Questions and Answers Session – Cyprus Relocation and Property Purchase
We recently held a Webinar on Cyprus relocation and whats involved with moving here, including immigration and property purchase.
The purpose of the session was to present some of the key points that we get questions about e.g.
- How to relocate here post Brexit
- Visa requirements and how to approach this
- Financial benefits of relocating
- How to apply for fast track residency if you are purchasing a property or investing in Cyprus
We also used the session to provide an introduction to CyprusMove and our wider team, including our legal and financial wealth management partners.
Examples of the Questions and Answers
Do you support ex-pats relocating from the United States?
Yes, we support individuals and businesses to relocate to Cyprus from all locations where this is permitted. We have global shipping partners that can manage the shipping of your belongings to Cyprus from anywhere in the world.
What visas can we get when moving to Cyprus from outside the EU?
1. Short-Stay Visas (Type C)
Who it’s for:
Tourists
Short-term business visits
Family visits
Duration:
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Key points:
Applies to non-EU citizens from countries that require a visa to enter Cyprus.
You must apply through a Cyprus consulate/embassy before travelling (unless exempt).
No work or long-term stay rights with this visa.
2. Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa (Category D)
Overview
Cyprus offers a Digital Nomad Visa (temporary residence for remote workers) for third-country nationals whose job can be done independently of location.
Key Requirements
Work for a foreign employer OR be a freelancer with international clients
Proof of stable income (usually a minimum monthly threshold)
Proof of employment or contracts
Health insurance covering Cyprus
Clean criminal record
Accommodation in Cyprus
Duration
Usually granted for 1 year
Renewable provided conditions are maintained
What You Can Do
✔ Live in Cyprus full-time
✔ Work remotely for non-Cyprus clients
❌ You cannot work for a Cyprus-based employer under this visa — see Work Permit below.
📝 Practical note: Digital nomad visas are becoming increasingly popular among remote professionals and are a good fit if you want to base yourself in Cyprus while working remotely for a foreign employer.
3. Work Permits and Employment Visas
Step 1 – Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
To work in Cyprus long-term, you begin by applying for a Type D employment visa at your local Cypriot consulate. Requirements generally include:
A job offer from a Cyprus employer
Passport valid for the duration of stay
Evidence the employer has advertised the role to EU/EEA nationals (labour market test)
Employment contract
Proof of qualifications
Health insurance
Step 2 – Work Permit + Residence Permit
Once in Cyprus with a Type D visa:
Your employer applies for a work permit on your behalf from the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD).
Once approved, you receive a temporary residence permit with work rights.
🔄 These are typically valid for 1–2 years and renewable.
Requirements Typically Include:
Confirmed job offer in a role where no qualified EU/EEA candidate was available
Relevant professional qualifications
Sufficient accommodation
Proof of financial means
Work Rights
You can work full-time for the sponsoring employer
Changing employers usually requires a new work permit
4. Family Reunification
If you or your spouse/parent has a valid residence or work permit in Cyprus, eligible family members can apply for family reunification:
Spouse
Children (minor or dependent)
In some cases, dependent parents
Family members receive a temporary residence permit tied to the principal applicant’s status.
5. Temporary Residence Permits (“Pink Slip”)
Used when you want to live in Cyprus long-term without working for a Cyprus employer (unlike the digital nomad visa):
Temporary residence permit (renewed annually)
You must show:
Accommodation in Cyprus
Sufficient income from abroad
Health insurance
Clean criminal record
Note: This is similar to the digital nomad permit but may be used for retirees, people with private income, or students.
6. Permanent Residence
After lawful stay under certain conditions, you can apply for permanent residency.
Routes to Permanent Residence
After Continuous Legal Stay
Typically 5 years of continuous residence
No gaps in residence permits
Investment-Based Permanent Residency
Non-EU citizens who invest in Cyprus (commonly in property or business) and meet financial thresholds can apply for direct permanent residency. This is often referred to as Category F or investor residency.
Requirements usually include:
Minimum investment threshold (e.g., €300,000+ in real estate or business)
Clean record
Health insurance
Proof of stable income
Permanent residency allows you to live indefinitely in Cyprus without frequent renewals.
7. Comparing the Key Options
| Option | Can Work in Cyprus | Can Live Long-Term | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Stay Visa (Type C) | ❌ | ❌ | Tourism, short visits |
| Digital Nomad Visa | ❌ (for local jobs) | ✔ | Remote workers with foreign income |
| Work Permit + Residence | ✔ | ✔ | Those with Cyprus job offers |
| Temporary Residence (“Pink Slip”) | ❌ (unless other work permit) | ✔ | Retirees, income-based residents |
| Permanent Residence | ✔ | ✔ (Indefinite) | Long-term settlement |
Important Notes
Work Rights
Work Permits are mandatory to be employed by a Cyprus company.
A digital nomad permit does not give local work rights for Cypriot employers.
Timing and Process
Visa applications (Type C or D) are usually made at your local Consulate/Embassy of Cyprus before arrival.
Once in Cyprus, applications for permits (work, digital nomad, pink slip, etc.) are handled by the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Standard processing times vary — allocate several weeks to months depending on the category and your nationality.
Practical Tips
✔ Plan ahead: Long-stay and work visas require documentation and employer sponsorship.
✔ Use a migration lawyer or specialist: Particularly for work permits and digital nomad applications — they speed up processing and avoid errors.
✔ Prepare your paperwork: Passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, financials, insurance, criminal record checks, accommodation evidence.
✔ Check tax residency: Living in Cyprus may make you tax resident (and eligible for benefits like the 60-day ruling).
Can you relocate without buying a property?
The simple answer is ‘yes’ although you will need to have a registered address with a minimum 12 month rental agreement.
What are the main differences in locations? Is Cyprus dangerous?
The typical locations that people move to are:
- Paphos
- Larnaca
- Protaras
- Ayia Napa
- Limassol
- Polis
Each of these locations have their pro’s and con’s but we chose Paphos as its fairly busy 10 months of the year, is served by an excellent airport, has good schools and four local golf courses.
The eastern end of the island (Protaras and Ayia Napa) has the better beaches but this area tends to be quieter in the winter with many bars, shops and restaurants closing for approximately 4 months.
Limassol is a busy city, heavy traffic and accommodation is more expensive. However, it has a growing tech sector, good nightlife all year round.
Larnaca is nice, fairly quiet compared to Paphos but close to the bustle of Ayia Napa. The largest airport on the island is also in Larnaca.
Polis on the far western edge of the island is very scenic, but quiet in the winter but is close to Latchi, the blue lagoon and the Akamas National Park.
Basically, choice of locations is a very personal thing and depends what you are really looking for.
As for is Cyprus safe, yes in general it is. We have never had any issues here and the Cypriots are very welcoming to ex-pats and tourists.
Is it necessary to get a Cyprus bank account or is it a non-issue in your opinion?
For residency the answer is yes, it is necessary to open a local Cypriot bank account. However, many like ourselves operate using a Revolut account or one similar.
Is it a high cost of living?
In general we would say it’s lower than the UK.
House prices and rent aren’t cheaper, house prices are on a par with the southern half of the UK and rental prices are on the increase, with an average 3 bed detached villa with a pool being at least 2.5K euros per month.
Utility costs are similar, internet is more expensive but their equivalent of Council Tax is a fraction of what is paid in the UK. Food can be fairly cheap unless you are just looking for imported goods. Local produce is very cost-effective.
Alcohol is very cheap, an average pint of beer is about 3.50 euros.
Does Amazon work in Cyrpus?
Basically ‘no’. There is no local Amazon service. Many people do order from the German version with delivery taking about a week or so. Temu is also quite popular.
Do you have to apply to be tax resident even if you qualify under the 60 or 183 day rule?
Basically ‘yes’ as you will a Cyprus Tax ID.
Which is the better option, a Digital Nomad visa or a Pink Slip?
There isn’t a single “best” option in absolute terms — the better choice depends on how you earn money and what you want to do in Cyprus. That said, for most people who are actively working remotely, the Digital Nomad Visa is usually the better and cleaner option. Below is a clear, decision-focused comparison.
Digital Nomad Visa vs Pink Slip (Cyprus)
Quick answer (rule of thumb)
✅ Choose the Digital Nomad Visa if you are actively working remotely for a foreign employer or clients.
✅ Choose the Pink Slip if you are not working, or living off passive income, savings, pensions, or investments.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Digital Nomad Visa | Pink Slip (Temporary Residence) |
|---|---|---|
| Intended purpose | Remote work | Living in Cyprus without working |
| Can you work remotely? | ✅ Yes (foreign employer/clients only) | ⚠️ Grey area / generally discouraged |
| Can you work for Cyprus employer? | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Income requirement | €3,500 net/month (higher with dependants) | Lower but variable (income/savings) |
| Legal clarity | ✅ Explicitly designed for remote work | ❌ Often misused for remote work |
| Bank deposit requirement | ❌ No fixed deposit | ❌ No fixed deposit |
| Tax residency potential | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Renewable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Regulatory risk | Low | Medium (if working remotely) |
Digital Nomad Visa – when it’s the better option
Best if you:
Work for a non-Cyprus employer
Are a freelancer or contractor with overseas clients
Want legal certainty
Expect to be in Cyprus long-term
May become Cyprus tax resident
Why it’s usually better
✔ Specifically created for remote work
✔ Clear income rules
✔ No ambiguity with immigration authorities
✔ Cleaner position if audited or questioned
✔ Aligns better with tax residency planning
Important: You still cannot work for Cyprus companies, but you can live and work legally for foreign ones.
Pink Slip – when it makes sense
Best if you:
Are retired
Live off passive income (dividends, rent, pensions)
Are not actively working
Want a simple residence permit without work activity
Risks to be aware of
⚠️ The pink slip is not designed for active work, even remote
⚠️ Some people use it for remote work, but this is a grey area
⚠️ If questioned, you may need to justify that income is not from “work”
For professionals still working, this is not the safest option.
Tax considerations (important)
Both options can lead to Cyprus tax residency, including under the 60-day rule, but:
Digital nomads are more clearly aligned with:
Employment / self-employment income
Non-dom status benefits
Pink slip holders often rely on:
Passive income exemptions
Careful structuring
Immigration status and tax status are separate, but misalignment increases risk.
Decision matrix (simple)
Answer “yes” to the following:
You should choose Digital Nomad Visa if:
You earn active income ✔
You invoice or are paid monthly ✔
You want compliance clarity ✔
You should choose Pink Slip if:
You do not work ✔
You live on investments or pensions ✔
You want minimal scrutiny ✔
Bottom line
For most working professionals moving to Cyprus today:
Digital Nomad Visa > Pink Slip
The pink slip is increasingly seen as a legacy solution, while the digital nomad visa is the intended and defensible route for remote workers.
Can I get a job in Cyprus and work under a Pink Slip?
The simple answer is ‘no’. You must either be retired or receiving income from outside of Cyprus.
How long does fast track residency take?
Only referring to the method aligned to the purchase of a new property exceeding 300K euros.
You cannot start until you have paid at least 300K euros to the developer. Then it’s taking a minimum of 6 to 8 months to process. In the vast majority of cases, people living over in Cyprus will have to also apply for a temporary residency visa while this is being processed.
Can you move to Cyprus with a criminal record?
Generally the answer will be ‘no’.
Unless the conviction has been set aside (e.g. no live trace on the check) or is very minor then I’m afraid it’s likely to be a show-stopper.
