According to the announcement, the scheme “aims to attract nationals from non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries, allowing them to reside in Cyprus”. This is conditional on the premise that their work “is carried out remotely, using technology, for companies or clients established abroad“. “The purpose of the scheme is to strengthen Cyprus as a hub for electronic services,” the announcement stated. “Combined with the country’s other advantages, attracting digital nomads will contribute to the development of the business ecosystem and, consequently, to the economic growth of the country,” it added. Moreover, the migration department encouraged any interested individuals to visit its website for more information and to access the necessary application forms.

What is the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme and who can apply?

The Council of Ministers approved the Digital Nomad Visa Scheme on October 15, 2021, initially allowing 100 residence permits on a first-come, first-served basis. On March 3, 2022, the cabinet decided to increase the number of residence permits to 500. The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa targets non-EU and non-EEA nationals who can perform their work remotely through IT technologies. Eligible applicants must either be employed by their own company or another company registered abroad or be self-employed, providing services to clients based outside Cyprus. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate stable and adequate monthly living resources of at least €3,500 after deductions for taxes and contributions.

What are the benefits of the scheme?

Successful applicants receive a temporary residence permit in Cyprus for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years. Family members of digital nomads can also reside in Cyprus for the same duration as the primary applicant but are not permitted to engage in employment or any other form of economic activity in the country. If digital nomads reside in Cyprus for at least 183 days within a tax year, they will be considered tax residents of Cyprus, provided they are not tax residents in any other country.

What about the family members of nomad visa holders?

Family members of digital nomads are eligible to reside in Cyprus for the same period as the primary permit holder. This includes spouses, civil partners, and underaged children. However, they must obtain a temporary residence permit and follow the required application process.

Application process, fees, and processing time

Applicants must submit their applications along with the required documents to the central offices of the migration department in Nicosia within three months of arrival in Cyprus. If the applicant is already residing legally in Cyprus under a different status, they may apply for the Digital Nomad Visa at the civil registry and migration department in Nicosia. Applications can be submitted personally or through an authorised representative. Incomplete applications will not be processed. During the application process, biometric data, including a photograph and fingerprints, will be collected at the department’s offices in Nicosia or at the aliens and district immigration office of the Cyprus police. Children under six years old are only required to provide a photograph. Applicants must pay €70 for the issuance or renewal of a temporary residence permit, while first-time registrants must also pay €70 for registration in the aliens registry. The processing time for applications ranges between five to seven weeks.

What is the duration of the temporary residence permit?

The initial temporary residence permit is valid for one year. Upon renewal, a new permit can be issued for a maximum duration of two years. Applicants are advised to submit renewal applications along with the necessary documents at least one month before the permit’s expiration.

If an application is approved, the applicant will receive a letter outlining the procedure for collecting the residence permit. In the case of a rejection, a letter explaining the reasons for refusal will be issued.

Source: Cyprus Mail