A Visitor Visa, also known as a Pink Slip, is a temporary residence permit that allows non-EU citizens to reside in Cyprus for more than 90 days. This permit is suitable for those who wish to extend their stay in the country for personal or family reasons, essentially allowing them to live in Cyprus on a long-term basis.
Contents
Main Rules and Restrictions
- Validity and Renewal: The Pink Slip is issued for one year and can be renewed annually an unlimited number of times. If you leave Cyprus for more than three consecutive months, the permit will be automatically canceled.
- No Right to Work: Holders of the Pink Slip are not allowed to work in Cyprus, except for remote work for foreign companies.
- Family Members: A spouse and children under 18 years old can obtain a Visitor Visa as dependents.
Process of Obtaining a Pink Slip
Required Documents:
- Passport Copy: A copy of a valid passport with a remaining validity of at least one year and three months from the date of application.
- Entry Stamp: A copy of the passport page with the most recent entry stamp into Cyprus.
- Criminal Record Certificate: A criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence, notarized and translated into English or Greek. This document is required only for the initial application and must be issued no later than three months before the application.
- Medical Tests: Health certificates, including tests for hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and a chest X-ray to confirm the absence of tuberculosis. These documents are required only for the first permit application.
- Bank Guarantee: A letter from a Cypriot bank valid for 10 years to cover potential deportation costs. The amount depends on the applicant’s country of origin: €350 for Middle Eastern countries, €550 for European and Eastern European countries, and €850 for African, American, and Asian countries. The bank guarantee is issued once but must be provided annually to the migration department.
- Health Insurance (Plan A): A health insurance policy covering outpatient and inpatient treatment as well as repatriation in case of death. The policy is issued annually and costs around €150-200 per person per year.
- Accommodation: A one-year rental agreement certified by a certified officer and stamped. Certification and stamps cost approximately €20. Property ownership documents in Cyprus, certified by the relevant authorities, are also accepted.
Additional Documents:
- Financial Stability: Proof of sufficient funds to live in Cyprus. The minimum amount is €24,000 per year for one applicant. For a spouse, this amount increases by 20% (€4,800), and for each child by 15% (€3,600). Additionally, a detailed bank statement from a Cypriot bank for the last 12 months must be provided, confirming the receipt of funds from abroad. The source of income for the main applicant must be from abroad (proof of income is required), but receiving dividends from a Cypriot company is allowed if the applicant does not receive a salary (a letter from the company’s auditor is required). The bank account balance at the time of application should be at least €6,000.
- Children’s Birth Certificates: Translated and notarized birth certificates for children.
- Marriage Certificate: Translated and notarized marriage certificate for the applicant’s spouse.
- School Certificate: If children are enrolled in school, a certificate from the educational institution confirming their enrollment is required.
- Notarized Authorizations: If there are notarized authorizations for children’s residence from the second parent, original, officially certified translations and copies of these authorizations must be provided annually.
- MVIS6 Form: Completed MVIS6 form for each family member.
Tip: Prepare copies of all documents you bring to the migration department to avoid accidentally handing over originals. Retrieving them later can be difficult, so make sure to have copies ready in advance.
Booking an Appointment
Appointments are booked via email no earlier than three months before the intended application date. After booking, you will receive confirmation within a few days with the appointment date and time.
Submitting the Application
After submitting the application and all necessary documents to the local migration office, state fees must be paid:
- Application Fee: €70 for each family member.
- Registration in the Foreigners Register (only for the initial application): An additional fee of €70 per family member is charged for first-time applicants. Upon registration, a yellow slip with a foreigner number is issued.
During the application submission, photographs and fingerprints will also be taken. After submitting the documents, a receipt is issued, allowing legal residence in Cyprus until the plastic temporary residence card is received.
Waiting for the Decision
The application processing time takes about 4-6 months for the first permit and up to a year for renewals. During this period, the applicant has the right to legally stay in Cyprus with the receipt confirming the application submission. To check the status of the application, send an SMS to 1199 with the text STATUS ******/202* (enter your receipt number).
Receiving the Plastic Residence Permit
After the application is approved, a plastic temporary residence card is issued. The waiting time for the card can take several months, depending on the workload of the migration services.
Migration Department Addresses
Below are the addresses of the migration departments in various cities in Cyprus:
- Nicosia: Agamemnonos 6, Engomi, 2411 Nicosia
- Limassol: Franglinou Rousvelt 223, Zakaki, Building “D. Nikolaou”, 2nd floor, 3046 Limassol
- Larnaka: Piale Piasha 75, 6027 Larnaka
- Pafos: Eleftheriou Venizelou & Kaningos 22, 2nd floor, 8021 Pafos
- Famagusta: Eleftherias 83, Tatolos Bld, Derynia Plaza, 1st floor, 5380 Derynia
The process of obtaining a Pink Slip in Cyprus requires careful preparation and timely submission of all necessary documents. Adhering to all requirements and correctly preparing the documentation will help you successfully extend your stay in Cyprus. Although this process may seem complex, with attention to detail and adherence to all procedures, you can smoothly obtain your residence permit and enjoy permanent residence on this beautiful island.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Do not rely on the information in this article without obtaining independent advice that considers the specific circumstances of your case. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any losses that may arise from actions or inactions based on this article.
