Cyprus
Cyprus
All Students
All Students should note Cyprus is not part of the Schengen area. This means you can spend 90 visa free days in Cyprus without affecting your Schengen Visa free days.
Visa Options
All students can enter Cyprus for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for the following activities:
- Tourism
- Visiting family or friends
- Attending business meetings
- Cultural or sports event
- Short-term studying or training
Study (less than 3 months)
Study (less than 3 months)EU citizens do not need to obtain a visa but upon arrival will need to apply for an Residence Permit to the Migration Department within four months of their date of entry into the Republic of Cyprus. The Office of Admissions will assist with this procedure. All students EU and non-EU/non EEA must make sure they have health insurance coverage or alternatively the EU Hospitalisation Card/GHIC card. UK Students can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. During this time you can compete the following activities:
- Tourism
- Visiting family or friends
- Attending business meetings
- Cultural or sports events
- for short-term studying or training
Non-EU/Non-EEA Students who require a visa to enter Cyprus should apply for a Short-stay Visa (Category C).
For a list of countries which require a Visa please click here.
Gather Your Documents
- Passport or travel document
- The valid travel document must have been issued within the previous 10 years from the date of entry to the Republic of Cyprus.
- Completed and signed application form and one recent photograph per person endorsed on passport.
- Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover the cost of the intended stay.
- Submit a recent and original letter from school, college or university confirming attendance.
- Travel Itinerary.
- Confirmed booking for accommodation in the Republic of Cyprus.
For a full list of documentation click here.
How to Apply
The Cyprus High Commission has outsourced the collection of visa applications from third country nationals. You must submit your visa applications to the designated offices of VFS Global across the UK.
The Cyprus High Commission does not accept on-site applications. You will be referred to VFS Global for submitting their documents.
To book an appointment as well as for further information please click here.
Study (more than 6 months)
Study (more than 6 months)EU citizens do not need to obtain a Visa/Permit but upon arrival will need to apply for Issue of Residence Permit to the Migration Department within four (4) months of their date of entry into the Republic of Cyprus. The Office of Admissions will assist with this procedure.
All students EU and non-EU/non-EEA must make sure they have health insurance coverage or alternatively the EU Hospitalisation Card/GHIC card.
Gather Your Documents
Students who need to apply for a Student Visa should gather the following documents:
- Fully completed application form.
- An application fee or proof of payment of application
- Four passport-size photographs.
- Attested (certified true) copies of the student's academic qualifications.
- Evidence of proficiency in English (if applicable)
- A photocopy of their passport.
- A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the country of origin or residence..
- A recent financial guarantee issued by the student sponsor's bank stating that the specific costs of living and studying in Cyprus (i.e. living expenses and the tuition fees) for one academic year at the educational institution will be met by the sponsor (if applicable)
For a full list of documents, click here.
How to Apply
The Cyprus High Commission has outsourced the collection of visa applications for third country nationals. All applicants must submit their visa applications to the designated offices of VFS Global across the UK.
All applicants will be referred to VFS Global for submitting their documents.
Upon Arrival
Students must report to the educational institution on the first working day after their arrival to register and proceed with the remaining formalities needed for the issue of a temporary residence permit.
International students should register with the District Police Alien Branch within seven days as from the day of arrival in Cyprus. Within one week of arriving in Cyprus students are obliged to proceed with medical examinations and submit relevant medical certificates to the District Police Alien Branch.
Source: https://www.cyprusvisa.eu/cyprus-student-visa-migration-department.html
Work (less than 6 months)
Work (less than 6 months)In Cyprus a temporary residence permit for employment purposes, can be limited to the expected period of employment in the following cases:
- For a period of employment exceeding 3 months but not exceeding a year or when a person is working for a person providing services in the Republic.
- For seasonal employment exceeding 3 months, except for the cases where no permit is required (article 10 of N.92(I)/2003).
Source: https://www.cyprusvisa.eu/cyprus-eu-residence-work-permit.html
Nationals from EU Member States have the right to enter Cyprus by simply showing a valid EU passport or ID Card without having to register upon arrival. If there is an intention to stay for more than three months.
Gather Your Documents
Students need to have their employer apply for a work permit on their behalf prior to starting employment in Cyprus. You will need to gather the following documents:
- Application forms M.58 and M.64
- A photocopy of your passport
- A clean criminal record certificate of the foreigner
- Medical certificates of the foreigner
- A Bank letter of guarantee for 200-500 Cypriot Pounds, depending on the country of origin of the foreigner, to cover possible repatriation expenses, valid for six months after the expiration of the work contract
- A work contract, stamped by the Department of Labour of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance and stamped with a revenue stamp from the Revenue Stamps Registrar.
- A fee of 20 Cypriot Pounds for submission of application
How to Apply
Applications for a work permit are submitted by your host employer in Cyprus. During this time, your students work contract should be stamped.
Upon Arrival
- Apply within eight days of their arrival for an Alien Registration Certificate (ARC), at the local Immigration Branch of the Police
- Apply for a social insurance number securing employment in Cyprus
- Apply for a residence permit (the application must be submitted within 3 months pf arriving in Cyprus to the Civil Registration and Migration Department, through the local Immigration Branch of the Police
Work (more than 6 months)
Work (more than 6 months)A temporary residence permit for employment purposes, can be limited to the expected period of employment in the following cases:
- For a period of employment exceeding 3 months but not exceeding a year or when a person is working for a person providing services in the Republic.
- For seasonal employment exceeding 3 months, except for the cases where no permit is required (article 10 of N.92(I)/2003).
Source: https://www.cyprusvisa.eu/cyprus-eu-residence-work-permit.html
EU nationals do not need any visas/permit to enter Cyprus but for the purposes of employment will need to apply for a Registration Certificate. This application must be submitted within 4-months after entering Cyprus at the local Immigration Branch of the Police (a fine is imposed in case of non-compliance).
In applying for a registration certificate, the EU citizen must turn up personally at the Civil Registry and Migration Department (this service is for the time being, provided at the local Immigration Branch of the Police in all districts except Nicosia where a District Migration Office exists).
Gather Your Documents
Students should gather the following documents:
- duly completed standard form (obtainable from Civil Registry & Migration Dept or from the local Immigration Branch of the Police) depending on the category of residence permit one is applying for (employed activity, self-employment etc.).
- Valid Passport or ID Card
- 2 photos
- A fee of €8,54)
(Note: if one is applying for dependants, they present certified true copies of marriage certificate, birth certificates of children etc).
It is recommended students apply for a social insurance number upon securing employment in Cyprus.
Non-EU/Non-EEA Students who wish to enter for a period of 90 days will need to apply for a student permit from the Immigration Authorities. They should then sign a contract of employment, with an employer, and submit it to a District Employment Office for approval. The Employment Office will check the main conditions and if satisfied will approve the contract.
Source: https://www.mlsi.gov.cy/mlsi/dl/dl.nsf/page5h_en/page5h_en?OpenDocument