and Airport Transit Visas can be granted upon arrival at legal ports of entry only in emergency cases and only following the approval of the Director of the Civil Registry and Migration Department. This is NOT a routine visa-on-arrival scheme - Cyprus normally requires visa-required nationals to obtain a visa from a Cyprus consulate before travel, and operates no e-visa or ETA.

90 daysmultiple entry3-15d processingvalid 180d

Permits entry to Cyprus for short-term business purposes including meetings, negotiations, trade fairs, conferences, and similar commercial activities. Issued under the same Type C national visa framework as the tourist visa.

Business visitors from visa-required countries must obtain a national short-stay visa from a Cyprus consulate. The same Type C visa category covers both tourism and short-term business purposes. For business activities requiring employment or professional engagement in Cyprus, a work permit (Type D long-stay visa plus work permit) is needed instead.

single entry3-15d processing

Permits transit through the international transit zone of a Cyprus airport without entering Cyprus territory. Required for nationals of specific countries whose international travel routes pass through Larnaka or Pafos airports.

Airport transit visa (ATV) is required for nationals of countries specified by the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Exemptions apply for holders of valid Schengen/EU/Bulgarian/Romanian/Croatian visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders per bilateral agreements, and flight crew with valid crew member licences. Applications made at Cyprus embassies or consulates abroad.

multiple entry90-270d processingvalid 365d

Permits third-country nationals who are family members of a legally resident third-country national (the sponsor) in Cyprus to join and reside with the sponsor.

Governed by Council Directive 2003/86/EC, transposed into Cyprus law. Eligible members: the spouse (at least 21 years old, with the marriage contracted at least 1 year before the application) and minor unmarried children under 18. The sponsor must generally have resided legally in Cyprus for at least 2 years, hold a residence permit valid for at least 1 year, and have a reasonable prospect of permanent residence (these conditions are waived for researchers and intra-corporate transferees, who may apply concurrently). Fee EUR 200 for entry + residence permit, plus EUR 70 first-time registration. Applications examined within 9 months (90 days for researchers/intra-corporate transferees). The first permit is valid 1 year, renewable but not beyond the sponsor's permit.

multiple entry30-90d processingvalid 365d

Permits third-country nationals to enter and reside in Cyprus to pursue a full-time course of study leading to a recognized higher-education qualification at a registered Cyprus educational institution.

Governed by EU Directive 2016/801 (Law 7(I)/2019). The education institution submits the entry-permit application; the applicant needs an acceptance letter, proof of sufficient funds, and health insurance. Fees: EUR 70 for entry + residence permit (EUR 140 including ARC). Entry-permit applications examined within 1 month, residence-permit applications within 3 months. Permit valid up to 1 year, renewed yearly until studies are completed. Students may work in approved sectors up to 20 hours/week during term and up to 38 hours/week during class breaks. Master's-level (EQF level 7) or higher graduates may stay up to 12 months after studies to seek work or start a business.

multiple entry30d processingvalid 365d

Permits highly skilled third-country nationals to work in Cyprus companies registered in the Register of Companies of Foreign Interests without a labour market test, with reduced processing times.

As of 26 May 2025 the Business Facilitation Unit (BFU) was reorganised and expanded into the Business Support Center (BSC), which now administers registration of Companies of Foreign Interests and this fast-track scheme (per the official government portal businessincyprus.gov.cy and gov.cy/bsc pages); the scheme is unofficially still referred to as the 'BFU scheme'. Companies registered in the Register of Foreign Interest Companies can employ highly skilled third-country nationals without undergoing a labour market test. Applications processed by the Civil Registry and Migration Department within about one month. Companies must meet Register of Foreign Interest Companies eligibility criteria (e.g. majority non-Cypriot ownership or minimum qualifying foreign investment). Confirm current scheme end-date on the BSC portal, as this was previously stated as 31 December 2026 under the BFU framework and may be updated following the 2025 reorganisation.

multiple entryup to 120d processingvalid 1095d

Employer-sponsored temporary residence and work permit allowing a third-country national to be employed as a private-household domestic worker in Cyprus.

The employer must meet minimum gross annual income thresholds (from EUR 24,000 for a single person, rising with dependents), provide private accommodation, and pay a minimum gross salary of EUR 460/month (less social-insurance/GeSY contributions and, for live-in workers, up to 15% for food and 10% for accommodation). The entry-permit application is filed by the employer. Applications examined within about 4 months; permit issued for up to 3 consecutive years with no maximum overall duration of stay. Nationals of Myanmar and Ethiopia are not admitted as domestic workers. A worker may change employer at most twice (three employers total), subject to conditions.

1095 daysmultiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365d

Permits third-country national managers, specialists, or trainee employees to enter and reside in Cyprus for more than 90 days when temporarily transferred from a company or group of companies established outside the EU to a branch, subsidiary, or related entity of that company in Cyprus, for work or training purposes.

Governed by EU Directive 2014/66/EU as transposed into Cyprus law. Covers three staff categories: managers, specialists, and trainee employees (the latter must hold a university degree). Applicant must have been employed by the transferring company for at least 12 months (managers/specialists) or 6 months (trainees) prior to transfer. Permit validity is at least 1 year or the duration of the transfer (whichever is shorter), extendable up to a maximum of 3 years total for managers/specialists and 1 year total for trainees. Applications examined exclusively at Migration Department Headquarters in Nicosia within a maximum of 90 days. Distinct from the standard GEN employment permit and from the EU Blue Card; also provides for intra-EU short-term and long-term mobility to other Member States under the Directive.

multiple entry30-90d processingvalid 365d

Permits third-country national researchers holding a doctoral or equivalent higher-education qualification to enter and reside in Cyprus for more than 90 days to carry out research at an approved research organisation under a hosting agreement.

Governed by EU Directive 2016/801 (Law 7(I)/2019). The research organisation must be approved by the Research and Innovation Foundation and sign a hosting agreement with the researcher; the organisation submits the entry-permit application. Fees: EUR 70 for entry + residence permit (EUR 140 including ARC). Entry-permit applications examined within 1 month, residence-permit applications within 3 months. Permit valid at least 1 year (or the duration of the hosting agreement), or at least 2 years under Union/multilateral mobility programmes. Researchers may also teach up to 6 hours/week, enjoy equal treatment on pay and working conditions, benefit from intra-EU mobility, and may stay up to 12 months after completing research to seek employment or set up a business. Family members qualify for family reunification without the standard prior-residence requirement.

1460 daysmultiple entry30-120d processingvalid 1095d

Permits third-country nationals to reside and work in Cyprus under an employer-sponsored arrangement. Covers standard remunerated employment across sectors, including technical and hospitality workers, farming/agricultural workers, athletes/coaches, fishermen, priests, and specialised cooks.

Officially the 'Remunerated employment (single permit - GEN)'. The third-country national must obtain an entry permit before travelling; the employer submits the application to the Migration Department in Nicosia and, for most jobs, must first secure a sealed employment contract from the Department of Labour (labour-market test). Fees: EUR 120 for entry + temporary residence and work permit (valid 1-3 years), EUR 130 for renewal, plus EUR 70 first-time registration in the Aliens Register. Applications examined within about 4 months. Permit issued for up to 3 consecutive years; the general maximum stay for employment is 4 years, with no maximum for athletes/coaches, farming/agricultural workers, expatriates, and specialised cooks. Highly qualified staff of Companies of Foreign Interests may instead use the BFU fast-track scheme (listed separately).

multiple entryvalid 730d

Permits highly skilled third-country nationals to work in Cyprus in eligible high-skill sectors (ICT, pharmaceuticals for research, and shipping excluding captains and crew), with EU-wide intra-EU mobility rights.

Launched July 7, 2025. Minimum gross annual salary EUR 43,632. Eligible sectors per Ministerial Decree: ICT, pharmaceuticals (research only), and shipping (excluding ship captains and crew). No quota. Requires third-level education qualification or equivalent professional experience plus a valid work contract. Provides EU-wide intra-EU mobility rights (excluding Denmark and Ireland). Family reunification permits equal in duration to Blue Card. Application form MBCEU1 available on the Migration Department website.

multiple entry30-90d processingvalid 365d

Permits third-country nationals who work remotely using telecommunications technology for employers or clients located entirely outside Cyprus to reside in Cyprus for up to 3 years.

Open to non-EU/EEA nationals only. Minimum monthly net income EUR 3,500 (after taxes and contributions); increased by 20% for a spouse/partner and 15% per dependent child. Residence initially granted for 1 year, renewable for up to 2 further years (3 years total). Annual quota was doubled from 500 to 1,000 permits per the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection's announcement of 30 October 2025. Fee: EUR 70 for issuance of the residence permit, plus an additional EUR 70 first-time registration fee for the Aliens' Registry (EUR 70 per accompanying family member). Family members may reside but cannot work or conduct economic activity in Cyprus. Applicant must enter Cyprus on a valid entry visa (national Type C), then apply for the Digital Nomad temporary residence permit within 3 months of arrival at the Migration Department in Nicosia.

up to 240d processing

Provides an accelerated naturalisation pathway for highly skilled foreign employees of Companies of Foreign Interests registered with the BFU, with reduced residency requirements and expedited processing.

Amendments to the Civil Registry Law gazetted December 19, 2023, reduced the standard 7-year residency requirement to 3-4 years for highly skilled workers of BFU-registered companies. Fast-track naturalisation processing maximum of 8 months with a EUR 5,000 application fee. This is a naturalisation pathway (citizenship), not a visa or residence permit in itself, but is the end-stage of the immigration pathway for this category. Access via the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

multiple entry60-90d processing

Grants immigration permits to retired non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to reside permanently in Cyprus without engaging in any employment or business activity, based on demonstrated passive income from abroad.

'Category F' immigration permit under Regulation 5 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations. Applicant must have a secured annual income from abroad of at least EUR 9,568 for the applicant plus at least EUR 4,613 for each dependent (pensions, dividends, deposit interest, rents, etc.) and must not engage in any business, trade or profession in Cyprus. Application fee EUR 500 for all persons on the application, plus EUR 70 per person for an Aliens Registration Certificate. The residence right is of unlimited validity (the residence card is issued for 10 years and renewed on expiry). The permit lapses if the holder fails to take up residence within 1 year of approval or is absent from Cyprus for 2 years. Granted by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection on the recommendation of the Immigration Control Committee.

multiple entry60d processing

Grants permanent residence in Cyprus to third-country nationals who make a qualifying investment of at least EUR 300,000 in Cyprus real estate, business share capital, or collective investment funds.

4th Revision criteria in force from May 2, 2023. Four qualifying investment categories each requiring EUR 300,000 (plus VAT where applicable): (A) new residential property (first sale from developer), (B) non-residential or resale real estate, (C) share capital of a Cyprus-registered company employing at least 5 people, (D) units in a licensed Cyprus collective investment scheme (AIF/AIFLNP/RAIF). Applicant must demonstrate a secured annual income of at least EUR 50,000 from abroad (plus EUR 15,000 per dependent spouse, EUR 10,000 per minor child). Application fee EUR 500 plus EUR 70 per person for ARC. The permit is of unlimited validity; the residence card is issued for 10 years and renewed on expiry. Annual monitoring of investment maintenance required; criminal record certificate every 3 years. Permit lapses if holder fails to enter Cyprus within 1 year of approval or is absent for 2 years.

365 days3-15d processingvalid 365d

National long-stay entry visa allowing a foreign national to enter and remain in Cyprus for longer than 90 days; the entry vehicle used before registering for a temporary residence permit (work, study, family, research, etc.).

Per the Cyprus MFA 'Types of Visa' page, the Category D national visa entitles the holder to stay in the Republic of Cyprus for a period of up to one year. It is issued by Cyprus consular authorities abroad and is the long-stay counterpart to the Category C short-stay visa - typically the first step for third-country nationals who will then register for a temporary residence permit. Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area, so this visa is valid for the Republic of Cyprus only.

multiple entry

Exempts holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports of designated countries from the visa requirement for entry to Cyprus, in accordance with bilateral agreements or Cyprus MFA policy.

Diplomatic passport holders of all countries with which Cyprus maintains diplomatic relations are generally exempt from visa requirements. Bilateral agreements cover diplomatic and official passports of over 30 countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Seychelles, Syria, Ukraine, Vanuatu, Vietnam, and others. Holders of UN laissez-passer and Council of Europe laissez-passer are also exempt. Subject to Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.