If you want to work in Cyprus as a citizen of an EU member state, you are free to look for a job. As a foreigner from outside the EU, you must obtain a work permit in Cyprus and you cannot just show up in the country and find a job. To work legally in Cyprus, you will need a work visa, which is issued to foreign nationals working in Cyprus for Cypriot companies.

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To perform seasonal work in Cyprus, you must have

• an entry permit for the purpose of employment; and
• a temporary residence and work permit.

Seasonal workers can be employed for a period of up to four months, which can be extended for another four months.

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Where and how to apply

Find an employer: First, you need to find an employer in Cyprus who is willing to provide you with seasonal work. This can be done by contacting hotels, restaurants, travel agencies or using online job portals.

Signing a contract: Once you have found an employer, you need to sign a contract that will define the working conditions, salary, duration of work and other important details.

First, the employer applies to the district employment center of the Labor Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance with a vacancy announcement. A labor market analysis is conducted to assess whether there are any local or European workers with the appropriate qualifications to fill the specific vacancy.

If the vacancy is not filled, the employer may apply for the employment of a non-EU national. After receiving a positive response from the Labor Department, the relevant employment contracts are signed and sealed.

Entry permit for the purpose of employment

After that, the employer submits an application for an entry permit for a non-EU citizen to the Civil Registry Office and Migration Department through the district police units for foreigners and immigration.

You have to

• undergo a medical examination;
• present a certificate of no criminal record;
• present a valid passport;
• attach to the application an employment contract duly certified by the seal of the Employment Center.
• The employer is also obliged to provide reasonable living conditions and a bank guarantee in case of your repatriation.

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Validity of permits

A work and residence permit is issued for a period of up to three months and can be extended for another eight months (four plus four months).

If you want to work in Cyprus, you must obtain a work permit in Cyprus if you are not a citizen of an EU member state.

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Which nationalities need a work permit to work in Cyprus?

All foreign nationals who wish to engage in paid work in Cyprus must obtain a work permit in Cyprus, with the exception of:

• Citizens of other European Union member states
• Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (EFTA).

Cyprus has been an EU member state since 2014. This means that all other EU citizens enjoy freedom of movement, residence and work in Cyprus. The same applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, which, despite being non-EU members, enjoy the same rights as EU citizens in terms of freedom of movement. 

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Under what conditions can you obtain a work permit in Cyprus?

You can only obtain a work permit in Cyprus if your employer can prove that the position could not be filled by a Cypriot or another EU citizen. 

For most non-EU workers coming to work in Cyprus, it is easier to find an employer in a foreign company operating in Cyprus. 

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Positions eligible for a work permit in Cyprus:

• As an executive director with an annual minimum salary of about 41,000 euros. Companies may employ no more than five foreign executive directors.
• Middle management personnel or other personnel with average qualifications, such as directors or middle managers or technical and clerical staff. The annual salary should be between EUR 21,000 and EUR 40,000.
• Support staff, which includes categories of workers who do not fall into either of the two previous categories, but only if there were no EU citizens available for the position. 

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What is the process of obtaining a work permit?

The process of obtaining a work permit in Cyprus:

1. Obtaining approval from the Cyprus Department of Labor
2. Applying for a work permit in Cyprus at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

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How long does it take to get a work permit in Cyprus?

The processing time in Cyprus is 4 to 6 weeks from the moment the migration department receives all your documents. However, in some cases it may take longer - up to six months. 

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What are the requirements for obtaining a work permit in Cyprus?

When applying for a work permit in Cyprus, you and your employer must obtain the following documents:

1. Application forms signed and stamped by the employer:

• Application for entry permit to Cyprus
• Application for a work permit

2. Photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport: personal information, date of issue/expiration, previous visas.

3. Your passport must be valid for at least as long as your employment contract.

4. Your original employment contract.

5. Police clearance certificate (original) issued by the police authorities of your country within the last six months.

6. Medical certificate (original) with results for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS and syphilis issued within the last 4 months.

7. A certificate of tax confirmation from your hiring company.

8. Existing staff in your employer's company as well as new programs.

9. A bank guarantee letter confirming that your employer has paid a guarantee for you (350-850 euros depending on your country). The guarantee must be valid for at least 12 months from the date of commencement of work.

10. Certificate of health insurance. When applying for a work visa to Cyprus, you need to take out health insurance, and upon arrival in Cyprus, you must also obtain health insurance that covers the duration of your stay.

11. The fee for a work permit/visa to Cyprus. 

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Applying for a work visa

Only after obtaining a work permit, you should apply for a work visa to Cyprus. A Cyprus work visa is simply an entry visa - it allows you to travel to Cyprus for the purpose of employment and long-term stay. You cannot get a work visa if you do not have a work permit. 

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What do I need to get a work visa for Cyprus?

1. Find the Cyprus embassy or consulate responsible for your region (in your country or the closest to you)

2. Contact them to make an appointment and find out about their specific requirements

Please bring the following documents with you:

• Your valid passport
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Certificate of medical examination
• Police clearance certificate
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your stay
• Medical travel insurance
• Your employment contract with the stamp of the Department of Labor
• Any other documents supporting your application or requested by the Cyprus Diplomatic Mission

3. Wait for your visa to be processed, which can take anywhere from 5-10 business days or more, depending on where you are applying from.

4. Once you have received your visa, you are free to travel to Cyprus, where you can then obtain a residence permit.

More information on the procedures for obtaining a work permit can be found on the Ministry's website: http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/crmd/crmd.nsf/faq_en/faq_en?OpenDocument

The Cyprus Labor Law establishes the rules and regulations that govern labor relations in the country. The main aspects that may affect labor and employee rights include the following:

1. Minimum wage: As of January 1, 2023, a minimum wage will come into force. The relevant resolution issued by the Council of Ministers in 2022 requires that the initial monthly gross salary be EUR 885 for the first six months of employment.
2. Working hours: Cyprus law sets a maximum working week of 48 hours per week. There are also mandatory breaks and vacations between shifts.
3. Vacations: According to Cypriot law, employees are entitled to paid annual vacation. The duration of the vacation may depend on the length of service and the employee's position.
4. Dismissal: The rules regarding the dismissal of employees in Cyprus are defined by law. The law provides for a dismissal procedure in which the employer must follow certain deadlines and procedures.
5. Social security: Employees in Cyprus are entitled to social security benefits, including health insurance, pension insurance and other social security benefits.

How to start a business in Cyprus

Starting a business in Cyprus is a fairly straightforward process.

The Cypriot government is known to be very supportive of foreign investors, attracting foreign capital through low bureaucratic red tape and a favorable tax system.

Successfully completing the business registration process in Cyprus will not take you more than ten days.

Entrepreneurs are advised to start a business with those regulated by the Companies Law, such as public limited companies, limited liability companies or companies with limited guarantee, as well as limited liability companies.

To establish a company in Cyprus, the investor must start by choosing a unique name and propose it to the Registrar of Companies.

Then, he must submit the Memorandum of Association drafted and notarized by a qualified lawyer, together with the specified documents, to the Official Receiver and Registrar of Companies at the Companies Division.

After registration, the Ministry of Taxes will provide you with a tax number and VAT number. The last step is to register your company in Cyprus at the Registrar of Companies Department (opens in a new tab)

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Types of companies to establish in Cyprus

Foreign investors have the same investment opportunities as Cypriot citizens. Although the most popular type of business is a limited liability company, there are other types of companies you can establish in Cyprus.

Here are some of them:

• Sole Proprietorship: It is usually used for small businesses and businesses with a single investor.
• Partnership: It is not often chosen, but it can be either limited or general.
• Unlimited liability company: These are limited liability companies that are limited by guarantee.
• Representative offices, branches and subsidiaries are also available for foreign investors. Cyprus law firms usually offer advice to investors wishing to start any of the above types of business in Cyprus.

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The process of company incorporation in Cyprus consists of several stages, including

1. Choosing a business structure: The first step is to decide on the legal structure of your business. Cyprus offers several options including private limited company (Ltd), public limited company (PLC), partnership and sole proprietorship.
2. Reserve a company name: Once you have decided on the legal structure of your business, you will need to choose a name for your company. 
3. Prepare and sign the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association: The next step is to draft a Memorandum and Articles of Association that outline the goals, rules, and regulations of your company. After that, the documents must be signed by the shareholders and directors of the company.
4. Register the company with the Registrar of Companies: After signing the Memorandum and Articles of Association, we proceed to register your company with the Cyprus Registrar of Companies. 
5. Obtain a tax identification number: After registration with the Registrar of Companies, we proceed to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Cyprus Tax Department. This number is required for all tax-related transactions in Cyprus.
6. Register with the Social Security Department: If you plan to hire staff in Cyprus, we will need to register your company with the Social Security Department. This will allow you to make contributions to social security and other social security schemes.
7. Open a bank account: The last step is to open a bank account in Cyprus. This will allow you to make business transactions and pay taxes.

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The establishment of companies in Cyprus usually involves certain legal requirements. Any business in Cyprus must meet the following mandatory requirements:

Registered office.

The company must have an official address in Cyprus to which notices (e.g. letters from the Registrar of Companies) are sent, company registers such as data on shareholders and directors, meetings and other relevant documents are kept.

Directors.

Companies in Cyprus are required to have two directors (or one director if it is a private company), who may be residents or foreigners. It is recommended to appoint local directors to create effective management and control in Cyprus.

Audit.

In accordance with International Standards on Accounting and Auditing, Cyprus companies must be audited annually by an auditing firm.

Secretary

Every company is obliged to appoint an individual or a company as a company secretary. The company secretary can be either a Cyprus resident or a foreigner.

Share capital

According to the Cyprus Companies Law, there is no minimum share capital requirement for private companies, while the minimum capital for a public company is €25,629.

Annual General Meeting

All Cyprus companies must hold a shareholders' meeting at least once a year within 18 months from the date of incorporation. To better understand this concept, read our guide to holding an annual general meeting in Cyprus to ensure that you conduct it properly.

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Costs associated with doing business in Cyprus

One of the most challenging aspects of setting up a company in Cyprus is the costs involved in opening and operating it.

If you want the process of running a company to be hassle-free, it is important to be aware of these costs and fully prepare your budget.

Below are a few costs that we think are worth mentioning:

Business registration

Business owners can choose whether to pay for company registration online or offline. Online registration is usually paid for by credit card, while offline payment can be submitted manually or by mail.

Approval of the name

For each proposed company name, a fee of 10 euros must be paid.

Maintaining an office

Having a registered office is considered a prerequisite for doing business in Cyprus. The fees for maintaining a Cyprus office may vary depending on the service provider. Business owners can choose the options that best suit their needs.

In addition to the initial opening costs, it is also important for companies to keep track of office maintenance costs to keep their business active.

Annual fee

Every registered company that has established a place of business in Cyprus must pay an annual fee of €350 by June 30 for each year of operation.

Accounting services

Every company in Cyprus must maintain proper accounting records in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the provisions of the Companies Law.

If business owners choose to consult a professional accountant, the cost of accounting will depend on the services provided.

Opening a bank account

You should consider the costs associated with opening a corporate bank account. The actual amount may vary significantly depending on the bank and the services associated with the account.

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Business visa

Whenever you are considering doing business in another country, there are certain formalities that need to be taken care of. First of all, you need to know what kind of business you are going to run in Cyprus. Obtaining a business visa is the most important thing to do in this case. A Cyprus business visa provides you with various privileges. With this permit, you can attend any business events, such as business conferences, business meetings for your organization's branch or subsidiary, meetings with clients, and others. The visa is valid for one year, during which you can stay in the country for 90 days per visit. This visa is usually multiple entry.

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How to apply?

The process of applying for a business visa takes place offline. However, before doing so, you need to make sure that you are eligible to apply for the visa. You must make sure that you have a valid passport and other important documents that are required. You must follow the guidelines put forward by the consulate and the Department of Civil Registration and Immigration.

Below is a step-by-step procedure for obtaining a visa:

1. Visit the official website of the Cyprus High Commission.
2. Go to the "Visas" section and select the Cyprus business visa application form.
3. Download and print the form.
4. After that, you can fill out the application form with all the necessary data from your passport and other documents.
5. Sign the form and attach supporting documents.
6. Then you can submit the form to the office of the Cyprus High Commission in New Delhi.
7. When filling out the Cyprus business visa application form, make sure that the information and data provided in the visa application form matches the data in your passport and other documents. If the information in the application form is incorrect or unverified, there is a possibility that the visa application will be rejected. Such a visa refusal may even affect your future applications for any visa to Cyprus or any other country. To avoid this, you may even want to seek professional advice to make sure you don't make a mistake that could have consequences.

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Eligibility for a visa

When applying for a business visa, you will need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. There are certain parameters that you need to pay attention to before filling out the application form.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

1. You must have proper proof of your business to present to the authorities.

2. If you have been invited to a business conference or to a business or client meeting, you must provide the embassy with an invitation letter from the company.

3. You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Cyprus.
• You must undergo a medical examination before traveling to the country and provide appropriate documentary evidence.

You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.

4. You must meet the personality requirements

You must have a good reputation and genuine intention to work in Cyprus.

You must provide appropriate documentary evidence of this (upon request) in the form of a police clearance certificate (PCC).

5. You must have sufficient funds

You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Cyprus.

You must provide a bank statement or any other equivalent document, as well as proof that.

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Documents required

The documents required to obtain a Cyprus business visa are as follows:

• Original passport valid for at least 6 months prior to the date of travel.
• Visa application form, fully completed and signed
• Color photos in accordance with the photo requirements
• Cover letter with all the necessary data
• Confirmed airline tickets
• Declaration of income
• Medical insurance during the trip
• Detailed travel itinerary
• Letter from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Certificate of registration of the inviting company
• Confirmation of accommodation - invitation letter, hotel reservation, etc.
• Confirmation of the purpose of the visit - an invitation letter, a pass to an exhibition or conference, etc. 
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement or any other equivalent document.

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Processing time

The processing time required to issue a Cyprus business visa is about 15 days. The time may vary depending on certain factors, such as the workload of the consular section, staff availability, availability of a complete package of documents or remaining documents that still need to be submitted, and others. Depending on these parameters, the time may increase or decrease. An additional factor that may affect is the requirement of document certification for commercial documents.

1. Work on your English: Knowledge of English is considered important in Cyprus, especially in the business environment. Improve your language skills, including specialized terms used in your industry.
2. You can find a job in Cyprus by yourself using this job search site. You can also search for job offers using the special mobile application Jobs in Cyprus - Limassol Jobs (Android and iOS). Here you can find jobs by category, such as IT jobs, hotel jobs, driving jobs, part-time jobs, etc.
3. You can also benefit from free assistance from the Cyprus Employment Agency, which includes support in your job search, primarily through mediation and career counseling. The list of contacts of the Employment Bureau can be found here.
4. Upon hiring you, the employer is obliged to conclude a written employment contract with you, which will specify the terms and conditions of work and remuneration. Do not agree to work without signing a written contract. Without a signed contract, you are working illegally and are deprived of the legal rights that arise from legal employment.