Work Permit

EU Nationals
Since Cyprus is a member of the EU, EU nationals have the right to enter the country with an identity card or valid passport. However, EU citizens are still required to submit an application for a Registration Certificate to the Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department within 4 months of their arrival.
The following documents have to be submitted at the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia, by arranging an appointment here, or the District Units of the Aliens and Immigration Service of the Police in Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Famagusta (contact details here). The registration certificate is issued within 6 months from the date of application.
1. Application Form MEU1
2. Valid Passport or identity card, and copies.
3. Confirmation of Engagement by the employer (Part III of the application) or certificate of employment.
4. Two Passport-sized photographs, which are captured during the appliction submission process.
EU citizens should also apply for a social insurancenumber upon securing employment in Cyprus. Please see the page on Social Insurance for details.
The nationals of all member states have the same rights for free access in the labour market and equal treatment as Cypriot nationals. The members of the family of a European national have to right to exercise an employed or self-employed activity in the Republic.
Non-EU Nationals
Non-EU Researchers are required to submit an application for a Temporary Residence Permit to the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 10 days from their date of entry in the country. The following documents have to be submitted at the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia, by arranging an appointment here, or the District Units of the Aliens and Immigration Service of the Police in Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Famagusta (contact details here).Application Form M61.
1. Copy of passport, valid for at least 2 years.
2. Employment Contract.
3. Original Entry Permit (blue slip).
4. Original medical examinations for hepatitis B and C, HIV and Syphilis as well as Chest X-Ray (testing for Tuberculosis).
5. Proof of comprehensive Health Insurance in the Republic of Cyprus, for the coverage of corpse transport costs.
6. Copy of the Rental Agreement/contract certified by the President of a Community Council (your landlord will be able to direct you to the President of the Community Council in the area of your flat).
7. Confirmation from a bank in the Republic of Cyprus that the Researcher has a bank account in Cyprus. Please note that, to open a bank account in Cyprus, Banks usually require for the Rental Agreement to also be signed by two Cypriot witnesses (ID and telephone number required).
Further information on the employment of Third-Country nationals in Cyprus are provided by the Department of Labour, here.
Non-EU citizens should also apply for a social insurancenumber upon securing employment in Cyprus. Please see the page on Social Insurance for details.
The Republic of Cyprus secures equal treatment between foreign workers and local personnel through its Constitution, which guarantees the protection of human rights regardless race, religion or ethnic origin.
More specifically Article 28(2) of the Constitution provides that: “Every person shall enjoy all the rights and liberties provided for in this Constitution, without any direct or indirect discrimination against any person on the ground of his community, race, religion, language, sex, political or other convictions, national or social descent, birth, colour, wealth, social class or any other ground whatsoever”.
Moreover the Cyprus Government has also accepted Article 19 of the Revised European Social Charter (i.e. the right of the migrant workers and their families to protection and assistance). These instruments provide, inter alia, for no less favourable treatment for migrant workers than that of nationals.