Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa: The Ultimate Guide to the Visa Scheme

As part of the ‘Council of Ministers’ new strategy for attracting businesses and talent from abroad, a Digital Nomad Visa Scheme has been introduced, with a ceiling of 500 residence permits to be issued. The Digital Nomad residence permit is valid for one year with a possibility of renewal for another two years.

The Scheme’s goal is to strengthen Cyprus as a center for the provision of electronic services, where in combination with the other advantages offered by Cyprus, the attraction of digital nomads will contribute to the development of the business ecosystem and to the economic development of the country.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a special type of visa designed for remote workers who wish to live and work in a foreign country for a specified period. This visa caters to individuals who can perform their job tasks from anywhere in the world, leveraging technology such as laptops, smartphones, and internet connections. The digital nomad visa allows these professionals to reside in the host country without being tied to a specific employer or location, providing them with the flexibility to explore new environments while maintaining their work commitments.

Benefits of the Scheme

Individuals that are granted a Digital Nomad residence permit will benefit from the following:

• Right of residence for a year in Cyprus, with a possibility of renewal for a further two years.
• Right of residency for family members, for the same period as the Digital Nomad, without the right to be employed or perform economic activity in Cyprus. In this case, the net income shall be increased by 20% for the spouse or partner and by 15% for each minor child.
• If they reside in the Republic for one or more periods that in total exceeds 183 within the same tax year, then they are considered tax residents of Cyprus, provided they are not tax residents in another country.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for a digital nomad visa in Cyprus, applicants must meet several specific requirements. Firstly, they must be nationals of non-EU and non-EEA countries. Applicants need to possess a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity. Additionally, they must demonstrate a stable net monthly income of over €3,500 to ensure they can support themselves during their stay. Health insurance that covers the entire period of their stay in Cyprus is also mandatory. Furthermore, applicants must provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or ownership documents. Lastly, they must not suffer from certain diseases, including hepatitis B and C, HIV, or syphilis.

Beneficiaries

Third-country nationals can apply for a Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa if the following main conditions are satisfied:

• They can perform their work remotely through telecommunications technology.
• They are employed in a company registered outside of Cyprus, for which they can work remotely or they are self-employed offering services remotely for clients located outside of Cyprus.
• They can prove that they have stable and sufficient monthly net income of at least €3,500.
• They have a rented or owned residence in Cyprus.

Compared to other digital nomad visas, the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa offers competitive benefits such as a reasonable cost of living, favorable taxation policies, and a streamlined application process.

Family members

Digital Nomad's family members can reside in Cyprus for the same period as the Digital Nomad, without the right to be employed or perform any economic activity in Cyprus.

Family members include the spouse/partner in a civil union and underaged children and also need to obtain a temporary residence permit following the procedure below.

For the addition of family members, the Digital Nomad must prove an extra annual income. The income is increased by 20% for the spouse or partner and by 15% for each child.

How to obtain the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa

Step 1: Entry in the Republic of Cyprus

• The applicant enters Cyprus with a tourist visa.
• Individuals already residing legally in Cyprus with a different residence permit should follow Step 2.

Step 2: Submit an application for a residence permit

• Within three months of arrival or before the expiration of the applicant’s visa, the applicant should submit the relevant application along with the required documents at the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia, to be granted a residence permit, by paying the corresponding fees.
• In case the applicant legally resides in Cyprus under a different status, he/she has the right to submit the relevant application to be granted a residence permit as a Digital Nomad, at the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia.
• The applicant must state in the application the type of his/her employment, i.e., self-employed or employed for a company registered abroad, and prove his/her monthly net income.
• The application must accompany all necessary documents, and during its submission, biometric data (photographs and fingerprints) will be taken as well as the signature of the applicant.

In case of approval, a residence permit valid for one (1) year is issued and the applicant is notified accordingly. In case of rejection, the applicant will be notified accordingly.

Step 3: Submit an application for the Renewal of a Residence Permit in the Republic

• At least one month before the residence permit's expiration date, the applicant should apply to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia for renewal and pay the corresponding fees.
• The application must be accompanied by all necessary documents and during the applicant's submission, the biometric data will be taken as well as the applicant's signature.

In case of approval, a residence permit is issued for a maximum of two (2) years and the applicant is notified accordingly. In case of rejection, the applicant will be notified accordingly.

Application processing time

• Digital nomad visas are obtained within 5-9 weeks.
• Once applied, the applicant is allowed to stay in Cyprus until the residence permit is issued.

Temporary Residence Permit

Once the digital nomad visa is approved, the next step is to apply for a temporary residence permit within three months of arriving in Cyprus. This permit is typically valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional two years. To apply, the applicant must submit the necessary documents, including their valid passport, proof of health insurance, and a rental agreement, along with the applicable fee. The temporary residence permit allows digital nomads to legally reside in Cyprus while enjoying the benefits of the digital nomad visa scheme.

Living and Working in Cyprus

Cyprus is an attractive destination for digital nomads, offering a warm climate, stunning beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle. The country boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including high-speed internet and numerous coworking spaces, making it an ideal location for remote work. Digital nomads can choose to live and work in various parts of Cyprus, from the bustling capital city of Nicosia to the scenic coastal towns of Limassol and Larnaca. Additionally, Cyprus serves as a convenient base for exploring the rest of Europe, with numerous flights and ferry connections to other countries.

Best Places in Cyprus for Digital Nomads

Cyprus offers a variety of excellent locations for digital nomads to live and work. Some of the most popular destinations include:

• Nicosia: As the capital city, Nicosia is a hub for business and culture, featuring a range of coworking spaces and a vibrant expat community.
• Limassol: Known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife, Limassol on the south coast offers numerous coworking spaces and a growing expat community.
• Larnaca: This coastal town on the southeast coast is favored by digital nomads for its relaxed atmosphere and ample coworking spaces.
• Paphos: A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the southwest coast, Paphos combines historical charm with modern amenities, including coworking spaces and a thriving expat community.
• Ayia Napa: Famous for its lively nightlife, Ayia Napa on the southeast coast also provides a range of coworking spaces, making it a popular choice for digital nomads.

These locations, along with the island’s overall appeal, make Cyprus a top destination for digital nomads seeking a balance of work and leisure.

Lawyer actions

• Explain the procedure and answer any questions.
• Give you an estimate of the total budget you should expect to pay during the process and book the date for the meeting of the application submission.
• Give you a list of supporting documents needed to file your application.
• The applicant will sign the appropriate documents to file with the authorities.
• The applicant provides the documents requested.
• Attendance with the applicant at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
• Monitor the application process.
• Receive the immigration permit card and deliver it to the applicant.

This guide contains information for general guidance and does not substitute professional advice which must be sought prior to taking actions.