Immigration Law In Cyprus
In below article we will briefly describe the options for Cyprus immigration, visa options, requirements and procedures.
Visa
We are starting by the presenting the countries that can freely travel to Cyprus without having to obtain a Visa before entering Cyprus and are allowed to stay for maximum 90 days. All other countries shall apply for Visa before entering Cyprus.
I. States
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland. France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holy See (State of the Vatican), Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela
II. Entities and territorial authorities
• Taiwan
III. Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China
• Hong Kong S.A.R.
• Macao S.A.R.
IV. Other special cases
• holders of travel documents issued by the Cypriot Government to the Cypriot citizens;
• holders of documents issued to stateless persons and recognized refugees.
• transit passengers continuing their onward journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided they are in possession of valid onward or return documentation and are not leaving the airport.
• holders of Laissez-passer issued by the United Nations (nationals of Egypt and Israel can enter Cyprus with a Laissez-passer if they are holding an entry permit previously obtained by the Immigration Department in Nicosia);
Documents Required for Visa Application:
The following documents are required while applying for a Visa:
• Passport with at least 6 months’ validity;
• One Completed Application Form;
• One passport-size photo;
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of duration of stay in Cyprus;
• Onward or return ticket and evidence of hotel reservation;
• Fee, payable by either cash or postal order only, in accordance with the rate of exchange;
• Along with the above documents the following documents are also required as per the visa type:
Types of Visa and requirements:
• Tourist Visa
This visa is free of charge for citizens of Egypt, Russian Federation, Syrian Arab Republic and Ukraine, provided they are in possession of onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
If visiting friends, a letter of invitation from the friends with details of their address, phone number and occupation in Cyprus.
• Business Visa:
Type:
1. Single Entry Business Visa
2. Multiple Entry Business Visa:
The Multiple Entry Business Visa gives you the possibility for multiple entries and several visits. The multiple entry visa is valid for one year.
In order to apply for a business visa, you must submit:
- an Official letter of invitation from a company in Cyprus;
- Introductory letter from the applicant’s company giving details of salary and the nature of business to be conducted. For students, a letter from the applicant’s place of education is required.
• Long stay visa:
If you are planning to stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months, then you need to apply for a long stay visa by choosing one of the below options:
• Cyprus Residence Visa
• Cyprus Work Permit
• Cyprus Student Visa
You can download a Visa Application Form:
CYPRIOT CITIZENSHIP:
A person may acquire Cypriot citizenship through one of the following methods:
1. By Birth: A person acquires Cypriot citizenship by birth if either parent is a Cypriot citizen at the time of birth.
2. By Registration: A person acquires Cypriot citizenship by registration if he / she is married to a Cypriot citizen and the two have completed at least 2 years of marriage and cohabitation and 2 years of permanent residence before applying for registration. The application for registration must include a marriage certificate, a certificate of cohabitation of two spouses, the applicant’s birth certificate and particulars of the Cypriot spouse along with the registration fee.
3. By Naturalization: A person acquires Cypriot citizenship by naturalization upon fulfillment of the following conditions:
• the person is of 18 years of age or above;
• has been a legal permanent resident in Cyprus for 7 years preceding the application;
• has knowledge of one of the official languages of Cyprus;
• is not the object of a security or protective measure who is to be removed from Cyprus;
• was not sentenced to a term of imprisonment for a premeditated criminal act for longer than 1 year within 7 years of the submission of request for the acquisition of Cypriot citizenship.
