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CyprusWork permitsLast checked October 16, 2026

Temporary residence and employment permit for third-country nationals

Companies of Foreign Interests / highly paid employment; general remunerated employment single permit – GEN

Third-country nationals need a temporary residence and employment permit to work in Cyprus. The main skilled route is employment by a 'company of foreign interests' under the Strategy for attracting companies (in force since 2 January 2022), where highly paid staff earn at least EUR 2,500 gross a month and no labour market test applies. Companies not already on the register must first register through the Business Support Center (BSC) of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, which the Migration Department pages describe as the successor channel to the former Business Facilitation Unit. Other employers use the general single permit (GEN) route, which needs a contract approved by the Department of Labour.

See requirements ↓

Life in Cyprus

Money

3

Currency

Euro

EUR

Euro

Cost of living

67

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

20–35%

Income tax (national)

VAT 19%

After the 2026 reform: 0% up to EUR 22,000, 20%/25%/30%, then 35% above EUR 72,000.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.1

#60 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Cyprus company of foreign interests (highly paid or support staff), or from another Cyprus employer under the general employment route.

Eligibility

  • Employer is a company of foreign interestsCompanies of Foreign Interests

    Your employer must be on the Register of Foreign Interest Companies; new companies first get written confirmation from the Business Support Center (BSC).

    • BSC checks eligibility and issues written confirmation of registration
    Official wording

    The employer must be on the Register of Foreign Interest Companies. New companies apply first to the Business Support Center (BSC), which checks eligibility and issues written confirmation of registration.

  • Minimum salaryCompanies of Foreign Interests – highly paid

    You need to be paid at least EUR 2,500 gross per month as a highly paid employee.

    Minimum gross salary per month

    Highly paid employee
    EUR 2,500
    Existing key personnelrenewals with same employer
    EUR 2,000
    • Existing key personnel on at least EUR 2,000 could keep renewing until 31 December 2026
    • The EUR 2,000 renewal option applies only with the same employer
    Official wording

    Highly paid employees must receive at least EUR 2,500 gross per month. Existing key personnel on at least EUR 2,000 could keep renewing with the same employer until 31 December 2026.

  • Qualifications or experienceCompanies of Foreign Interests – highly paid

    Show a relevant academic qualification, or at least two years of experience relevant to the position.

    Official wording

    A relevant academic qualification, or at least two years of experience relevant to the position.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementTwo-year contract
  • Document checklistApplication form BCS (Companies of Foreign Interests)
  • FeesEntry permit and residence permit (1–3 years) – company of foreign interests

The full requirements are for members

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  • 6 more requirements
  • 11 documents
  • 6 fees
  • 8 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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