Cyprus EU Blue Card

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 29, 2025

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2026

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The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals who want to live and work in Cyprus. Until recently, Cyprus was not issuing EU Blue Cards, but as of July 2025, the Migration Department began accepting applications under its updated process. The EU Blue Card gives holders the same rights as Cypriot citizens in terms of working conditions, education, training, and social security. It also opens up mobility and job opportunities to other EU countries, with a few exceptions like Denmark or Ireland.

The Cypriot EU Blue Card has other “sibling” visas in Europe. For example, France has their own EU Blue Card pathway, and so does Belgium.

 

Who can apply for the EU Blue Card in Cyprus?

To apply for the EU Blue Card in Cyprus, you must be a third-country national (not from the EU) and qualify as a highly qualified worker. You must have a valid job offer or employment contract for at least six months in one of the designated highly skilled sectors: information and communication technologies (ICT), pharmaceutical research, or shipping (excluding ship captains and crew).

The job must meet the minimum gross annual salary threshold of €43,632. This amount is about 1.4 times the national average wage, in line with EU directive guidelines. The law states that the salary for Blue Card jobs cannot be lower than the average gross annual salary in the country concerned.

Applicants must also hold a higher education degree or have at least three years of relevant professional experience in the past seven years. The EU Blue Card initiative is mainly designed for managers and professionals in ICT.

How long is the EU Blue Card valid for?

In Cyprus, the EU Blue Card is usually valid for two years. After that, you can renew it, with each renewal valid for up to three years as long as you continue to meet the conditions.

If your employment contract is shorter than 2 years, the card will match the contract length plus three months, capped at 24 months.

How to apply for the EU Blue Card in Cyprus

Applications for the EU Blue Card are submitted to the Director of the Civil Registry and Migration Department. The process involves an employer first applying for an entry permit (M70) for you. With that entry permit and a valid travel document, you may travel to Cyprus and then, within seven days of arrival, apply in person for the residence permit. Biometric data will be collected as part of that step.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Under EU rules, a Blue Card application should be processed within 90 days from the date you submit it. In Cyprus, however, the official guidance allows up to four months for the Civil Registry and Migration Department to examine the application. The decision must then be sent in writing to the applicant. In practice, you should expect the process to take around three to four months.

EU Blue Card requirements and documents

You must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Completed application form (e.g. MGEN2 and, later, form MBCEU1)
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond the requested permit period
• Medical tests for hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and chest X-ray for tuberculosis (no older than four months) (Note: Yes, this sounds so far-fetched that you’d think it’s a mistake or an outdated request, especially because it might even contradict some privacy regulations in the EU. But yes, the government officially asks for this!)
• Certificate of no criminal record from your country of origin or residence (no older than six months)
• Approval from the Department of Labour allowing the employer to employ third-country nationals
• Identity card copy of the employer (if a natural person)
• Original signed and stamped employment contract plus three copies
• Declaration covering your repatriation costs

Upon arrival in Cyprus, you must also provide:

• Entry permit (M70) and passport page showing your latest arrival
• Health insurance (either a private plan covering full care and repatriation, or registration with GeSY plus insurance for repatriation of mortal remains)
• Employer’s liability insurance
• Proof of residence address in Cyprus

Note: All documents must be in Greek or English. If they are in another language, a certified translation into Greek or English is needed.

What are the fees for the EU Blue Card in Cyprus?

The press release announcing the launch of the EU Blue Card in Cyprus does not mention official fees for either the entry permit or the card itself. The Migration Department is expected to publish the official amounts in its checklists and guidance. For now, you can look at the EU Blue Card fees in other countries such as Germany or France to get a rough estimate until the Cypriot authorities release their own figures.

Step-by-step: How to get the EU Blue Card in Cyprus

Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps to apply for the EU Blue Card in Cyprus:

Step #1 – Check your eligibility

To qualify, you must:

• Be a third-country national.
• Have a valid job offer or contract for at least six months in ICT, pharmaceutical research, or shipping (excluding ship captains and crew).
• Minimum gross annual salary of €43,632.
• Have a higher education degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience in the past seven years.

Step #2 – Employer applies for your entry permit

• Your employer submits the M70 entry permit application on your behalf.
• Once approved, travel to Cyprus with the entry permit and a valid passport.

Step #3 – Apply for the EU Blue Card residence permit

• Submit your application in person to the Civil Registry and Migration Department within seven days of arrival.
• Provide all required documents, including employment contract, medical tests, criminal record certificate, and proof of health insurance.
• Biometric data will be collected during this step.

Step #4 – Wait for the decision

The Civil Registry and Migration Department may take up to four months to examine your application. You will receive the decision in writing.

Step #5 – Renew your Blue Card if needed

The initial EU Blue Card is usually valid for two years. Renewals can be granted for up to three years each, as long as you continue to meet the conditions. If your employment contract is shorter than two years, the card will match the contract length plus three months, capped at 24 months.

Step #6 – Include your family (optional)

Spouses and children can join you under family reunification. Their residence permits will match the duration of your Blue Card, and spouses can work in Cyprus without a separate permit.

Step #7 – Moving within the EU (optional)

After 12 months of legal residence in Cyprus with a Blue Card, you can apply for a Blue Card in another EU country. Similarly, if you already hold a Blue Card from another EU country and have legally resided there for 12 months, you can apply for a Cyprus Blue Card upon arrival.

Can family members join you in Cyprus?

Yes. If you hold a Cyprus EU Blue Card, your spouse and children can join you under family reunification. Their residence permits are valid for the same duration as yours, and spouses can work in Cyprus without having to apply for a separate permit. Applications for family members can be submitted simultaneously or after your own Blue Card is issued.

Can you move to Cyprus with a Blue Card from another EU country?

Once you hold an EU Blue Card in any EU member state, you can relocate and apply for one in Cyprus after legally residing for 12 months elsewhere. This is not an automatic move; you must apply for a new Blue Card in Cyprus once you arrive and make sure you meet the specific requirements and salary threshold. Similarly, after 12 months of legal residence in Cyprus, you can apply for a Blue Card in other EU countries like the Netherlands, Austria, or Germany with little paperwork. Still, each relocation is subject to the rules and requirements of the country you are moving to.

Note: Under the EU Blue Card rules, before the 12-month period is completed, you can also spend up to 90 days within a 180-day window in Cyprus or another EU country for professional purposes without a separate visa.

Is the EU Blue Card a step towards permanent residence in Cyprus?

Yes. In Cyprus, the EU Blue Card is a clear path to permanent residence and Cyprus citizenship. After 33 months of continuous residence in Cyprus under the EU Blue Card, with local language skills and social insurance contributions met, you can apply for permanent residence. After a total of five years in Cyprus, the time already spent on the Blue Card included, you may become eligible for Cyprus citizenship.

In addition, time spent on a Blue Card in Cyprus or other EU countries can count toward eligibility for EU long-term residence. This makes the EU Blue Card one of the strongest paths for non-EU professionals seeking long-term status in Europe.

Get support from relocation specialists

The EU Blue Card in Cyprus gives you equal treatment with Cypriot citizens in working conditions, education, training, and social security. Still, the application process can be challenging because many forms and official documents are in Greek, and Cyprus has only recently started accepting EU Blue Card applications, so the path is still new. A relocation or immigration specialist can help you understand the requirements, prepare your documents, and complete the process correctly. We can connect you to an expert to get directions and start your move to Cyprus with optimism.

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