Cyprus is a country famous for its beaches and ruins. That’s why it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. However, it also provides several employment opportunities, thus giving another reason to visit this Middle Eastern country.
Therefore, Indian citizens who want to enhance their careers can travel to Cyprus because of the higher employment rate, which is almost 70%. For this purpose, they must apply for a Cyprus work visa from India.
So, delve into the following guide to learn the essential information about a work visa when traveling to Cyprus.
About Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus is a country full of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It shares its borders with Lebanon, Syria, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt.
According to the World Bank, Cyprus has a high-income economy. It also replaced its Cypriot Pound with Euro in January 2008 as the official currency.
Moreover, Cyprus has a service-based, open, and free market that is famous for its light manufacturing. In addition, the country also acts as a bridge between West and East to promote its geographical location. Besides, it also has a good telecommunication setup, airline connection, local cost, and an educated English-speaking community.
What is a Cyprus Work Visa from India?
A Cyprus work visa from India is a mandatory travel document that you must have to enter the country legally. So, if you want to shift and work in Cyprus, you must have the following:
- You cannot apply for a work visa before you get a Cyprus work permit. This document will be issued after your employer in Cyprus applies for it while you are still in your home country. As a result, it authorizes you to work in the country.
- On the other hand, a Cyprus work visa is only used to enter the country for long-term and employment purposes. This is an authorization to cross Cyprus territory. You cannot get a job or start paid employment in Cyprus with a work visa.
- Lastly, for a legal stay in Cyprus for more than three months (90 days), you must get a residence permit within seven days or one week after arriving in Cyprus. It is the final document that you must have to work in the host country.
Who Needs a Cyprus Work Visa?
All non-EU and foreign nationals need to apply for a work visa before traveling to Cyprus for paid employment or a job. Moreover, it is also necessary for Indian citizens, hired by a company in Cyprus, to get a work permit before moving.
Alternatively, the following citizens are exempted from applying for a work visa for Cyprus.
- Nationals of EU member states
- Residents of EFTA countries (Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein)
However, they still need a work permit to work and live in the country legally. They are also required to apply for a yellow slip, aka Registration Certificate for EU Citizens.
Types of Work Visas for Cyprus for Indians
The following are the types of visas that Indians can apply for depending on the purpose of work and the suitable profession.
- A Blue Card work visa permits highly skilled workers to work in Cyprus. This comes with additional benefits and mobility within the region.
- This is the most common type of work visa in Cyprus. An employment or Type D visa can be used when you apply for a job offer advertised by a Cypriot employer.
- Moreover, a self-employed visa is suitable for freelancers and entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in the target destination country.
- As the name implies, a seasonal work visa can be used for temporary employment purposes. For example, you can apply for this visa type if you want to work in sections such as agriculture, tourism, mining, etc.
Categories of Applicants Who Can Work in Cyprus
If you belong to any of the following Immigration Permit categories, you can apply for a work visa in Cyprus.
- Category A workers can work in Cyprus on a self-employed basis in the fields of agriculture, cattle/bird breeding, or fish farms.
- Moreover, workers who can work in the mining industry in Cyprus belong to Category B. Moreover, they must have a relevant permit and sufficient financial resources.
- A foreign national efficient in a specific profession or trade belongs to Category C. This allows them to work in the country. However, they need to ensure that their activities do not affect the economy of the country in a negative sense.
- Category D workers can be employed in a scientific field in Cyprus. For this purpose, they must have the mandatory qualifications, academic achievements, and funds.
- Furthermore, if you are offered a permanent work role in Cyprus, you fall under Category E. However, make sure that you do not become a reason for local competition.
- Lastly, if you are a retired person, you can also get a Category F Immigration Permit to live your life in Cyprus with your annual income.
If you fall under any of these categories, you can apply for an Immigration Permit through the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus or the Aliens and Immigration Branch of the Police.
Who Requires a Work Permit?
As discussed earlier, you cannot apply for a Cyprus work visa if you do not have a work permit. Therefore, citizens of all international countries must get a work permit to start paid employment in the country.
Besides, the citizens of EU and EFTA member countries are exempted from getting a work permit. This is because Cyprus has been a part of the EU since 2014. So, nationals of the EU including EFTA can move, live, and work in Cyprus freely.
Who is Qualified for a Work Permit?
Your employer in Cyprus cannot submit your work permit application to the Government unless they prove that no Cypriot/EU/EFTA national is capable of filling the position.
Therefore, it is easier for non-EU workers to find a job in a foreign company operating in Cyprus.
However, if you are in any of the following job positions, you can get a work permit.
- Executive director (maximum of 5 foreign executive directors are hired with a salary of around 41,000 euros)
- Middle management staff (including directors, managers, technical, and clerical officers, with a salary between 21,000 to 40,000 euros)
- Supporting staff (if no EU national is suitable for the position)
How Can I Get a Work Permit for Cyprus?
Before a work permit, you have to look for a job and get a work contract from a company based in Cyprus. Your prospective employer will be responsible for submitting your work permit application on your behalf.
Besides, the following steps should be followed in this regard.
Step 1:
The first step requires you to find a job and sign a work contract. After that, your employer will apply for approval from the Department of Labor in Cyprus.
Step 2:
Once the application is approved, the department will issue a Letter of Recommendation to the employer, which they can use to apply for a work permit to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Step 3:
Wait for the processing time. Usually, it takes almost four to six weeks to get a work permit. The processing period starts when the Migration Department receives all your documents. Besides, the period gets extended to up to 6 months in some cases.
Now, comes the main part of the article, i.e., Cyprus work visa application from India.
Eligibility Criteria for a Cyprus Work Visa for Indian Citizens
A work visa allows you to enter the country for work purposes. So, make sure to fulfill the following eligibility criteria to get this visa.
- You must have a passport that is valid for almost six months.
- In addition, you must be of legal age and can apply for a work visa.
- To work in Cyprus, you must have suitable academic qualifications, work experience, and job skills.
- You should provide proof of sufficient income equivalent to the minimum salary range of Cyprus
- A job contract letter from the employer in Cyprus, stamped from the Department of Labour.
- Lastly, a work permit if you want to stay for more than three months in Cyprus.
Documents Required for a Cyprus Work Visa and Permit from India
You can start a work visa application followed by the approval of a work permit to travel and work in Cyprus. For this purpose, make sure to gather the following essential documents.
Application forms
The application forms such as Form M58 & Form M64 should be submitted. The Form M58 is the application for issuing an entrance pass to Cyprus. On the other hand, Form M64 authorizes you to start working in the country.
Both these documents should be signed and stamped by the employer in Cyprus.
Passport
A photocopy of an Indian passport should be submitted. This travel document must have a validity period of at least one hundred and sixty days beyond your intended stay in the host country.
Photographs
Another requirement is to submit two passport-size pictures following the criteria set by the authorities.
Employment contract
After a job confirmation, you have to sign an employment contract. This job offer letter from the Cypriot employer should also be attached to the work visa application form.
Work permit approval
You can apply for a work visa only if you have a work permit approval from the Civil Registry & Migration Department in Cyprus. Your potential employer will submit the specific application on your behalf.
Hotel reservation
You will get a residence permit once you reach Cyprus. Before that, you have to provide proof of accommodation. This shows that you have managed a place to stay in a foreign country.
For this purpose, you can submit certain documents such as a hotel booking, a rental contract, or a sponsorship letter from the employer.
If you want to book a hotel of your choice, read this detailed article to learn about the simplest method and save bucks.
Proof of flight reservation
Another work visa requirement is to submit proof of flight reservation. This means that you have reserved a flight and intend to travel to Cyprus. Besides, it also shows that you will not overstay your visa, thus saving you from any illegal activities.
Moreover, the document contains information such as flight number, travel time, date, IATA code, luggage weight, airport terminals, etc.
Travel health insurance
Travel and health insurance is mandatory for your trip to Cyprus. This will save you from unforeseen expenses related to,
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Evacuation
- Repatriation
- Luggage loss
- Flight cancellation
Academic certificates
You must submit your academic certificates when applying for a work visa. For instance, it may include diplomas, degrees, transcripts, etc.
Experience letter
Get an experience letter from your previous company in your home country. Also, make sure to attach a No Objection Certificate.
Police clearance certificate
A character certificate issued from the local police station in your home country to demonstrate that you are not involved in any criminal or illegal activities.
Medical certificate
A medical certificate is a mandatory requirement for a Cyprus work visa from India. The document must show the test results of Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and syphilis. It should not be older than the past 4 months.
Cyprus visa application fees
A payment receipt of the work visa application should also be submitted with the rest of the documents to show that you have deposited the amount.
Tax clearance certificate
It is also mandatory to submit a tax clearance certificate of your potential company in Cyprus. This shows that they are following the rules and laws of the target country.
Letter of guarantee
Lastly, a guarantee letter from the bank should also be submitted. It must be valid for almost 12 months. Moreover, this shows that your employer has paid almost 350-850 euros to the bank for sponsoring your trip.
Application Process for a Cyprus Work Visa from India
You can start the work visa application for Cyprus from India by following the steps mentioned below. The submission of the documents can be done at either the VFS Global application center or the Embassy of Cyprus in India.
Step 1:
The first step requires you to search for a job in Cyprus. Only after that, you will be able to carry out the rest of the steps. Once done, you can sign an employment contract.
Step 2:
After that, your employer will submit your work permit application on your behalf to the Civil Registry & Migration Department in Cyprus.
Step 3:
After getting a work permit from CRMD, it is the right time to gather all the documents required for a work visa.
Step 4:
Fill out the work visa application form and submit the documents at the Embassy of Cyprus in India.
Step 5:
The fifth step requires you to attend a visa interview on the day of appointment. Make sure to properly answer the questions.
Step 6:
Wait for the processing time till the embassy reviews your application. The normal processing time varies depending on the volume and scrutiny of the applications.
Step 7:
Once approved, you can get your work visa for Cyprus. The embassy will notify you to collect your passport on the mentioned date.
What to Do After Arriving in Cyprus?
Once you arrive in Cyprus, make sure to accomplish the following tasks.
- Within seven days of your entry, register yourself at any of the following offices to get a residence permit.
- District Office of the Aliens
- Immigration Unit of the Police Department
- Central Offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia
- Show your Indian passport and all the documents to the Immigration Department of Cyprus after landing.
- First-time applicants will receive a work visa or sticker on their passport. Only after that, you can start your job.
- You can visit the High Commission of India in Cyprus to discuss any issues related to employment including terms and conditions, unjust practices, late salary payments, etc.
- Avoid giving your visa papers, passport, and employment documents to any unverified person who you do not know.
- Lastly, do not sign any blank documents during your stay in Cyprus. This is because false practices can lead to deportation or imprisonment.
Work Visa Application Fee for Cyprus
The application fee for a Cyprus work visa from India depends on the currency exchange rate. However, the standard visa amount is between 150 to 300 euros. The diplomatic mission may take almost 60 to 100 euros for processing the application.
Moreover, for document verification and translation, you need to deposit additional charges as well.
Make sure to pay the fee in local currency at the embassy or consulate through which you are applying for a visa.
Also, note that the documents should be translated into either Greek or English language. Documents in any other language are not acceptable.
Work Visa Processing Time
A Cyprus work visa from India may take 30 to 45 working days to process. Alternatively, the processing time for a work visa in Cyprus can take three to four weeks.
Moreover, the period gets extended in rare cases. So, it is always advisable to apply as early as you can to avoid delays.
FAQs
- Is Cyprus an easy country for Indians to apply for a work visa?
Yes. It is easy to apply for a work visa when traveling to Cyprus from India. All you need is to fulfill the criteria and complete the requirements. Moreover, make sure to submit your application at least 90 days before your intended departure date from your home country.
- What is the minimum salary of a worker in Cyprus?
If you want to work in Cyprus, note that the minimum salary of a worker should be around 2,500 euros per month. Besides, they must have at least 10,000 euros in their bank account.
- Can I track my Cyprus visa application?
Yes. You can track your visa application by visiting the official VFS Global website. By entering the reference number in the given space, you can check the status of your application.
Alternatively, you can call the officer directly at the embassy or consulate for this purpose.
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