Work visas
Cypriot Companies of Foreign Interests Employment Permit
A fast, quota-free work and residence route for staff of eligible foreign-interest companies based in Cyprus.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Salary thresholds for 'highly paid' status and exact permit fees are not stated as verified figures here; confirm current thresholds in the Migration Department policy.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Cyprus government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Employment of third-country nationals in companies of foreign interests
- Route type
- Employer-sponsored work and residence permit (talent/business strategy)
- Quotas
- Maximum quotas for highly paid foreign staff cancelled; no labour market test
- Qualifying employee
- Relevant degree or at least 2 years' relevant experience; contract of at least 2 years
- Local staffing commitment
- Company to employ 30% Cypriot/EU staff over 5 years
- Processing
- Applications examined within one month when duly completed
- Permit duration
- Up to three consecutive years, depending on the employment contract
Who it is for
- Executives and highly paid specialist staff of Cyprus-registered companies of foreign interests
- Foreign-owned businesses relocating or headquartering in Cyprus
- Their eligible family members via the dedicated family route
Requirements
- The employing company qualifies as a company of foreign interests under the policy
- Employee holds a relevant academic qualification or at least two years of relevant experience
- Employment contract of at least two years' duration
- Valid passport, clean criminal record and health insurance
- Company commitment to employ 30% Cypriot/EU staff over five years
What you can do
- Live and work in Cyprus for the sponsoring foreign-interest company
- Highly paid staff may reside without a fixed time limit while holding a valid permit
- Bring family members through the associated family-reunification route
How to apply
- The company applies to the Civil Registry and Migration Department for entry and residence/employment permits
- Provide the qualifying employment contract, company registration and eligibility evidence
- Applications for duly completed files are examined within one month
- On arrival, register and provide biometric data to collect the permit
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.