Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa: Everything you need to know and how to apply as a digital nomad
Apr 12
5 minCyprus may not be the first Mediterranean island that comes to mind when considering digital nomad destinations, but its government is confident that the presence of remote workers will contribute to the development of the business ecosystem, and therefore the economic development of the country. To this end, they are working hard to create a community on the island.
They created the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa that allows remote workers from non-EU and non-EEA countries to temporarily reside in Cyprus as part of a strategy to make the island a new digital nomad hub. In addition to the visa, the country's favorable tax rates, pleasant climate, and natural beauty make this location a good choice for remote workers.
If you are approved for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa, you will be entitled to a one-year residence in Cyprus, with the possibility of renewal for a further two years. Your family members will also be entitled to residence for the same period as you.
Requirements for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa:
You have to be a non-EU or non-EEA national who works remotely for a company registered outside of Cyprus, or be self-employed working remotely for clients located outside of Cyprus.
You need a net income of at least €3500, and documentation that proves it (bank statements, pay stubs.)
How to apply
While the application process is not complicated, the necessary documents will take you some time to gather. You’ll need the following documents for your visa application:
A copy of your valid passport.
A copy of your passport showing the stamp of your last entry into the Republic of Cyprus.
Original Certificate of a clean criminal record from the country of origin (if the applicant resides in a country other than the country of origin, the certificate should be issued from the country of residence).
Original blood analysis results showing that the applicant does not bear/suffer from HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B&C and chest x-rays for tuberculosis (TB), duly certified by a specialized Doctor.
Health insurance that covers inpatient and outpatient care, and repatriation of remains.
A rental agreement or proof of accommodation, duly stamped if valued over €5000.
Affirmation in which the applicant will commit that (s)he or his/her family members will not provide work or services to an employer based in Cyprus.
For employees working for a company registered abroad:
An employment contract of indefinite duration or of at least equal duration to the requested residence permit.
Employer’s confirmation that the applicant can perform his/her duties remotely and that the project/work does not involve any activity or provision of services to an employer registered in Cyprus.
Duly stamped copy of the company’s registration certificate abroad, stating the legal name, registered base, activity field and corporate purpose of the company.
Information on the status of the applicant in the company (role, salary, etc.)
Proof of income that shows the applicant has a sufficient and stable monthly income of at least €3500, after the deduction of contributions and taxes (either through proof of salary payment showing the net income or detailed bank statements of the previous 6 months.)
For self-employed remote workers:
Contracts of a service or project with the duration of the requested residence permit.
Confirmation by the applicant that (s)he can perform his duties remotely and that the project/work does not involve any activity or provision of services to an employer registered in Cyprus.
Proof of income that shows the applicant has a sufficient and stable monthly income of at least €3500, after the deduction of contributions and taxes (either through proof of salary payment showing the net income or detailed bank statements of the previous 6 months.)
*The above amount is increased by 20% for the spouse or partner and by 15% for each child. Exemption: As a freelancer, if you can’t provide proof of net income, you will need an Affirmation according to which you will certify that your income is not less than the minimum amount required.
To apply for the visa, you must submit the relevant application form and all required documents at the offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia within 3 months of arrival. You can enter with your tourist visa and apply on the island. All documents must be officially translated and certified. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter explaining how to obtain your temporary residence permit. If it is rejected, you will receive a letter stating the reasons for the rejection.
Fees
The application fee for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa scheme is €70 for issuance or renewal, and an additional visa fee of €70 for registration in the Aliens' Registry. The processing time is around 5-7 weeks.
What about taxes?
Tax residents are only required to pay personal income tax if their income is derived from Cyprus. As a remote worker living in Cyprus under the Digital Nomad Visa, you would be exempted from paying personal income tax in Cyprus.
Overall, Cyprus is an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads looking for a new destination with a solid infrastructure for remote work. While it’s not as popular and overcrowded as some other nomad hotspots, it gives you access to reliable Wifi and a growing number of coworking spaces. Cyprus is not a part of the Schengen area, so you’ll still be able to travel around the member states like Greece, Spain and Portugal. With its favorable climate, natural beauty, and digital nomad-friendly policies, it may just be the perfect place to enjoy a Cypriot lifestyle with a relatively low cost of living for Europe, while still being able to work remotely.
