Cyprus has become a popular destination for highly skilled professionals thanks to its favorable business climate, low taxes, and rapidly growing economic sectors. Many international companies are opening offices on the island, creating demand for experienced professionals in IT, finance, construction, and management. For legal employment, Russian citizens, like other third-country nationals, must obtain a work visa. The process of obtaining a work visa involves several stages requiring strict adherence to immigration rules, but it opens up access to wide opportunities for professional growth, tax benefits, and the prospect of long-term residency in Cyprus.
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Why do Russians choose Cyprus?
Cyprus attracts Russians with several key factors:
- Low taxes: Cyprus has one of the most favorable tax systems in the European Union, with a corporate tax rate of 12.5%. This makes the island attractive to international companies, which create jobs.
- High standard of living: Cyprus is known for its quality infrastructure, medical services, and favorable social environment.
- Growth in key industries: In sectors such as finance, tourism, IT, real estate, and construction, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals.
Main stages of obtaining a work visa
To obtain a work visa, Russians need to go through several stages. The process requires compliance with strict immigration requirements, which include both finding a job and submitting the necessary documents.
Finding an employer
The first and most important step in obtaining a work visa in Cyprus is to find an employer who is willing to offer a job and process a work permit. This can be a Cypriot company or a branch of a foreign company registered in Cyprus.
The company must prove that no suitable candidate could be found among Cypriot citizens or other EU countries. For this, the employer publishes the vacancy in local newspapers and in the Ministry of Labor’s database. If no local candidates are found within 40 working days, the company can apply to hire a foreign worker, in this case, a Russian citizen.
Submitting a work permit application
The employer submits an application for a work permit to the Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department. This application includes all the information about the position, the company, and the foreign candidate. Importantly, the Russian citizen cannot apply independently — this is always the employer’s responsibility.
Key documents the employer needs to provide:
- Company registration certificate.
- Proof of the office location.
- A certificate confirming that more than 50% of the company’s capital is owned by foreign nationals (for companies of international interest).
- Company tax documents and audited financial statements (for existing companies).
If the company passes the check, the application is considered, and the employer receives permission to hire a foreign worker.
Obtaining a work visa
Once the work permit is approved, the Russian citizen receives an entry visa to Cyprus. The visa is necessary for legal entry into Cyprus for employment. This process involves submitting a visa application, which must be done at least three months before the intended entry date.
After receiving the entry visa, the Russian citizen can enter Cyprus and start the process of obtaining a work residence permit, which will also include a work permit. This must be done within 7 days of arrival.
Document requirements
To obtain a work visa, a Russian citizen will need to prepare several important documents. Here are the main ones:
- Passport: The passport must be valid for at least two years from the date of application.
- Employment contract: The contract must be for a period of at least two years and certified by the employer.
- Medical certificates: These include tests for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C, which must be conducted in Cyprus upon arrival.
- Criminal record certificate: This document must be obtained from the country of citizenship (in this case, Russia), translated, and apostilled.
- Bank guarantee: Covers potential repatriation costs. For Russian citizens, this amount is €550.
- Rental agreement or property ownership certificate: Proof of housing in Cyprus for more than one year must be provided.
Work visa for companies of international interest (BCS)
One of the most popular types of work visas for Russians in Cyprus is the visa for employment in companies of international interest (BCS). These companies are allowed to hire foreign employees if more than 50% of their capital is owned by non-EU citizens. It is important to note that to obtain this status, a minimum investment of €200,000 in the company’s share capital must be proven, transferred from abroad. This amount can be used for business purposes such as office rental, equipment purchase, and infrastructure development.
The status of a company of international interest exempts employers from the need to conduct complex checks of the EU labor market. This simplifies the hiring process for foreign specialists since companies can attract employees without the obligation to confirm the absence of candidates from the EU. It also allows employees to obtain work visas and residence permits more quickly and easily.
Working conditions for Russians in Cyprus
Working in Cyprus for Russians who have obtained a work visa requires compliance with several conditions determined by both immigration laws and employer requirements.
Minimum salary
One of the key factors is the minimum salary, which depends on the employee’s position and qualifications. In companies of international interest (BCS), the following minimum rates are established:
- Directors must receive at least €4,000 per month.
- Mid-level managers and key specialists — from €2,500 per month.
- Technical and administrative staff may receive a lower salary, but their employment requires additional approval from the Ministry of Labor.
Work visa validity and extension
Initially, the work visa is issued for up to three years, but upon expiration, it can be extended under certain conditions. Extending the work visa is the employer’s responsibility, who must confirm the fulfillment of all tax obligations and payment of social contributions for the employee.
An important condition for renewal is that the company must have a stable financial position and fulfill its obligations to the state. The employer must apply for an extension at least one month before the current permit expires.
Opportunities for family members
One of the significant advantages of working in Cyprus is the possibility for foreign employees to bring their families under the family reunification program. This program allows spouses and minor children to legally reside in Cyprus and, in some cases, work.
Family reunification
After obtaining a work visa, employees can apply for family reunification for their spouses and children under 18 years old. Spouses are allowed to work in Cyprus if the principal applicant’s salary is at least €2,500 per month. The process of applying for family reunification usually takes about a month and requires documents proving family relationships, such as marriage and birth certificates.
Living conditions for family members
Family members (minor children, spouse, parents of the applicant) receive a temporary residence permit, which usually corresponds to the validity period of the primary employee’s residence permit. This allows them to live in Cyprus together with the primary applicant for the entire duration of their employment contract. In some cases, the residence permit can be extended if the primary applicant renews their work visa.
Tax benefits and advantages
Foreign employees in Cyprus can take advantage of several tax benefits that make working on the island even more attractive. Cyprus offers one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe, making it an appealing destination for international companies and their employees.
Tax benefits for companies and employees
Cyprus has a flat corporate tax rate of 12.5%, one of the lowest in the Eurozone. This allows companies of international interest (BCS) to significantly reduce their tax obligations, which in turn promotes job creation for foreign specialists.
Additionally, Cyprus tax law provides exemptions for non-residents, including exemptions from taxation on dividends and interest. This is especially beneficial for foreign employees who plan to stay long-term on the island and earn income from investments. There is also a 50% tax exemption on salary income. For more details, refer to our article on salaries in Cyprus.
“Non-domicile” tax status
One of the key benefits for foreign employees is the possibility of obtaining “non-domicile” status. This status exempts non-residents from paying taxes on dividends, interest, and capital gains, making Cyprus particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and high-earning professionals.
Foreign employees can apply for this status if they reside in Cyprus for more than 183 days a year but have not been tax residents of another country for the previous 17 years. This status allows for significant tax reductions and financial benefits.
Long-term stay and the possibility of obtaining citizenship
Working in Cyprus not only provides the opportunity for legal employment but also opens up prospects for long-term residence and, eventually, obtaining citizenship.
Temporary and permanent residence
Employees who have lived in Cyprus for 5 years can apply for a Long-Term Residence Permit (LTRP). This status allows individuals to live and work in Cyprus without the need to renew temporary work visas.
Cypriot citizenship
After 8 years of residence in Cyprus, employees can apply for Cypriot citizenship. This process requires meeting several conditions, including knowledge of the Greek language at level B1, having a stable income, no legal violations, and payment of all taxes. Cypriot citizenship grants full EU citizen rights, including free movement across EU countries and access to EU educational and social programs. For employees of BCS companies, an accelerated procedure for obtaining Cypriot citizenship is available after 4-5 years of residence. They must also pass a Greek language exam at level A2 or B1. More details are available in our article on Cypriot citizenship through naturalization.
A work visa in Cyprus for Russians is not only an opportunity for legal employment on the island but also comes with various benefits, including tax advantages, family reunification, and the possibility of obtaining citizenship. Cyprus continues to attract professionals from around the world, offering favorable conditions for work and life.
