Working in Cyprus is an excellent opportunity to emigrate to Europe. The island is a true pearl of the Mediterranean, with a pleasant climate that suits everyone, soft sand and sea. Working in this sunny country, you will have a unique opportunity to study the culture and way of life of the people living here.
Ancient fortress in Cyprus
In addition, there is a good opportunity to find a job in Cyprus. And if you have received a residence permit in Cyprus, this will allow you to see the whole of Europe without any restrictions.
Cyprus had the status of an English colony for a very long time, which is why most of the population still speaks English. Despite this, to work in Cyprus you will need not only English, but also Greek - this often turns out to be one of the main factors for a positive decision by the future boss.
For those who want to live and work in Cyprus only for a while, we advise you to get a temporary (seasonal) job. The Cyprus season starts in May and ends in October. Cyprus is visited by so many people from all over the world in the summer, so the tourism industry is always in need of help.
During this time, you will have the opportunity to work part-time in casinos, hotel cafes, restaurants, and as an animator in entertainment complexes. A tourist visa to Cyprus can be issued in just one day.
Current prices in Ayia Napa. How much money to take with you? Advice from an experienced traveler.
The mentality of the people of Cyprus
- These people are considered to be the most hospitable. If you are very tired from the road, then you can calmly knock on the first door you come across, and they will definitely open it for you and not only give you something to drink, but also offer you to stay in order to take a break from the heat.
- The indigenous people are very friendly towards visitors.
- The Cypriot people love gossip very much. They can discuss a person for no reason, and it will not seem inappropriate to them.
- The townspeople are very hardworking, but this does not stop them from often throwing noisy parties that last for several days in a row.
Ways to find a job
There are several ways to find a job.
Search for vacancies through the state employment service
The first way is to search through the public employment service - https://www.pescps.dl.mlsi.gov.cy/CPSWeb/f001w.jsp. But it is also worth noting that Russians may have problems finding the site, since all the information is presented in one of the national languages of Cyprus - Greek. Information can also be viewed in English.
Viewing job options and employers is only possible if you register on the site.
Agencies
The second way is to enter into a contract with a recruiting agency. These organizations not only help to find a reliable employer, but also accompany the employee until the conclusion of an employment contract with him and a trip to Cyprus.
But it is worth remembering that the services of such organizations are not free.
You will need to pay for search and employment, as well as for providing assistance with obtaining a visa. The amount depends on the agency and the vacancy that was offered to the employee.
To find a job in management you will have to pay approximately 25% of your annual salary . Selecting a vacancy for a specialist or line personnel “costs” from 9 to 20% of annual earnings. To search for a recruiting agency, you should follow the link https://www.cyprusyellowpages.com/.
Websites for advertisements and vacancies from direct employers
The third option for finding a place of employment is to turn to the Internet. Today there are a lot of different sites on the Internet that offer work on this amazing island. The largest number of vacancies are presented on such portals as:
- https://www.jobincyprus.com/.
- https://www.careerjet.com/search/jobs?l=cyprus.
- https://www.cyprusjobs.com/.
- https://www.eurojobs.com/browse-by-country/Cyprus/ .
- https://www.learn4good.com/jobs/language/english/list/country/cyprus/ .
- https://www.cyprusrecruiter.com/.
- https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/ .
You can also look for work on the portal https://www.angloinfo.com/cyprus. It contains information about events and news on the tourist island, real estate, and also has a special “Work” section.
A large number of job opportunities are provided in periodicals in electronic versions:
- https://cyprus-mail.com/.
- https://www.financialmirror.com/ .
- https://in-cyprus.com/.
Job search methods in Limassol
Through the Internet
Naturally, in the age of rapid development of technology, the most popular job search is via the Internet. This method, of course, does not provide guarantees, but at least it will allow you to conduct reconnaissance. Job search sites in Cyprus will tell you a lot about which professions are most in demand and what the level of salaries offered is.
There are many online portals on this topic; We won’t bother with advertising, you can easily find them yourself. The main thing is to realize that finding a job abroad, which at first seems unrealistic, is not so difficult, and finding a job in Cyprus is quite possible.
On employer websites
The second search option is to contact employers directly. View their vacancies on official websites, select suitable ones, and enter into correspondence. Until 1960, the island belonged to Great Britain, for this reason the majority of its population still speaks English; that's why it's very good if you own it too.
Although recently the demand for workers who speak Greek has been increasing. But Russian-speaking specialists are also in demand. The specific country of origin does not matter much; work in Cyprus for Ukrainians is not much different from work for Russians.
Specialized agencies
You can also contact various employment services. Such companies exist, and there are quite a lot of them. True, working with them requires certain and quite significant costs. But employment agencies in Cyprus are mostly staffed by people who know the local labor market well.
Perhaps they will offer you an area of activity that you have not thought about. Very often this method of finding a job turns out to be the fastest.
Personal visits
There is a fourth search method. Some may find it archaic, but it is still effective.
You need to come to Cyprus on a tourist visa and look for a job the old fashioned way: read advertisements, attend interviews.
Personal communication with a potential employer can significantly improve your chances of getting hired. If, for example, you are interested in working in Paphos, go to this city for reconnaissance.
Jobs for girls and guys in a casino
If you look at it, Cyprus contains a huge number of casinos that are designed for visitors with different income levels.
Some of these establishments are located right in high-class hotels and attract guests with their noisy music and personality. These casinos are often fascinating, so you need to be careful when you have the opportunity to visit one of them.
Work in a casino can be very different, from banal cleaners to croupiers or security guards.
In order to get a job as a cleaner, as you know, you don’t need any special skills. However, to get a job as a security guard, you must have the appropriate physique. Already existing experience in this field will be a plus. It is advisable that you also know how to handle weapons.
If you decide to work in the reception service, then knowledge of Greek and English will be a mandatory criterion for you; in some cases, you may also need Russian. The cashier is the person who is responsible for all the money and chips of the gaming establishment or the specified hall.
This position is rarely vacant. However, if you want to work in this position, you most likely will not be hired if you do not have work experience.
Job for girls - maid
This vacancy may be a seasonal or permanent position. To do this, you will need to know several languages - Greek and Turkish, but you may also need Russian.
Therefore, during the interview you should mention your knowledge of several languages. It is important to understand that such work requires full dedication from you. You will probably have to move into the house you are maintaining. In any case, you will have to reside permanently in Cyprus.
Your responsibilities will include: laundry, cleaning, possibly cooking, lawn cleaning and dog washing.
Nanny
Here you will be subject to more demands, since you will be working directly with children. If you already have experience working as a nanny, then do not forget to mention this fact at the interview, it can be decisive.
Just like in the previous option, you will need to move to Cyprus, since this profession requires you to be busy literally 24 hours a day.
Your responsibilities will include caring for the children, that is, they need to be fed and changed into clean clothes, taken out for a walk, etc. Washing, cleaning, cooking - this is also very often included in the list of nanny responsibilities.
Other work for women
2021 has seen a boom in female beauty. Almost all the girls suddenly decided to learn how to do manicures, eyelash extensions and professional makeup. There are already many such masters in Russia.
If you really consider yourself a worthy artist who can create incredible beauty on the body of a woman or man, then you will be able to earn a decent amount of money in Cyprus.
If you are unable to find a job in any beauty salon, do not be disappointed.
Beauty salon Stella Taveli in Limassol
After all, beauty masters are freelancers by nature. You can easily place an advertisement in the newspaper or distribute invitations to everyone who wants to visit you at home. If you do not have the opportunity to receive clients at home, then you can easily go to the homes of your direct clients.
All received diplomas and certificates must be taken with you, since upon arrival in Cyprus it will turn out that your knowledge will need to be confirmed. In some cases, you have to relearn, since Russian beauty standards are slightly different from Cypriot ones. We recommend watching films and various videos to clearly understand what trends exist in 2021.
Finding a suitable job
It all depends on the profession, level of qualifications, knowledge of languages. The more in demand a specialty is, the easier it is to find work in Cyprus.
Using sites
You can search for a place via the Internet. It is advisable to study offers on specialized employment portals in Cyprus. Usually, before the opening of the season, hotel complexes, travel companies and recruitment agencies post vacancies on their websites.
Through local newspapers
Knowledge of languages helps in finding vacancies in Cypriot print media. There you can familiarize yourself with the available offers or place your ad in the “Looking for a Job” section. You should not neglect the offers of the State Employment Service, which can be found on its official website.
Popular professions on the island
Cyprus is a tourist island, so the main demand concerns professions employed in the tourism industry (tour guides, cooks, animators, bartenders, waiters, hostesses, managers, etc.).
The specialties of seafarers (navigators, mechanics, sailors) are in great demand. We are not talking about tourist flights, but about long-distance vessels designed to transport containers with goods or oil products. Sailors in Cypriot companies earn good money .
For example, a mechanic receives a monthly salary from 4,000 to 5,000 euros, and a navigator from 5,000 to 7,000 euros. The downside of the job is that getting a job in a Cypriot company is quite difficult. Companies only hire seafarers who have the appropriate education and considerable work experience.
The following professions are also in short supply on the island:
- dentist,
- lawyer,
- accountant.
If you are a good specialist, finding a job will not be difficult
But it is worth noting that in cities such as Nicosia (the capital of Cyprus) and Limassol, these professions are not in demand! You can easily find work in these specialties in the smaller cities of Cyprus. The demand for doctors, lawyers, and accountants arose for the reason that the diploma of these specialties must be confirmed in Cyprus, and this is a long and complex procedure.
If the diploma of the above professions was issued in the states of the European Union, then to work in the specialty you will need to obtain a special license.
Popular specialties:
- Food technologists.
- Chemists.
- Auditors.
- Banking industry workers.
- Teachers.
- Software developers.
- IT specialists.
- Carpenters.
- Painters.
- Builders.
How to look for work in Cyprus?
Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians find employment in Cyprus, as a rule, in the tourism and service industries. But highly qualified IT specialists, engineers, and builders will not be left without work. You can look for work in the country either independently or with the help of recruitment agencies.
First of all, job seekers in Cyprus should contact the public employment service www.pescps.dl.mlsi.gov.cy. On the service’s website you can find out about the most in-demand professions in the country and get an idea of the local labor market.
Among the sites specializing in employment, the most popular are:
- www.cyprusjobs.com;
- www.jobincyprus.com;
- www.careerjet.com;
- www.learn4good.com;
- www.eurojobs.com.
Many successfully find work through advertisements on Cypriot newspaper websites:
- Cyprus Mail;
- Financial Mirror;
- In Cyprus.
You can find a recruitment agency or contact the employing company directly on the website www.cyprusyellowpages.com.
You can look for work using the media or online resources
Wage
The average salary on the island is 1,620 euros after all taxes have been paid. The minimum monthly salary is 870 euros.
In the republic, men earn more than women . The average salary of men in this republic is 2,131 euros, and a woman receives approximately 1,998 euros per month.
Table: income of citizens of the Republic of Cyprus
| Average salary per month (expressed in euros) | Number of citizens who receive the specified salary |
| Less than 1000 | 27.5 % |
| 1 000 – 1 500 | 26.3% |
| 1 500 – 2 000 | 15.2 % |
| 2 000 – 5 000 | 27.2% |
| More than 5,000 | 3.8% |
The highest paid specialty in Cyprus is air traffic controller (over 10,000 euros per month).
Table: salaries in the Republic of Cyprus
| Specialty/profession | Average salary (expressed in euros) |
| Animator | 700 |
| A bank employee | 1 900 |
| Bartender | 1 200 |
| Accountant | 1 500 – 2 000 |
| General doctor | 9 300 |
| Dentist | 5 000 |
| Engineer | 2 500 |
| Nurse | 1 700 |
| Manager | 2 000 |
| Nanny | 800 |
| Waiter | 1 100 |
| Pediatrician | 8 400 |
| Cook | 1 300 |
| Teacher | 1 850 |
| Programmer | 3 000 |
| Promoter | 800 |
| Foreman | 1 600 |
| Casino worker | 1 600 |
| Factory worker | 1 300 |
| Gardener | 1 300 |
| Plumber | 1 150 |
| Welder | 1 550 |
| Builder | 1 500 |
| Taxi driver | 1 200 |
| Transfer guide | 900 |
| Hotel complex manager | 2 000 |
| Electrician | 1 000 |
| Hourly payment | |
| Housewife | 5 – 7 per hour |
| Security guard | 4.90 per hour |
| Salesman | 3 – 5 per hour |
| Cleaner | 4.75 per hour |
The government sector pays very high wages. For example, a deputy receives 47,000 euros per year. But besides this, the state gives him an additional 23,000 euros annually.
The state also pays deputies for secretaries (secretary's salary is 12,000 per year) and business trips (about 7,000 euros per year are allocated for business trips). The President of the Republic of Cyprus earns 163,000 euros per year.
How to successfully choose “your” housing in Cyprus
We looked on the Internet, it seems, all the housing that was rented out while still in St. Petersburg. Since I didn’t want to quickly take what was offered already on the spot. The minimum price for a decent one-room apartment near the center was 500 euros. Most often, owners rent out an apartment through an agency, which charges from 50 euros for its services. To this price you also need to add bills for utilities, electricity, and water. Our income comes out to approximately 650 euros per month, taking into account rent and utilities. It should be borne in mind that a certain amount goes to deposits - that is, money that is given to pay for the last month of living, if you suddenly decide to move.
We found several suitable options, but did not book anything because we wanted to see everything in person. We stayed with friends for a few days and toured all the selected apartments. I advise you to definitely do this, since in many apartments the conditions turned out to be much worse than those indicated. One had a very strong smell of mold. The other, as it turned out, is located near a noisy bar. Although the agent assured us that the situation there was calm, we walked past the desired house late in the evening and saw absolute chaos near the house, plus there was loud music playing there.
Private house in Limassol. Photo by vladimir.tugov (https://fotki.yandex.ru/users/vladimir-tugov/)
As a result, we rented a small apartment for a year with a fully equipped kitchen and all the necessary furniture. We have been living there for three years now; the owner turned out to be a very friendly girl, who even gave us an educational tour around the city and showed us which stores are best to buy groceries from. A pleasant surprise when studying housing offers was that in Cyprus a one-room apartment means having one bedroom and another living room. That is, the number of bedrooms is counted. An extra room is a given. So, by Russian standards, we now have a two-room apartment.
Taxation
Cyprus attracts many foreign residents who want to find a job due to its low tax rates and flexible taxation system. A progressive taxation system operates on the territory of the republic. The tax rate directly depends on the employee's annual income .
The main tax in Cyprus is personal income tax. It is paid by employees.
Table: income tax rates in the Republic of Cyprus
| Salary per year (expressed in euros) | Tax rate (expressed in %) |
| From 0 to 19,500 | 0 |
| From 19,501 to 28,000 | 20 |
| From 28,001 to 36,300 | 25 |
| From 36,301 to 60,000 | 30 |
| Over 60,001 | 35 |
In addition to income tax, each employee is required to pay a tax contribution to the social insurance fund, which is equal to 7.8% of the salary level. Also, the responsibilities of citizens and foreign workers who are officially employed include the payment of a temporary tax called “Special Contribution”. The tax amount also depends on how much the employee earns.
With a monthly income of 0 to 1,500 euros, the employee does not pay tax. If his salary is from 1,500 to 2,500 euros per month, then the person is required to pay a tax of 2.5% (the minimum tax is 10 euros). For a salary between 2,501 euros and 3,500 euros, the tax is 3% of the salary. If the salary is over 3,001 euros, then the employee pays 3.5% of his earnings monthly.
Taxation system and working hours
Cyprus has a progressive personal income tax system, i.e. the tax rate depends on the amount of income.
Table: income tax amount depending on the income of an individual
| Tax base, euro | Tax rate, % |
| 0 – 19500 | 0 |
| 19501 – 28000 | 20 |
| 28001 – 36300 | 25 |
| 36301 – 60000 | 30 |
| more than 60000 | 35 |
In addition, the taxpayer in Cyprus pays contributions to the social insurance fund in the amount of 7.8% of the salary, as well as a temporary Special Contribution tax, which also depends on the level of income.
Table: temporary tax Special Contribution
| Monthly income, euro | Special Contribution, % |
| 0 – 1500 | 0 |
| 1501 – 2500 | 2.5 (minimum 10 euros) |
| 2501 -3500 | 3 |
| more than 3500 | 3,5 |
Video: taxes in Cyprus for individuals
The working day in most Cypriot companies is 8 hours with a 5-day work schedule.
Work permit
To work on the island, the employee must have a work permit. The employer is required to prepare this document. Registration takes place on the basis of a package of documents that the employee submits to the employer.
List of papers:
- Statement.
- Photocopy of a foreign passport.
- A certificate confirming that the foreign resident has no criminal record and is not under investigation at the time of filing the papers.
- Health insurance policy.
- Employment contract. This document must be drawn up in accordance with all standards and contain stamps from the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance of the Republic of Cyprus.
- A certificate confirming that the person has at least 350 euros in his account. This document is necessary for local authorities to make sure that the foreigner has money in case of his deportation from the territory of Cyprus.
- A receipt confirming the fact of payment of the state fee.
The registration and issuance of the document is carried out at the Department of Civil Registration and Migration. Permission can also be obtained at the police station.
An employee will not be able to enter Cyprus without a work permit, so it is issued without his presence only on the basis of documents submitted by the employer.
Much responsibility for registration lies with the employer. He must prove to the Department that he searched for candidates for the declared vacancy, but none of the applicants with citizenship of Cyprus or European Union countries were suitable.
Some people manage to find employment through the newspaper
Mandatory requirements for an employee:
- The absence of dangerous infectious diseases such as HIV infection, syphilis, tuberculosis and others.
- No criminal record in your home country or in the countries of the European Union.
- Proficiency in English at a conversational level.
- Good knowledge of Greek or Turkish.
- Having work experience.
How can a citizen of the Russian Federation obtain a work visa to Cyprus?
Many citizens of the Russian Federation who want to work in Cyprus while living in the country want to find out how to get a work visa for Cyprus and study the list of requirements and conditions. Since only EU citizens and members of their families have the right to work without a visa in Cyprus, Russians are required to have a permit in hand that allows them to work in the country for a certain period of time.
What nuances are you worth knowing about?
A work visa to Cyprus for Russians is divided into two types depending on the position that the Russian citizen will occupy. This includes a management visa called "executive", intended for those planning to take up a management position, and a non-executive visa for administrative level employees. It is necessary to obtain a work visa before arriving in Cyprus, taking into account the requirements of the country's legislation.
Without such a visa, work on the island is prohibited. The work visa is valid for one year; companies hiring Russian citizens as employees are required to confirm that there are no Cypriot citizens applying for the position. Typically, international companies hire no more than five foreign nationals, as exceeding this number is prohibited by law.
What documents are needed to obtain a work visa?
To find out how to get a work visa for Cyprus, you need to start with a package of documents that must be collected in advance and submitted to the consulate.
This list should include:
- a correctly completed visa application form with a signature;
- valid foreign passport with photo;
- a certificate stating that the citizen has no criminal record in the Russian Federation;
- medical certificate of health;
- documents confirming the availability of funds necessary to stay in the country;
- a completed employment contract with the seal of the Ministry of Labor;
- document confirming payment for consideration of the application.
Long-stay visa categories
Visas for work in Cyprus are divided into several categories from A to F, depending on the field of activity in which the visitor will be employed. To obtain a visa in one of these categories, you must submit additional documents - a certificate of availability of a certain amount of money for running a business, a work license, an education diploma and documents confirming qualifications.
The list of categories includes:
- A for agricultural workers;
- B for employees of mining enterprises;
- C for work in trade;
- D for conducting research activities;
- E for those who have received a formal job offer;
- F is for high net worth individuals doing business in Cyprus.
If you want to protect yourself from unnecessary problems and delays, contact us at number. Our specialists will help you solve problems.
Illegal employment
Illegal employment is strictly punished in Cyprus. Foreign residents who work in this republic without the appropriate documents can be fined up to 8,000 euros. In some cases, for violating current legislation, foreign residents may be imprisoned for up to 3 years.
When a violator is identified, he is immediately added to the so-called stop list . Registration means that in the future the foreigner will be deprived of the opportunity to enter the territory of the Republic of Cyprus for certain times of the year.
Punishment for illegal employment applies not only to foreign employees, but also to employers who hire people who do not have a work permit. For hiring illegal immigrants, the employer faces a fine of 3,000 euros.
Who applies for a work visa?
Russians who want to get a job in Cyprus should know that according to the labor and migration laws of the island, the employer is responsible for issuing a work visa.
Companies that have the legal right to hire citizens from abroad are divided into two types: local and foreign. The process of employment in foreign companies located on the island is simplified. Company management is primarily involved in issuing visas for foreign employees hired as employees of the enterprise. A number of requirements and conditions that must be fulfilled are put forward to local enterprises.
The management of a local Cypriot company wishing to hire a citizen of a third-tier state (Russians, residents of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine) must prove that there are no applicants for the current vacancy among indigenous residents, residents of the European Union, or second-tier countries (Switzerland, the Baltics). Proof is carried out through a special procedure:
Management posts information about the vacancy on the Internet or in the media (according to the official database of the Ministry of Labor). An application for a work visa for a foreign applicant is accepted after the expiration of a forty-day period.
Internship
Until recently, only those students who studied at higher educational institutions of this republic had the right to undergo an internship in Cyprus. But not so long ago, the law was modified and today anyone who knows Turkish or Greek can undergo an internship.
The organization of internships is carried out by training and educational centers that select the most optimal programs for students of Cypriot or foreign higher education institutions. Typically the internship lasts from 6 to 24 months . During this time, the student can improve their knowledge of the language and gain valuable work experience in their specialty.
Today, most students undergo internships in areas such as:
- Tourism.
- Catering business.
- Hotel business.
- Economy.
- Finance.
- Office work.
Admission to an internship is carried out upon submission of the following documents:
- Photocopy of a foreign passport.
- Photocopy of diploma. If you do not yet have a diploma, you will need to take a certificate from the university, which will confirm that the applicant is actually undergoing training.
Diploma with apostille
- Summary.
- Motivation letter.
To search for an internship, you can use the following portals:
- https://eurasmus.com
- https://home.kpmg.com
- https://www.learn4good.com.
Internships for foreign residents are paid on average 500 euros monthly.
Internship and work while studying
There is the possibility of internships in the offices and factories of various companies operating in Cyprus. Such internships allow you to improve your language skills, earn money and relax. They are organized by various training centers.
The cost of studying in Cyprus for foreigners is much higher than for Cypriots. Until recently, working with a study visa was prohibited. Recently permission was given, but there are a number of restrictions:
- the educational institution must be recognized as such by the official bodies of the republic;
- A student can work no more than 20 hours a week
- Hours of work and classes should not overlap.
Disadvantages of Employment
Disadvantages include low salaries. If we compare the average salary in Cyprus with the average salary in Russia, we can note that in Cyprus, Russians will receive 2-3 times more. But if we compare the Cypriot salary with wages in other EU countries, we can conclude that it is significantly less.
For example, the average annual salary in Belgium is 46,460 euros, and in Germany 45,900 euros. In Cyprus, workers on average receive no more than 20,000 euros per year.
The second disadvantage is the high competition in the labor market. It is difficult for foreign residents to get a job in this republic due to the fact that the employer is initially obliged to look for applicants for available vacancies among citizens of Cyprus or European Union countries.
Disadvantages also include the need to study Greek or Turkish.
Categories of employees of foreign companies in Cyprus
Executive Directors
- The maximum number of such executors is 5 people, unless the Registration and Migration Service of the Republic of Cyprus is convinced that having a larger number of executors is justified.
- The minimum acceptable total annual salary (annual salary and any additional bonuses and additional payments) for an employee just hired for a managerial position is 41 thousand euros. This amount may be adjusted in accordance with changes in the salary index.
Middle management, mid-level management and other qualified personnel
- The above-mentioned employees include directors who are not considered executive directors, as well as other executive/mid-level management or other technical or clerical staff with an annual salary of between €21,000 and €40,999.
Support staff
- The category of third country nationals employed in other technical, managerial, professional, clerical and other positions in Cyprus who do not fall into the previous 2 categories are classified as remaining support staff.
- It is expected that companies will hire Cypriots or Europeans for this category. The procedure for registering such an employee complies with the general provisions of the procedure for hiring employees of companies in Cyprus.
Entry rules, obtaining a visa
To enter the Republic of Cyprus, you will need a passport (preferably both) and a visa. For citizens of the Russian Federation, a visa to Cyprus is issued within one day and no fee is charged, that is, the visa is free.
List of documents for correct visa application
- A foreign passport and an ordinary passport of a citizen of the country.
- A copy (color) of the first page of both passports.
- Several color photographs in 3x4 or 3.5x4.5 cm format.
- The form must be completed in English.
- A copy (you can scan it yourself) of an invitation from a travel agency or a written confirmation of a hotel reservation with all stamps and signatures.
Typically, a visa is issued within the first 24 hours after sending the application and the very next day you will have the document in your hands.
This is what a visa to visit Cyprus looks like
However, during the holiday season, it is best to submit the documentation with a reserve of several days, since the paperwork may take longer than usual.
Children and teenagers under 18 years of age who are traveling unaccompanied by their parents must present a copy of their birth certificate and permission, which is certified by a notary. If a child leaves the country accompanied by a third party, then there must be notarized permits that confirm that the child is being transported legally.
At the border crossing, all of the above documents may be double-checked, so it is important that you always have them with you.
Provisions
Russians who flew to Cyprus through Paphos and Larnaca airports can apply for a so-called provision instead of the usual visa under a simplified program (this visa is not attached to the passport, however, the passport must have an expiration date of at least six months).
Sample of Cypriot provisions
To do this, you need to fill out a form on the official website of the Cyprus Embassy in Russia. A few days after submitting the application, the sender receives a unique number by email.
This code can be presented at one of the above airports, then a special visa stamp is placed in your passport.
This type of visa allows a single entry, so you can stay in the country for about 90 days thanks to this document.
Important note: If you have a child's name in your passport, the pro-visa will not be issued, this is due to the fact that each applicant must have his own passport.
Independent visa application
In this case, you need to present an invitation (for example, from an employer).
Detailed map of Cyprus indicating attractions
To apply for a visitor visa, you will need the same list of documents as in the case of a tourist visa, however, instead of an invitation, you will be asked to present:
- a copy of the “Statement of Responsibility” from a private individual, which contains all the passport details of the invitee;
- exact address and duration of residence in Cyprus;
- a copy (scan) of all pages of the passport of a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus who invites you to visit the country.
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List of requirements for correctly filling out the form:
- Questionnaire. There are special requirements for it: it must be filled out only in English. If you do not speak the language well enough to fill out the form, then you can use the services of a linguist.
Sample of filling out an application form for obtaining a visa to Cyprus
- Be sure to include your residence address, telephone number and hotel address in Cyprus.
- List all documentation that was attached to the completed application form.
- For children who are included in the parent's passport and are accompanied by them, the form is not needed. The form you fill out has a column where you need to enter your child’s first and last name.
To obtain a visa, it is not at all necessary that you be present at this moment. Your husband or mother can apply for you if for some reason you are unable to do it personally.
However, the consulate may ask you to come at any time if they suddenly have questions. The Cyprus Consulate in Moscow accepts visa applications only on weekdays – from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Visa for citizens of CIS countries
Unlike Russian citizens, citizens of CIS countries are forced to pay a fee when applying for a Cyprus visa: 10.25 rubles (transit, guest and tourist visas).
Example of a visitor visa to Cyprus
You will pay 34.17 rubles for a multiple visa (guest and tourist).
The fee (commission) is paid immediately when submitting an application for receipt. In addition to the previously announced documents, you also need to present a certificate from your place of work (required!).
Visiting northern Cyprus
This place really attracts people. Either it’s nice to relax there, or work in Northern Cyprus is better than in other parts of the country. However, those who come to Cyprus to work go specifically to Northern Cyprus.
The Greek and Turkish parts of Cyprus are connected to each other, so you can move around these two regions without obstacles. There are currently five checkpoints operating and plans to open at least two more.
To visit Northern Cyprus from the Greek part, you only need a single-entry Cyprus visa, regardless of visits to the Turkish part. To date, there are no temporary bans on visiting both parts.
Work visa and permanent residence
Registration of a visa to Cyprus, be it a tourist or guest visa, single-entry or multiple visa, does not give its holder any right to officially work on the island. In addition, regardless of the type of visa, you can stay on the island for no more than 90 days, followed by a break (departure from Cyprus) for the next three months. If you want to work in Cyprus and reside permanently on the island without being a citizen of Cyprus, you must apply for a work permit and obtain a residence permit. We will look at how to do this below.
Work permit in Cyprus
The term “Cyprus work visa” is not official. To work on the island, citizens of third countries (non-EU) are required to have a so-called work permit or work permit in Cyprus. A work permit is nothing more than the right to work in Cyprus, but is not a visa or a document replacing it. A work permit in Cyprus is issued by the employer himself, and not by the candidate - a foreign citizen.
To obtain a work permit for a foreign citizen, a Cypriot company must prove the exceptional need to hire an employee from another country due to the lack of similar specialists in the local labor market. This procedure is quite complicated and not quick, so not all Cypriot employers are ready to go through with it. The work permit for foreign specialists is not personalized. In addition to this, it is also necessary to conclude an employment agreement with a specific person. Having these two documents in hand, a citizen of the Russian Federation goes to the Cyprus Embassy in Russia and receives the so-called
permission to enter the territory of Cyprus for the purpose of getting a job. It is pasted into the passport and is what is commonly called a work visa.
Upon arrival in Cyprus, a foreign national who has presented such a work visa must be met by a representative of the employer directly at the point of entry. After arriving in Cyprus, a foreign citizen must obtain a temporary residence permit (Temporary Residence Permit) or in the slang “working pink slip”, which will be discussed below. A working pink slip is also issued not by the citizen himself, but by his employer. This may take from two months to six months. From the moment of submitting documents until the moment of receiving a residence permit, a foreign citizen is issued a so-called Alien Book - a kind of temporary passport of a foreigner. The pink slip itself can be issued for a period of six months to a year, with subsequent mandatory renewal. The renewal procedure is simpler.
It is worth remembering that by deciding to resign from a specific employer, a foreign citizen automatically loses his right to temporary residence and work in Cyprus. A work permit from a new employer will have to be issued from the very beginning according to the same scheme. The maximum validity period of one work permit cannot exceed 4 years. During this period, the employer is obliged to fill the vacancy by finding or training a Cypriot citizen. Working without official permission is a gross violation and always ends in deportation and a blacklist for a foreign citizen and a fine (and sometimes imprisonment for up to 3 months) for the employer. So neither side is worth the risk.
Residence permit in Cyprus
A regular visa, which gives the right to reside in Cyprus for three months, is considered short-term. A long-term visa to Cyprus, as an official concept, does not exist. For a long stay on the island, you must obtain a temporary residence permit or Temporary Residence Permit. In slang, this document is most often called Pink Slip. This document got its name because of the characteristic pink color of the paper. Currently, the Cypriot authorities are moving from issuing a separate document to inserting a corresponding tab into the passport, but for now both design options can be found.
There are three types of residence permit in Cyprus:
- “Visitor” pink slip;
- “Working” pink slip;
- “Student” or “Student” pink slip;
All types of these permits are issued for a maximum of one year with the possibility of subsequent extension.
A visitor's pink slip gives you the right to live in Cyprus, but does not give you the right to work here. To obtain it, one of two possible conditions must be satisfied. The first is that a foreign citizen has sufficient financial resources and real estate to live on the island.
To obtain a residence permit in Cyprus without the right to work, the applicant must provide documents confirming that he has his own property or a long-term rental contract, as well as a certificate from a Cypriot bank that he has at least 20,000 euros in his account. If the amount in the account exceeds 150,000 euros, then the applicant can apply for a so-called indefinite residence permit or permanent residence. But this does not always happen, and permanent residence does not give the foreigner any rights as a citizen of Cyprus. The second possible condition for obtaining a “Visitor” temporary residence permit is that one of the members of the “Worker” family has a pink slim.
The conditions for obtaining a “Working” pink slim were described in the previous paragraph. All costs for its registration are borne by the employer, however, candidates often prepare many documents independently and in advance (medical tests, translation of original diplomas, certificates, etc.) in order to speed up the process, but everyone decides for themselves.
A “Student” or “Pupil” pink slip is issued, as the name implies, for the period of study taking place in Cyprus. A student residence permit can be issued for both an adult and a child. Student - only for minors.
How to work in Cyprus - legally or unofficially - is up to you to decide. But it is worth remembering that any violation of migration laws is very strictly punished by local authorities. In addition, illegal work deprives you of all rights and guarantees of receiving the promised payment and simply humane treatment on the part of the employer. Ideal Homes Cyprus recommends that you obtain all necessary permits for work and permanent residence. Moreover, we are ready to assist you in all these matters. We know everything about Cyprus: what visa is needed in this or that case, how to get a work permit and pink slip, and other issues related to migration legislation. And we are ready to share this experience with our clients.
