Cyprus Pink Slip: Temporary Residence Permit Guide (2026)

What is a Pink Slip in Cyprus?

The Cyprus Pink Slip is a temporary residence permit issued to non-EU nationals who wish to live in Cyprus for more than 90 days. Officially known as the Temporary Residence Permit, it is valid for up to one year, renewable annually, and does not grant the right to work in Cyprus. The permit is administered by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD).

Under this permit, holders can live in Cyprus as visitors but cannot work. Holders must not continuously stay outside of Cyprus for 90 consecutive days, or the permit will be automatically cancelled.

The table below compares the Cyprus Pink Slip and the Yellow Slip so you can see which applies to you.

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, apply for the Yellow Slip instead of the Pink Slip.

Not sure whether temporary or permanent residency is right for you? See our Pink Slip vs Permanent Residency comparison guide for a side-by-side breakdown.

What Are the Benefits of the Cyprus Pink Slip?

• Temporary Residency: Provides residency in Cyprus for more than 3 months. The permit is typically valid for 1 year and renewable annually, provided the applicant continues to meet the requirements. If the applicant's passport expires sooner, the Pink Slip's validity will end three months before the passport expiration date.
• Family Inclusion: The main applicant's spouse and children under 18 can also obtain residency permits. Each family member submits a separate application but they are processed together.
• Extended Stay: Allows tourists and visitors to extend their stay regardless of the initial visa duration.
• Pending Applications: Allows individuals to live in Cyprus while awaiting permanent residency approval.
• Path to Citizenship: After 8 years of residing in Cyprus, a temporary permit holder can apply for Cypriot citizenship. Many applicants also consider upgrading to permanent residency by investment for longer-term security.

What Are the Limitations of the Cyprus Pink Slip?

• Employment Restrictions: Holders cannot work in Cyprus. However, unpaid directorships are allowed. Holders may also be shareholders of a Cypriot company and receive dividends.
• Continuous Stay: Leaving Cyprus for 90 consecutive days leads to automatic cancellation of the permit. Plan your travel carefully to avoid losing your residency status.
• Non-EU Nationals Only: The Pink Slip is granted only to non-EU nationals. EU citizens should apply for the Yellow Slip instead.
• Annual Renewal: The permit must be renewed each year. You must continue to meet the financial and residency requirements at each renewal.

What Are the Financial Requirements for a Cyprus Pink Slip?

Stable Income Requirement (Bank Statement)

The financial requirements are designed to prove that you can support yourself without working in Cyprus:

• Annual income: A minimum of €2,000/month (€24,000/year) from abroad must be transferred to a Cyprus bank account. This income must be stable and can come from employment salaries, pensions, rental income, or bank deposits.
• Bank balance: €10,000 must be available in a Cyprus bank account at the time of application.
• Spouse: Add 20% (€4,800/year) to the income requirement.
• Dependent children: Add 15% (€3,600/year) per dependent minor.

For example, a family of three (two parents and one child) would need to show annual income of at least €32,400 (€24,000 + €4,800 + €3,600).

Other Requirements

1. Adequate income from abroad, as detailed above.
2. Rent (for at least 1 year) or purchase property in Cyprus. The rental agreement must be certified by the relevant authorities to be accepted with the residency application.
3. Set up a bank guarantee in a Cyprus bank (one for each family member). The amount varies from €350 to €850 depending on the applicant's nationality.
4. Valid health insurance coverage, either international or local.
5. Additional subsidiary requirements may apply depending on the applicant's circumstances.

How to Submit a Cyprus Pink Slip Application

1. Book an Appointment: Schedule with the Immigration City Unit before your visa expires. Appointments fill up quickly, so book as early as possible.
2. Select Property: Choose a qualifying rental or purchase property. The rental agreement must be for at least one year.
3. Open a Bank Account: Transfer the required funds from abroad to your Cyprus bank account. Keep transfer receipts as proof.
4. Prepare Documents: Collect and translate all required documents into English or Greek. Ensure they are properly certified:
   • Apostille countries: Documents from countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention must bear an apostille stamp.
   • Non-apostille countries: Documents must be certified by the competent authorities (e.g. Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the Cyprus Embassy/Consulate in the issuing country.
   • Translations: Must be carried out by sworn/official translators or other officially recognised services.
5. Attend Appointment: Submit your application in person at the Immigration Unit.
6. Pay Fees: Cover the application fees at the time of submission.
7. Biometric Data: Submit your photograph, signature, and fingerprints.
8. Application Processing: The Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia reviews your application. This process typically takes around six months. During this period, applicants are considered to have a valid Pink Slip in place unless the CRMD notifies them otherwise. Once approved, a temporary residence permit card is issued.

Required Documents for Pink Slip Application and Renewal

1. Application Form: Completed MVIS8 form for each family member. Each family member, including spouses and children, must submit a separate form.
2. Rental or Sale Agreement: Certified by Muhtar or a certifying officer.
3. Bank Statement & Proof of Transfer: Transfer €24,000 from abroad to a Cyprus bank account. This amount increases by 20% for the spouse and 15% for each child.
4. Bank Guarantee: The amount varies by nationality (€350-€850 per family member).
5. Health Insurance: International or local coverage valid for at least one year.
6. Proof of Income: Documents to prove stable income from abroad.
7. Passport Copy: Valid for at least 15 months beyond the application date.
8. Marriage and Birth Certificates (if applicable): Properly certified and translated.
9. School Enrolment Confirmation for Children (if applicable)

Additional Documents for First-Time Applicants

Criminal Record

• Original criminal record certificates translated into English. The certificates must be legalised with an Apostille stamp, or certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country of issuance and by the Cyprus Embassy of that country.
• The certificate must be no older than six months at the time of submission.
• For citizens of the United Kingdom, the criminal record must be from the ACRO Criminal Records Office, not the DBS.
• Documents from Russia do not require an Apostille stamp. The translation can be completed in Cyprus.

Medical Examination

• An original medical examination certificate is required, including blood tests and a chest X-ray. The examination must be conducted in Cyprus before submitting the residency application.
• Our team can help arrange an appointment with a clinic or laboratory for this examination.

Cyprus Pink Slip Approval Time

The approval time for a Cyprus Pink Slip varies but generally takes several months. Applicants are permitted to stay in Cyprus during the entire processing period. Once approved, a temporary residence permit card is issued.

Processing Time

• The typical approval process takes approximately 6 months.
• In some cases, it may take up to 8 months.
• Renewal applications are generally processed faster than first-time applications.

Interim Period

During the processing time:

• Applicants can stay in Cyprus while their application is being reviewed.
• This allows individuals to remain legally in the country even if their initial visa expires during the application process.
• You will receive a receipt of submission that serves as proof of your pending application.

Application Review Time

• The Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia reviews all applications.
• Applicants will be contacted within the processing period if the application is approved or if additional information is needed.
• If the CRMD requests additional documents, respond promptly to avoid further delays.

Post-Approval Time

• Once approved, a temporary residence permit card is issued to the applicant.
• The Immigration Office will inform the applicant when they can collect their residence card.
• The card is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed before expiry.

While the processing time can be lengthy, applicants should remain patient and be prepared to provide any additional information or evidence requested by the authorities.

How can Philippou Law Firm help?

Moving to Cyprus involves navigating residency permit options, securing immigration appointments, and preparing documents accurately to avoid rejection. Our immigration team, led by Partner Ioannis Pitsillos, handles Pink Slip applications for clients from over 30 countries and regularly appears at the Paphos and Limassol immigration offices.

• Services Offered:
  • Simplify immigration appointments
  • Review and prepare documentation
  • Assist with bank account setup
  • Accompany you to immigration authorities
  • Handle the annual renewal process

We offer a fixed-fee service, providing clear cost transparency and step-by-step guidance from start to finish.

Related Resources

• Temporary Residence Permit (Pink Slip), Full Service Overview, categories, legal basis, rights, and restrictions.
• Pink Slip vs Permanent Residency by Investment, Complete 2026 Guide, side-by-side comparison to help you decide which pathway suits your situation.
• Cyprus Yellow Slip: EU Residency Registration Guide, if you are an EU citizen looking for a registration certificate instead.

This guide contains information for general guidance and does not substitute professional advice, which must be sought before taking any action.