If you are setting up a company in Cyprus and plan to run it from here, you will need the right to live and work in the country. What you need depends mostly on your nationality. This guide gives an overview; immigration policy changes from time to time, so always check the current rules before you apply.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland do not need a work permit. You can move to Cyprus, take up a directorship or start working straight away. If you stay longer than three months, you register with the Civil Registry and Migration Department and receive a registration certificate, sometimes called the “yellow slip”.
Non-EU citizens: the company of foreign interests route
For non-EU founders, the most common route is to set up a company of foreign interests. Once the company qualifies, it can bring in non-EU directors and key staff through a streamlined procedure run with the Business Facilitation Unit. The main conditions currently include:
- Ownership: the company can be up to 100% owned by non-EU nationals.
- Investment: a minimum investment in Cyprus, currently €200,000, brought in from abroad and shown in a Cyprus bank account or spent on the business, such as office premises and equipment.
- Office: its own premises in Cyprus, separate from any private home.
- Salary: key personnel such as directors and specialists must generally be paid at least €2,500 gross per month.
Approved key personnel can receive a combined work and residence permit, normally for up to three years and renewable, linked to their employment contract.
What you will usually need
- Your Cyprus company, its registration documents and a Cyprus bank account. See our guide on opening a bank account for a Cyprus company.
- Evidence of the investment and of the company’s office premises.
- An employment contract that meets the salary requirement.
- A valid passport, a clean criminal record certificate and medical insurance.
- Proof of qualifications or experience for key positions.
Documents issued abroad usually need an apostille and a certified translation. Our apostille and certification service can help.
Staying compliant every year
Companies that employ non-EU staff under this scheme must keep meeting the conditions, and the authorities ask for proof each year, such as audited financial statements and tax clearance. Keeping your annual return and company filings up to date makes this much easier. See also our guide to the annual return (HE32).
Family members
Directors and key staff can usually apply for their spouse and minor children to join them, subject to the conditions in force. Spouses of key personnel may also be allowed to work.
This guide is a general overview, not legal advice. Thresholds, salaries and procedures are set by the Cyprus authorities and can change. We confirm the current requirements for your situation before you apply.
How CyCorporate helps
We set up the company, help with the bank account and office, prepare the permit applications and handle the follow-up. See our work and residence permit service.
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a work permit to run a company in Cyprus?
No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work in Cyprus freely. If they stay longer than three months they register with the Civil Registry and Migration Department and receive a registration certificate.
What is a company of foreign interests?
It is a Cyprus company, majority or fully owned by non-EU nationals, that meets conditions set by the authorities, including a minimum investment in Cyprus and its own office premises. Once approved it can employ non-EU directors and key staff under a faster procedure through the Business Facilitation Unit.
What is the minimum salary for a non-EU director?
Under the current policy for companies of foreign interests, key personnel such as directors and specialists must generally earn at least €2,500 gross per month. The figure is set by the authorities and can change, so we check it at the time of your application.
Can my family join me in Cyprus?
In many cases, yes. Key personnel of companies of foreign interests can usually apply for their spouse and minor children to join them, subject to the conditions in force at the time.