Cyprus Pink Slip: Guide to Temporary Residence Permit

What is a Pink Slip in Cyprus?

The Pink Slip in Cyprus is a temporary residence permit that allows non-European Union nationals to extend their stay in Cyprus beyond the standard 90-day visa period. It is valid for up to one year, it can be renewed annually. Under this permit, holders can live in Cyprus as visitors but cannot work. Additionally, holders must not continuously stay outside of Cyprus for 90 consecutive days, or the permit will be automatically cancelled.

Benefits of the Pink Slip in Cyprus:

• Temporary Residency: Provides residency in Cyprus for more than 3 months, typically valid for 1 year and renewable annually, provided that the applicant continues to meet the requirements. If the applicant’s passport expires sooner, then Pink Slip’s validity will be set to end three months before the expiration of the passport.

• Family Inclusion: The main applicant’s spouse and children under 18 can also obtain residency permits.

• 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 citizenship.

Limitations of the Pink Slip in Cyprus:

• Employment Restrictions: Holders cannot work in Cyprus, though unpaid directorships are allowed. Holders may also be shareholders of a Cypriot company and receive dividends.

• Continuous Stay: Leaving Cyprus for 90 consecutive days can lead to automatic cancellation of the permit.

• Non-EU Nationals Only: Granted only to non-EU nationals who wish to extend their stay in Cyprus. 

Financial Criteria for Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit:

Stable Income Requirement: Bank Statement

• A minimum of €2,000/month (€24,000/year) from abroad should be transferred annually to a Cyprus account. This income must be stable and can originate from employment salaries, pensions, bank deposits, etc. 

• €10,000 available in a Cyprus bank account at the time of application

• +20% (€4,800) for a spouse

• +15% (€3,600) per dependent minor.

Other Requirements:

1. Adequate income from abroad.

2. Rent (for at least 1 year) or purchase property in Cyprus. Ensure that the rental agreement is certified and stamped by the relevant authorities to be acceptable when submitting the residency application.

3. Set up a bank guarantee in a Cyprus bank (one for each family member). The amount varies from 350 euros to 850 euros and depends on the applicant’s and family members’ nationality.

4. Additional subsidiary requirements apply.

How to Submit a Cyprus Pink Slip Application (bank account and documents)

1. Book an Appointment: Schedule with the Immigration City Unit before your visa expires.

2. Select Property: Choose a qualifying rental or purchase property.

3. Open a Bank Account:
   Transfer funds from abroad.

4. Prepare Documents: Collect and translate all required documents into English or Greek. Ensure they are properly certified:

   • For countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention: documents must bear an apostille.
   • For non‑apostille countries: documents must be duly certified and legalised by the competent authorities (e.g. Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the Cyprus Embassy/Consulate in the issuing country.
   • Translations should be carried out by sworn/official translators or other officially recognised services.

5. Attend Appointment: Submit your application at the Immigration Unit.

6. Pay Fees: Cover the application fees.

7. Biometric Data: Submit photograph, signature and fingerprints.

8. Application Processing: The Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia reviews your application, a process that 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 the application is approved, a temporary residence permit card is issued.

Necessary Documents for the Applicants Applying Both for the First time for the Cyprus Pink Slip and its Renewal:

1. Application Form: Completed MVIS8 form for each family member. Each family member, including spouses and children, is required to submit a separate application form.

2. Rental or Sale Agreement: Certified by Muhtar or a certifying officer and stamped at the tax office.

3. Bank Statement & Proof of Transfer: Transfer €24,000 from abroad to a Cyprus bank account (this amount is increased by 20% for the spouse and 15% for each child).

4. Bank Guarantee

5. Health Insurance: International or local.

6. Proof of Income: Documents to prove the income from abroad.

7. Passport Copy

8. Marriage and Birth Certificates (if applicable)

9. School Enrolment Confirmation For the Children (if applicable)

Additional Documents for First-Time Cyprus Pink Slip Applicants:

Criminal Record:

• Original criminal record certificates translated in English. The certificates must be legalized with an Apostille stamp, or they must be 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.

• For citizens of the United Kingdom, it must be from the ACRO Criminal Records Office and not the DBS.
• Documents from Russia do not require to bear the Apostille stamp. The translation can be completed in Cyprus.

Medical Examination:

• The original medical examination certificate, including blood tests and a chest X-ray, was 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 (Temporary Residence Permit) varies but generally takes several months. However, applicants are permitted to stay in Cyprus during this period. Once approved, a temporary residence permit card is issued.

Here are the key points regarding the approval process:

Processing Time:

• The typical approval process takes approximately 6 months.
• In some cases, it may take up to 8 months.

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.

Application Review time:

• The Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia reviews the applications.
• Applicants will be contacted within the processing period if their application is approved or if additional information is needed.

Porst-Approval time:

• Once approved, a temporary residence permit card is issued to the applicant.
• The Immigration Office will inform the applicant when they can receive their residence card.
It’s important to note that 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 to ensure a smooth approval process.

How can Polycarpos Philippou & Associates LLC help?

Moving to Cyprus involves navigating complex residency permit options, securing immigration appointments, and preparing documents accurately to avoid rejection. Our immigration lawyers in Paphos streamline this process, ensuring a smooth transition.

• Services Offered:

  • Simplify immigration appointments

  • Review and prepare documentation

  • Assist with bank account setup

  • Accompany you to immigration authorities

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