Employment visa

Employment conditions for EU and Non-EU Citizens in the Republic of Cyprus

Employment in the Republic of Cyprus is available to all but different permits are required for EU and Non-EU Citizens, in this section we will look at all aspects of employment in Cyprus.

The Laws that apply for all foreign nationals working in Cyprus must mirror those for Cypriot Nationals,  the same Terms and Conditions of employment required by the Ministry of Labour Welfare and Social Insurance.

A valid work permit is required for Non-EU foreign nationals to work in Cyprus, if this is not obtained then the employee and employer will be subject to a monetary fine and/or imprisonment. EU nationals may work in the Republic without any restrictions.

Work permits for Non-EU Citizens are categorised as follows:

• Cyprus Work Permit - Employer is required to apply whilst the employee is still in their country of residence, this is for an authorisation to work in Cyprus;
• Cyprus Work Visa - Allows the employee to enter the Republic with the purpose of long-term residence and employment, authorisation to enter Cyprus;
• Cyprus Residence Permit - Must be obtained after travelling to Cyprus if the applicant wants to legally live in Cyprus.

The requirements set out when applying for a Cyprus Work Permit are listed below:

• Application forms, signed and stamped by the employer;
• Form M58 - This is an application for issuing entrance to the Republic of Cyprus;
• Form M64 - An application for issuing work authorisation.
• Copy of a Passport with validity for the length of the contract of employment, included should be personal information and any previous Visas;
• Original Criminal Record Certificate issued by the Police;
• Contact of employment;
• Original medical examination results showing the following ailments as clear, these must be validated by a specialist doctor;
• AIDS;
• Hepatitis B and C;
• Syphilis;
• Tuberculosis.
• Employer's Tax Clearance Certificate;
• Bank Guarantee Letter - This proves that the employer has paid the minimum 12 month guarantee of between €350-850 from the start of the employment dependant on the country of arrival;
• Health insurance for the length of stay in Cyprus;
• Application fee.

The categories of work permits fall into 2 parts, the first being an employee/worker. This category is for a person that works for another person under a contract of employment or apprenticeship. The second category is an Independent Contractor/Self-Employed which states that a person does not work for another person, therefore does not require a Contract of Employment.

The usual length of time a work permit is valid for is 4 years but the duration of 6 years applies if the applicant works for the Agriculture, Livestock and Farming Industry. There are no limitations for the following categories:

• Highly skilled worker in a company with high income which is beneficial to the economic development of Cyprus;
• A Religious Icon Painter, may remain until the project has been completed;
• Journalist or Correspondant;
• Athlete or Athletic Coach of individuals or Team sports;
• Syrian Nationals of Cretan Descent - Kurdish;
• Homogeneous Third Country Nationals.

Other categories for foreign nationals working in Cyprus:

• Category A - Foreign Nationals who intend to work as self-employed in Agriculture, Cattle/Bird breeding or Fish culture in the Republic, provided that they have in their possession adequate land whose activities do not negatively affect the Cypriot economy;
• Category B - Foreign Nationals who intend to work as self-employed in mining enterprises in the Republic, provided that they have in their possession a relative permit and a significant amount of capital but does not negatively affect the Cypriot economy;
• Category C - Foreign Nationals who intend to work as self-employed in a trade or profession in the Republic, provided that they have in their possession a relative permit and a significant amount of capital but does not negatively affect the Cypriot economy;
• Category D - Foreign Nationals who intend to work as self-employed in a profession or science in the Republic, provided that they have academic or professional qualifications, for which there is demand in Cyprus, along with adequate funds;
• Category E - Foreign Nationals who have been offered permanent employment in the Republic, which will not create undue local competition;
• Category F - Foreign Nationals who possess and have fully and freely at their disposal a secured annual income, high enough to give them a decent living in Cyprus, without having to engage in any business, trade or profession (mostly pensioners or retired persons).
 

As with all applications certain fees are applicable, Rideo Group will confirm these when an application is due to be submitted.

Rideo Group professionals are on hand to assist in any way they can, with general queries or concerns to formally complete an application on your behalf. Please contact one of the team for further information by telephone +357 96476162, (WhatsApp) email: info@rideogroup.com.

Domestics Workers

Domestic workers are defined as helpers for professionals that seek external assistance in order to carry out domestic work, primarily at home. The criteria for employing a Domestic worker is as follows:

• A family with a Child under the age of 12 where both parents work and contribute to the Social Insurance Fund;
• Couple with no children who both work and declare an annual taxable income greater than €52,000;
• Single parents with a child younger than 12 years old who work and contribute to the Social Insurance Fund;
• Families where one parent works requires the annual taxable income to be in excess of €86,000;
• Single working persons declaring their annual taxable income of at least €52,000, with contributions to the Social Insurance Fund.
 

There are exceptional circumstances for the employment of a Domestic Worker which can be seen below:

• Elderly persons over the age of 75 years;
• Those that suffer from the following illnesses/diseases that can be proven by the way of a medical certificate from their Doctor or Specialised Physician;
• Cancer, certified from the Oncology Department/Centre;
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS);
• Muscular Dystrophy;
• Kidney Disease;
• Myopathy;
• Serious Psychological or Mental Disorders;
• Limited Vision;
• Advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis, that significantly reduces movement;
• Alzheimer’s;
• Senile Dementia;
• Overweight persons that have problems with movement;
• Persons with disabilities, including amputees;
• Heart failure;
• Severe Epilepsy;
• Parkinson's Disease;
• Stroke;
• Thalassemia.

There are various forms of employment for Domestic Workers in different sectors, we will look at each in more detail:

• Domestic Helpers/Housemaids:
• Provide care for children;
• Provide care for the elderly;
• Housekeeping;
• Cooking;
• Laundry;
• Cleaning;
• Ironing;
• Shopping for food;
• General household errands.
• Nurses/Personal Care Assistants:
• Personal Care;
• Bathing;
• Feeding;
• Dressing;
• Grooming.
• Health Care;
• Medication Management;
• Medical appointments;
• Therapy, both physical and emotional.
• Emotional Care;
• Companionship;
• Meaningful activities;
• Conversation.

The procedure for obtaining an Employment/Work Permit is in the form of an initial application, form MDW2 submitted by the employer for the issue of Entry and Temporary Residence, to the Civil Registry and Migration Department through the District Office of the Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police or at the Central Offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia. The MDW2 form is available to download and complete from the Government Website but experienced colleagues at Rideo Group will be able to assist you in completing the form compliantly and correctly, this will allow for swift and unnecessary delays to the application.

Within 7 days of arrival into the Republic of Cyprus, Third Country Nationals (TCN) must attend the appropriate District Office of the Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police, or the Central Offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia for registration, where Biometric data (fingerprints and photo’s etc) is collected.

The maximum length of time that a Third Country National can work as a Domestic Worker is 6 years, after this time no changes of employer are allowed, this may be extended if the TCN has worked for the same employer for the whole period.

Changes to an employer are allowed but a maximum of 2 within the 6 year period, although there are exceptions:

• Death of an employer;
• Depatriation;
• Transfer of the employer into a Nursing Home;
• Criminal offence by the employer to the TCN;
• Decision by the Labour Disputes Committee in favour of the TCN.

Bank Guarantees are required in order to cover deportation expenses if necessary, this may be due to the TCN being a prohibited immigrant. Within this section we will explain the process in more detail:

• Submission of Bank Guarantee:
• The guarantee can be made at a Commercial Bank or cooperative institution, this is in the form of a personal guarantee;
• Group guarantees may be made where the TCN is a student.
• Amount of Bank Guarantee:
• The amount of guarantee required is dependent on the country of origin with expenses such as airfare taken into account;
• The cost can be found on the Government website, Rideo Group will be happy to advise on the exact amount. The average costs range from €350 - €850 per TCN.
• Validity of Bank Guarantee:
• The guarantee should be valid for at least 10 years;
• Renewals of a Residence Permit do not require a new guarantee, this is on the proviso that the submission is near expiration and that it covers the requested period of stay plus 1 year;
• Students have different requirements, please ask our helpful staff for more information.
• Return of a Bank Guarantee:
• If the TCN does not arrive into the Republic;
• If the TCN has left the Republic;
• If the TCN has had a new guarantee submitted, this may be due to employment by a new employer;
• If the TCN has been deported then the remaining amount if any? (after deportation costs) may be returned to the employer, via Bank Transfer.

The procedure for the return of the Bank Guarantee must be submitted in writing to the relevant department via a form that can be downloaded.

The completed form will have information that needs completing, such as:

• Applicants/employers name and address;
• Telephone number;
• File Number;
• Amount paid;
• Bank Guarantee number;
• Employees name, nationality and Passport number.

Once completed the form may be sent by post, fax or email to the Civil Registry and Migration Department, the form will be scrutinised and if successful after 3 months any funds will be deposited back into the Bank.

• Non refund of Bank Guarantee:
• TCN applies for International Protection (Asylum);
• TCN is convicted for criminal offences and has become a forbidden immigrant;
• TCN departs the place of residence and employment, therefore being a wanted person;
• If the TCN resides in the areas under the effective control of the Government or in areas not under the effective control of the Government, after the cancellation, expiry or rejection of a Resident Permit.

A Domestic Worker can expect to earn a Gross Salary of €460 with the Net amount of €309 each month.

Please feel free to contact us at Rideo Group for an informal chat where we will be able to explain the process and the support we can give. Contact us on  +357 96476162, (WhatsApp) email: info@rideogroup.com

Employment within a specialist company in the Republic of Cyprus is designed for highly skilled and general employees. Citizens of the European Union (EU) do not require a working visa for employment in Cyprus and enjoy the same benefits of a Cypriot Citizen.

Foreigners from other parts of the World (Third Country Nationals - TCN) may apply to work in the Republic, if special conditions are satisfied. Cypriot companies usually advertise for TCN employees if they are unable to fill the vacancies with Cypriot or EU Citizens.

The requirements set out when applying for a Cyprus Work Permit are listed below:

• Application forms, signed and stamped by the employer;
• Form M58 - This is an application for issuing entrance to the Republic of Cyprus;
• Form M64 - An application for issuing work authorisation.
• Copy of a Passport with validity for the length of the contract of employment, included should be personal information and any previous Visas;
• Original Criminal Record Certificate issued by the Police;
• Contact of employment;
• Original medical examination results showing the following ailments as clear, these must be validated by a specialist doctor;
• AIDS;
• Hepatitis B and C;
• Syphilis;
• Tuberculosis.
• Employer's Tax Clearance Certificate;
• Bank Guarantee Letter - This proves that the employer has paid the minimum 12 month guarantee of between €350-850 from the start of the employment dependant on the country of arrival;
• Health insurance for the length of stay in Cyprus;
• Application fee.

The usual length of time a work permit is valid for is 4 years but the duration of 6 years applies if the applicant works for the Agriculture, Livestock and Farming Industry. There are no limitations for the following categories:

• Highly skilled worker in a company with high income which is beneficial to the economic development of Cyprus;
• If a Residence Permit is granted based on a Highly skilled work visa the individual is usually entitled to permanent residency;
• A Religious Icon Painter, may remain until the project has been completed;
• Journalist or Correspondant;
• Athlete or Athletic Coach of individuals or Team sports;
• Syrian Nationals of Cretan Descent - Kurdish;
• Homogeneous Third Country Nationals.

Foreign employees applying to work for a company in Cyprus will need to provide the below information:

• Application to the Republic of Cyprus Embassy in their country of residence;
• Work contract and supporting documents (as shown above);
• Cypriot based company operating in the Republic;
• Ministry of Labor in the Republic consent on the application;
• Application registration with the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

The process required for applying to the Republic of Cyprus Government departments can be daunting but we at Rideo Group specialise in these types of applications with the experience and knowledge enabling us to complete the application on your behalf. Please contact one of the team if you require further information, we will be happy to assist/support where possible, telephone +357 96476162, (WhatsApp) email: info@rideogroup.com.

Cyprus is keen to attract Businesses and Companies from overseas to set up their headquarters within the Republic in an attempt to encourage growth and employment opportunities. The idea is to attract and employ Cypriot Citizens, EU Citizens, Third Country Nationals (TCN) and Non-EU staff into employment within a foreign company.

Companies are being actively encouraged to relocate to the Republic with generous benefits for roles in the following:

• Directors/Management positions;
• Directors or Partners;
• Department Managers;
• Branch Managers of foreign companies;
• Project Managers.
• Middle Management;
• Secretarial;
• Administrative;
• Technical.
• Specialist;
• Engineers;
• IT;
• Architects;
• Scientists;
• Analysts;
• Professionals;
• Developers;
• Technologists.
• Support Staff;
• Includes roles not listed in the above categories.

Salary structures apply for each different category depending on experience and qualifications, for example University Degree or Diploma. The provisions for Companies looking to set up, move or relocate their Businesses in the Republic have differing criteria, the following looks at the avenues available:

• Companies are required to locate their operations within self contained offices or premises away from personal homes;
• Third Country Nationals must be the majority shareholders but within companies all members are required to be declared, this will need to be undertaken by contacting the Civil Registry and Migration Department for their approval;
• Foreign investors who initially wish only to employ Third Country Nationals are required to invest at least €200,000 payable into the following:
• Bank Account;
• Company Assets;
• Rents;
• Equipment.

Employees of the Company are eligible to apply for Temporary Residence together with their Employment Permit, family members of the employee can also apply for Temporary Residence Permits (eligible criteria required). Our friendly staff are on hand to assist on the application process, explain all that is required and together with the employee make applications on their behalf.

Any company considering Cyprus as their location must adhere to the Employers Mandatory Insurance Law (N.174/1989), whereby employers are required to insure their employees for:

• Accidents;
• Profession related illness;
• Insurance is applicable regardless whether the employee works from home/office/work location in Cyprus or abroad.

Health and Safety at work is controlled by the Department of Labour Inspection, they regulate working conditions and are responsible for:

• Buildings and Premises;
• Construction Sites;
• Work equipment;
• Chemical agents such as;
• Asbestos;
• Biological;
• Mutagenic;
• Carcinogenic.
• Fire safety procedures;
• Noise related operations.

Companies/Businesses considering Cyprus over other Countries as a genuine location for their enterprise will benefit from the following Tax incentives:

• 12.5% Corporation income tax rate;
• EU and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) compliant; Access to EU Directives;
• Double Tax treaty networks with over 60 Countries;
• Dividend participation exemption, conditions apply;
• Exemption from Tax on gains from the disposal of securities - Shares, Bonds etc; National interest deduction on equity applies to all taxpayers and Business activities;
• No withholding taxes on interest and dividends;
• No taxation on Capital Gains Tax - condition apply;
• No succession taxes;
• 50% exemption on annual employment income exceeding €100,000 for foreign nationals working in the Republic;
• No Tax on dividends, interest and rental income of non-domiciled individuals.

What does the Republic of Cyprus offer potential investors?

• Economic Prospects:
• The Cypriot Government is committed to continuous improvement of reform and growth;
• Continuous improvement of their Credit Ranking.
• Location:
• Close to the Middle East, Asia and Africa;
• EU members located close to neighbouring Countries.
• World renowned Education System:
• Universities from the UK, USA and other countries make Cyprus an excellent location for students;
• Highly skilled Graduates;
• Young Professionals.
• Cyprus lifestyle:
• Safe location with low crime rate;
• Over 300 warm sunshine days per year;
• Healthy environment;
• Fresh produce all year round;
• Beautiful beaches;
• Wonderful countryside;
• Numerous Restaurants serving fresh local cuisine.
• Transport infrastructure:
• Excellent Shipping locations;
• Limassol;
• Ayia Napa;
• Larnaca - Major regeneration of the area and Port
• Airports at Larnaca and Paphos handle in excess of 10 Million passengers each year;
• Excellent road network linking all major cities.

The Republic of Cyprus has many benefits and advantages, we at Rideo Group would be happy to work together with you to assist with the relevant applications and complex process for a successful transition into this up and coming marketplace.